The ears usually go unnoticed when one child meets another … unless there are protruding ears. For children, protruding ears attract instant attention and often ridicule. Whether they protrude too far, whether they are too large, or whether they are misshapen, the ears can be a confidence crusher for a child.
But they can be addressed with otoplasty, ear surgury, at Elite Plastic Surgery.
What is an otoplasty?
Ear surgery is performed to reshape the ears or reposition them into a more desirable position. Usually, otoplasty is performed to “pin” the ears into a position closer to the head. Conveniently, in this instance the incisions, and future scarring, can be hidden in inconspicuous places.
Who are good candidates for ear surgery?
During your consultation our Elite surgeons will determine if your child is a good candidate for the procedure. Parents usually start to consider having the procedure when the appearance of a child’s ears starts to affect his or her confidence. Other people are born with natural ear defects and opt for reconstructive ear surgery. Some congenital ear defects include cat’s ear, cagot ear, scroll ear, cleft earlobe, lop ear, microtia, macrotia, or a constricted ear. In adults, torn earlobes due to injury, trauma, or a period of wearing earrings that are much too heavy are the more prevalent reasons for having otoplasty.
Otoplasty procedure
During ear pinning surgery, an incision is made behind the ear to gain access to the cartilage. Once the cut is made, the ear cartilage is then recontoured while excess skin in the area is removed. After the ear is repositioned much closer to the head, the surgical cut is closed with sutures or dissolvable stitches. Other types of otoplasty will involve reconfiguring of the ear shape and are, by nature, more involved.
Generally, recovery is not very difficult, especially for fast-healing children. The recovery of self-esteem is even easier!
Does your child need ear surgery? Call us at 616-459-1907 to set up a consultation.
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