- Otoplasty for Children and Adults
- When to Consider a Otoplasty
- The anatomy of the protruding ear
- The Ear Surgery Consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Bared
- Dr. Bared’s Approach to a Surgical Otoplasty Procedure
- Recovery and Results from an Ear Surgery
- Otoplasty Post-Surgical Care
- Frequently asked questions about Otoplasty
Otoplasty for Children and Adults
Miami Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) to improve the Shape, Position, and Proportion of the Ears
With children, it can be even worse and result in pointing, teasing, and name calling. It is a very unpleasant situation no matter who is suffering from it, and you may feel that it is time to make a change. Fortunately, there is a surgical procedure developed to alleviate this problem, and make it easier for you or your child to fit in and feel comfortable with your own ears. It is called an otoplasty, and it can successfully reduce protrusion and ear size to more average standards.
Dr. Bared at Facial Plastic Surgery Miami is fellowship-trained and highly skilled in otoplasty procedures. With his help, adults and children alike can have the chance to feel more comfortable about their own appearance, and avoid cruel teasing or attention.
Otoplasty Before & After Photos
Each patient is unique and individual results may vary*.
When to Consider a Otoplasty
If you or your child is discouraged because of ear size, shape, or protrusion, this can cause psychological and emotional problems. This unhappiness with your own appearance is the first thing that makes you a candidate for otoplasty with Dr. Bared. Some of the ear characteristics that can be altered are:
- Size
- Shape
- Protrusion (sticking out)
- Deformities
- Disproportion
There are some important considerations to be made about age and health before this cosmetic ear surgery can be performed. One of the first is that if the surgery is for a child, it is recommended to be deferred until at least 6 years of age or older. By this age, the cartilage in his or her ears will be stable enough for corrective surgery. The doctor can discuss this with you to be sure that your child has reached an age safe for the procedure.
It is also important that the individual receiving surgery be healthy, with no chronic ear problems. They should also be old enough to cooperate and follow instructions for the healing process. If you are an adult seeking this surgery, you should also be a non-smoker, as this can slow the healing process. When you decide that you are a candidate for surgery, or would like to discuss your candidacy with a professional, you can set up a consultation in South Miami with Dr. Bared.
The anatomy of the protruding ear
Our ears take on their shape during gestation (when we are in our mother’s womb) and continue to grow throughout our early childhood. At about the age of 6, our ears reach a size that is about 80% of what they will be as adults. During our development, an extremely complex system of signals triggers the growth of the ear as well as determines the shape of the ear. The appearance of the ear may take on different degrees of malformation, ranging from the most apparent to minimal. The most apparent form of ear malformation is what is called microtia—whereby the ear fails to form. The complex formation of the ear relies on the formation of specific creases and folds in order for the ear to take on a normal appearance. The most common form of ear malformations is the protruding ear. The protruding is a result of two etiologies: the ear fails to form a specific fold referred to as the antihelical fold and an excess of cartilage which forms the ‘bowl’ of the ear called conchal excess.
At what age can an ear be setback?
Typically, ears can be setback any time after the age of 6 years. At the age of six, the ear has nearly reached its adult size. It is also the age before children enter school and a possible appropriate time for kids to avoid the potential social stigma of protruding ears.
The Ear Surgery Consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr. Bared
Not only is Dr. Anthony Bared extensively trained and experienced with all forms of facial plastic surgery, he is also an ear, nose, and throat specialist. You can trust him to offer you professional service and provide you with the results you desire. As soon as you are ready to get some professional answers about otoplasty and want to consider going through with the surgery, you can schedule your consultation at Facial Plastic Surgery Miami. He will discuss with you:
- If you or your child is a candidate
- What results you want
- Medical history information
- Current state of the patient’s health
- The reasons for getting the surgery
Surgery to alter the appearance of your ears is highly individualized, so the doctor will discuss what specifically bothers you or your child, and what changes you would like to see. Dr. Bared will then discuss with you if your goals are realistic. It is a good idea for you and your child to make a list of questions and concerns, which you can bring with you to discuss. This way, you won’t forget to ask anything important, and you can feel fully informed and prepared to go forward. At the end of your consultation, you and the doctor will have determined whether otoplasty is the right course of action, and you can schedule a procedure.
Call today to schedule your consultation
Dr. Bared’s Approach to a Surgical Otoplasty Procedure
Because issues people have with the appearance of their ears vary from case to case, each one works a little differently. Even so, there is a basic set of steps that takes place during an otoplasty. The surgery with Dr. Bared will include:
Anesthesia used in an Ear Surgery
This can be administered in various ways, including local, general, or intravenous sedation. The doctor will discuss these with you during the consultation, and decide what will work best in your situation.
Incision done during a Otoplasty
The location and number of incisions will depend on the type of alteration you are looking for. They are usually made on the back of the ear, or in a natural fold which will conceal any scarring that occurs after the procedure is finished. The doctor may also use internal, non-removable sutures which will create and shape cartilage.
External Sutures in an Ear surgery
These will be put into place after the reshaping and resizing is complete, and may need to be removed in a follow up appointment.
After the surgery is complete, the patient will be able to go home the same day. You will be given detailed instructions for the care of your child’s ears, and these need to be followed very carefully for a successful recovery.
Recovery and Results from an Ear Surgery
It is imperative that the surgery sites be taken care of as instructed by Dr. Bared. Some things to expect:
- Dressings
- Itching
- Discomfort
- Medication
- Avoiding strenuous activity
- Time out of school or work
During this time, it is important to reassure your child, and talk to them about the positive changes they should expect after healing. Typically a head wrap dressing is placed for the first several days after surgery. It is typically removed on the first day after surgery then replaced for several days thereafter. Once the dressings can be removed, you will be able to see immediate results of the surgery. You will have one or two follow up appointments to check on the healing process and remove stitches if necessary. After the dressing is removed a lighter, sports band dressing is used all day for the first week and then only at night for several weeks. This ensures that the ears are protected when sleeping. If you follow the instructions, you can expect a full recovery and enjoy the results freely.
Otoplasty Post-Surgical Care
A degree of temporary discomfort, swelling, and tenderness are common after surgery. Pain medication may be prescribed to you by Dr. Bared.
A thick dressing will be used to cover your ears after the surgery; this needs to be worn throughout the day for one to two weeks. After it is removed, you will need to use a broad headband to cover your ears and to push them back. Wear the headband day and night for a week or two. Once the ears begin to heal, you can wear it only at night for a month.
Keep your head elevated and do not sleep on your sides during the entire month of healing. When bathing, pour water over your ears gently, and when dressing, choose shirts that won’t necessitate you touching your ears.
The results of otoplasty last a lifetime. As you age, the cartilage may lose its elasticity and the ear may change subtly. However, it will never revert to the same shape or size it was before the procedure.
Frequently asked questions about Otoplasty
If you live near Miami, FL, Dr. Anthony Bared offers Otoplasty among its services and is conveniently located at 6280 Sunset Dr #506, Miami, FL 33143.
Why Choose Dr. Anthony Bared
- Dr. Bared’s training was first in Otolaryngology at the University of Miami, followed by the awarding of a highly competitive fellowship by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
- He is Double Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.
- Dr. Bared has numerous publications and has lectured at various nationwide scientific meetings.
- He also serves as a clinical voluntary Assistant Professor at the Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.
Otoplasty Surgery Resources
Last modified by Dr. Anthony Bared