Ear Surgery FAQs
Cosmetic ear surgery can make a significant difference in a person’s appearance and quality of life. This may be particularly true for young people who are often teased about the size or shape of their ears. If you or your child have large, protruding, or oddly-shaped ears, they can be surgically corrected. Read answers to some commonly asked questions about ear surgery.
Why do some people have protruding ears?
The usual cause of prominent ears is lack of development in the antihelical fold. This is the crease in the cartilage in front of (and roughly parallel to) the ear’s outer rim.
Ear shape normally begins to form during early pregnancy. The ears first appear as delicate structures of soft tissue and cartilage covered with a thin layer of skin and stick straight out in the early formative stages. As the fold develops, the ear structure then gradually settles into a position closer to the head.
In certain individuals, for reasons unknown to medical science, the normal creases may fail to develop, resulting in ears that are cuplike and project out from the head. In some cases, excess cartilage develops, causing normally shaped ears that are very prominent. Otoplasty (ear surgery) can address both these problems by reshaping ear cartilage so the ears lay flat.
Will otoplasty make my ears smaller?
Otoplasty is performed to make the ears less prominent. Many people with protruding ears feel that their ears look too large when they are normal in size and simply stick out too much. Surgery performed to correct this issue often makes the ears appear smaller. Some patients may also want to reduce the size of their earlobes. Earlobe repair can be performed in combination with otoplasty.
When can I see the results of my ear surgery?
You ears will be bandaged after the procedure to protect the surgical area and assist in healing. No peeking until the dressing is removed, which will occur within 7 days after surgery. Although there will still be some residual swelling when the bandage is removed, you will see an immediate and dramatic difference in the appearance of your ears.
Will I have visible scars after ear surgery?
In performing otoplasty, Dr. Dino Elyassnia will place the incisions discreetly in the least visible locations. Depending on the surgical alterations performed in your ear surgery, incisions may be placed behind the ears or concealed within the natural curves and folds of the ear structure.
What is the best age to have otoplasty?
Generally, ear surgery on children should be performed after the child has reached the age of 6. At this point, the ears have reached approximately 85% of their adult size. There is no upper age limit for ear surgery, although the cartilage can be reshaped more easily in younger adults and children than in older adults.
What is earlobe surgery?
Earlobe surgery is a procedure performed to correct stretched, torn, or elongated earlobes. The earlobes may be torn after piercing. In some cases, they have been stretched intentionally through gauging and the patient wants to reverse the effect.
The outer ears also undergo changes as we age. Collagen fibers relax and older people may develop creases and elongated earlobes. Earlobe surgery is performed to repair damage or reduce the size of the earlobes to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Choosing the
best otoplasty surgeon in
San Francisco
Dr. Elyassnia is noted by his peers and patients alike for his exceptional attention to detail, a quality most quintessential in a plastic surgeon. Results appear nuanced and natural, and blend seamlessly with the rest of the client’s features. Friends, family members and co-workers may remark that you look more attractive, happier and healthier, but rarely do they guess that it is as a result of expert cosmetic surgery. This outcome of aesthetic improvement without the telltale signs of cosmetic tampering is ideal, and is a trademark of Dr. Elyassnia’s superior skill.
Dr. Elyassnia is also known for his kind, approachable demeanor, which instantly puts patients at ease. This is especially important for his younger clients, who sense in the doctor a kindred spirit they can trust and warm up to.
