Q - What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, more commonly known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to reshape the ears and often place the ears closer to the head.
Q - Who is a candidate for otoplasty?
Adults and children over the age of five with large, protruding, or mismatched ears may be good candidates for otoplasty.
Q-Are there any age restrictions for otoplasty?
Otoplasty may be performed on children as young as five or six years of age. In fact, the procedure can have tremendous benefits when performed on children, sparing them the ridicule and stigma often associated with large or protruding ears.
Q - What should I expect during a consultation for otoplasty?
During the consultation for otoplasty, Dr. Vitenas will go over your complete medical history, take the time to understand your goals, and answer all of your questions. You will see pre-op and post-op photos of previous otoplasty patients, and computer imaging will be used to help you visualize your own personal results. Dr. Vitenas will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes, and explain the details of the procedure including the technique, the recovery, the risks, the costs, and financing options.
Q - Where is the surgery for otoplasty performed?
Dr. Vitenas performs the surgery for otoplasty at the Day Surgery Center, an outpatient facility at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital.
Q - What type of anesthesia is used for otoplasty?
Otoplasty is performed with local or general anesthesia.
Q - How is otoplasty performed?
For otoplasty, small incisions are made in the back of the ear or, on occasion, on the front crease of the ear. The cartilaginous framework of the ear is then reshaped and the ear is repositioned closer to the head.
Q - How long is the surgery for otoplasty?
The surgery for otoplasty is about one to two hours long.
Q - Where are the incisions made for otoplasty?
The incisions for otoplasty are small ones which may be made in the back of the ear or, on occasion, on the front crease of the ear.
Q - Does otoplasty leave scars?
The incisions made for otoplasty do leave scars, though they tend to be small and well-concealed either on the back of the ear or in the front crease of the ear.
Q - Is otoplasty a painful procedure?
Some aching or throbbing of the ears may occur during the first few days after otoplasty, though medication can help to manage any discomfort that patients experience.
Q - How long is the recovery after otoplasty?
The recovery after otoplasty takes about one to two weeks.
Q - What is the recovery like after otoplasty?
Patients can expect a recovery time of about one to two weeks after otoplasty. Some swelling and redness can be expected, and patients may also experience some numbness.
Q - When will I be able to return to work after my otoplasty surgery?
Patients are usually able to return to work or school within a few days after otoplasty.
Q - When will I be able to exercise after my otoplasty procedure?
Patients will need to postpone strenuous activities and exercise for about four to six weeks after otoplasty.
Q - When are the stitches removed after otoplasty?
The stitches may be removed ten to fourteen days after the otoplasty procedure.
Q - What are the risks or possible complications of otoplasty?
The potential risks or complications associated with otoplasty may include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, and hematoma.
Q - Is it possible to finance my otoplasty procedure?
There are financing options available for plastic surgery, and Dr. Vitenas will discuss these with you during your initial otoplasty consultation. Please visit our financing options page to learn more.
