Ear Surgery

Ear Procedures

WHAT IS OTOPLASTY?

Otoplasty is a type of surgery that changes the size, shape, or position of the ear. Different types of ear surgeries are performed depending on the individual’s needs. Most patients undergo otoplasty to reduce large, protruding ears while others may seek procedures that repair their misshapen ears due to congenital disabilities or accidents.

When the ears are fully developed, otoplasty can be performed on any patient. The ears usually reach their full size after the age of five, and thus beginning at age 5 children with prominent ears can undergo the corrective surgery.

The overall facial harmony can be disrupted when the ears have cosmetic issues. By undergoing otoplasty surgery, the ears achieve a more symmetrical and natural look that’s aligned with the rest of the face and the head.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT OTOPLASTY PROCEDURES?

There are different procedures in otoplasty ear surgery. Each one addresses a separate issue that improves harmony and symmetry of the face by modifying the ear’s shape or size. Dr. Sedgh specializes in the following procedures:
Also known as setback otoplasty, ear pinning surgery addresses the appearance of protuberant ears by “flattening” them against the head. It can be performed on adults and children ages five and above. Since the procedure brings balance to the face and ears, ear pinning surgery can also raise the self-esteem of younger patients.
Also known as lobuloplasty, earlobe reduction is a procedure that reduces earlobe size. Large or droopy earlobes are usually inborn while there are cases wherein these characteristics can be acquired due to aging or through the use of big, heavy earrings. By undergoing this simple procedure, patients can have their excessively large earlobes reduced to achieve a more aesthetically-appealing and symmetrical shape that’s proportionate to their face and ears.
Earlobe repair or reconstruction is the procedure that uses different types of surgical techniques to correct a variety of visible damages to the ear. This includes ear stretching tearing or sagging due to injuries, earring use, congenital deformities, or gauging. These irregularities may cause negative effects to the harmony and aesthetics of the face. When patients undergo this surgery, the appearance of the face achieves subtle improvements that provide them earlobes that are symmetrical to their ears and other facial features.
Otoplasty is a general term for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery that improves the appearance of the ears. It involves various types of procedures such as reducing or increasing the size of the ears, pinning them back or reconstructing their shape. Patients can achieve natural-looking and symmetrical ears that are proportionate to the rest of their face and head by undergoing otoplasty surgery.

OTOPLASTY: WHAT TO EXPECT

When undergoing ear surgery with Dr. Sedgh, expect to have an initial consultation. Only after this will you proceed with the otoplasty. You will also be advised to take prescribed medicines and follow-up sessions with the doctor post-op.

The Initial Consultation

It is essential to know what your surgery goals are before undergoing any procedure. This is why Dr. Sedgh takes time to get to know you. He gets to understand your reasons for undergoing surgery and know the results you wish to see after the procedure. Dr. Sedgh also helps you feel more comfortable while ensuring you the best results.
The first meeting will consist of the following:
For those who live outside Los Angeles or the U.S., Dr. Sedgh conducts consultations via video conferencing. Once you decide to undergo any of the otoplasty procedures, his office can also assist you with the following arrangements: travel for the surgery, transportation, lodging, aftercare, and other concierge services.

The Procedure

One of the most standard methods used in otoplasty surgery is ear pinning. Different techniques are done during the surgery which depends upon the amount of correction required for your ears.
Two primary groups classify the various methods of ear pinning and reshaping: cartilage sparing and scoring (cutting). The former is a set of techniques that are more non-invasive — the doctor uses stitches on the back of the ear, resulting in minimal scarring and a more natural look. Cartilage scoring, on the other hand, involves performing incisions in the ear cartilage that add, remove, or rearrange tissue to modify the shape and change the position of the ears.

Reconstructive otoplasty is another common method which addresses cosmetic problems regarding the size or shape of the ears. To augment the patient’s ear, surgeons may use cartilage grafts from different areas of the body such as the ribs and tissue from the upper buttock area.

Otoplasty usually takes two hours or less depending on the extent of the procedure.

The Recovery Process

In most cases, otoplasty is an outpatient procedure. However, some patients (children, in particular) may need to stay at the hospital overnight. Once the surgery is done, the patient’s head will be wrapped in a bandage temporarily to protect the ears and keep them in place. Minor discomfort such as swelling, itching, and throbbing are to be expected.

It is important to follow all post-op instructions and consume the prescribed medications to manage the initial side effects. Children are required to avoid any strenuous activities such as contact sports for at least one week after the surgery. For adults, patients may return to their regular daily routine within three days post-surgery.

Recovery is crucial for the overall success of an otoplasty. This is why Dr. Sedgh personally assesses and monitors all of his patients’ postoperative progress. Under his care, expect scheduled follow-up appointments during the otoplasty recovery period, beginning from the first day of post-op until a year after.

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE DR. SEDGH?

Performing otoplasty requires expertise and a sense of aesthetics since the ears are visible and the procedures involve reconstruction of cartilage. The best option is to seek a well-trained medical professional in the field like Dr. Jacob Sedgh to ensure safety and precision of the surgery. A double board-certified plastic surgeon, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and almost a decade of experience in reconstructive and plastic surgery on the head and neck.

COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH

When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.