Preparation Tips for Otoplasty

Most people spend little to no time thinking about the appearance of their ears. However, if your ears protrude from your head or look too large for your features, you may be uncomfortably aware of them. Large or noticeable ears can even attract teasing or bullying at a young age. Otoplasty reshapes or repositions your ears so they become the last thing people notice, just the way you want.

What is Otoplasty or Ear Surgery?

Surgery to aesthetically improve the appearance of the ears is called otoplasty. This procedure can help people who feel like their ears look disproportionately large, stick out too far, or are too wide for their face. Because your ears are made of cartilage instead of bone, they can be manipulated into a new position.

Because your ear cartilage is fully developed at a young age, children can have otoplasty to help them feel more confident and avoid being teased. Adults also have ear surgery, often reversing a lifetime of self-consciousness about their appearance.

Preparation Tips for Otoplasty

Taking steps to prepare for your procedure can help you recover more quickly and can be especially important if you have a child undergoing the procedure. You can follow these tips to help you feel ready:

Medications and Supplements

During your consultation, your surgeon will review all the medications and supplements you take. You may be instructed to change the dose or stop taking some of them. Some supplements can increase the risk of bleeding, and so can NSAIDs like ibuprofen.

Smoking and Alcohol

Because smoking seriously impairs the body’s healing abilities, you must stop smoking four weeks before otoplasty. You should also avoid consuming alcohol starting a week before your surgery.

Time Off From Work or School

We will discuss during your consultation how much time you should expect to be away from work, and you should schedule this time well ahead of your procedure so you do not have to worry about it. People often schedule a child’s otoplasty during a break from school.

Preparing a Child

Your Specialty Aesthetic Surgery team will help you discuss the procedure with your child and ensure they feel comfortable. We have extensive experience performing otoplasty on individuals of all ages and will guide you through the process.

How is Ear Surgery Performed?

Otoplasty at Specialty Aesthetic Surgery is performed by Dr. Grigoriy Mashkevich or Dr. Anna Frants. You will receive sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Otoplasty is relatively simple, using an incision made behind the ear to remove or reshape some of the cartilage. This manipulation can make the ears lay flatter against the head and reduce how large or wide they appear. Once healed, the cartilage will stay in its new position.

What is Recovery Like Otoplasty?

Most people will experience soreness and swelling after their procedure, but you will receive prescription medication to keep you comfortable. Most people take only over-the-counter medication after the first few days. Cold compresses will also reduce swelling and soreness.

You may have a protective headband to wear while you sleep, and children may need to wear it all the time. You can expect to be away from work for five to seven days after ear surgery. You will need to wait six weeks before wearing any type of helmet or other headgear that presses on the ears, so avoid scheduling your or your child’s procedure during a sports season where helmets are required.

What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

Although otoplasty is a simple procedure, it can have powerful effects. If you have felt self-conscious about your ears, you may find that your newfound confidence improves many areas of your life.

Increased Social Confidence

Socializing can be challenging when you feel like everyone is noticing your ears. After otoplasty, many people find that they enjoy social activities more and feel less nervous when meeting new people, and children may be less worried about teasing.

Freedom of Expression

If you have always styled your hair to hide your ears, ear surgery will free you to wear it any way you like. Your ears no longer need to play a role in your aesthetic choices in clothing, hairstyles, or accessories.

A Lifetime Transformation

Once your cartilage has healed in its new position, you can expect it to stay there for a lifetime. Your ear cartilage stops growing by the age of five, so your results will not change as you age. You can enjoy the freedom of knowing that neither you nor anyone else needs to notice your ears again.

Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Unlike most aesthetic procedures, which can only be performed once your features have finished developing in your teens, children five or older can have otoplasty. Good candidates should be healthy and have realistic expectations. A consultation will allow your surgeon to examine your ears and develop a plan for addressing them.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about otoplasty? Schedule your consultation online or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About Our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

Dr. Anna Frants is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Her areas of expertise include surgery of the face, neck, nose, eyelids, eyebrows, and ears.

*Individual results may vary