Otoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is performed on children between the ages of five and 15 but can be performed on adults as well.
Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
At the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery in New Bern, NC, we specialize in cosmetic ear surgeries for people of all ages throughout our region and beyond.
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Before and After Photos
The Otoplasty Procedure
Ear surgery usually takes about two hours, although more complicated otoplasty procedures may take longer, in some cases. The technique will depend on the specific issue we’re addressing with the surgery.
With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He will then move the cartilage back toward the head. Non-removable stitches are usually used to help maintain the new shape.
Occasionally, a larger piece of cartilage may be removed or sculpted to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
Another otoplasty technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is then removed, and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage. Most of the time, these two techniques are used together.
Results & Recovery from Ear Surgery
After the completion of their otoplasty procedure, the patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing.
The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days but the pain is usually well-controlled by medication. Stitches in the skin are usually removed or dissolve in about a week.
Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for at least a month. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so if they’re careful about their athletic activity.
Split Earlobe Repair
Split earlobe repair is another common ear procedure we perform here at the Zannis Center for Plastic Surgery. It’s usually done in the office under local anesthesia. This is a quick and affordable ear reshaping procedure that’s used to correct slits in the earlobes from piercings, tears, or gauged earlobes.
Following your split earlobe repair procedure, your recovery time may vary, but we generally recommend patients are cautious with athletic activity and applying excess pressure to the earlobes for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
If you or your child are insecure about your ear shape or appearance, cosmetic ear surgery performed by experienced professionals can transform your self-image and give you a new outlook. Don’t wait any longer! Take the first step today by reaching out to us through our website.
We’ll schedule an in-person consultation at our New Bern, NC office as soon as possible. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for your otoplasty procedure and answer all of your questions.
Our goal is to put you at ease and help you make the most informed decision possible about your ear shaping procedure for the best results possible.
As always, if you live outside of our region, you can still take advantage of our renowned cosmetic ear surgery expertise using our well-known fly-in program. We’re proud to offer the best in otoplasty procedures to patients throughout the world!