Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgury issues. If you have any other questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, we would love to hear from you.
Click on a question below to see the answer.
Ear surgery can treat:
· Overly large ears — a rare condition called macrotia
· Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss
· Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
· Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
· Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
· Cooperative and follow instructions well
· Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed
Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
· Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
· Non-smokers
· Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery
Ear surgery offers almost immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time.
The main restriction is the avoidance of strenuous activity, which includes vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for one week. Other maneuvers that increase the pressure in the head are also to be avoided. These include straining and bending forward. Otherwise, patients may carry out usual activities.