San Diego Ear Surgery
Ear reshaping, ear pinning or otoplasty surgery is a wonderful operation to treat prominent or misshapen ears. This is most commonly performed in children or adolescents in an attempt to limit the teasing that they may endure as a result of this issue. Ear size and shape can be adjusted to fit the patients facial dimensions as well as match the opposite ear if the condition is only one sided. Our San Diego patients can undergo ear surgery, or otoplasty, at our La Jolla area office as an outpatient.
There are a number of reasons why an ear fails to fully develop or develops with what is considered to be a cosmetic deformity. This can occur on both ears or not uncommonly on one side alone. This issue is a continuum from almost unnoticeable asymmetry to the complete lack of external ear formation. The specific problem will dictate which surgery is required to correct the deformity. This can range from adding cartilage to a poorly formed ear to removing excess cartilage from a prominent ear. Most commonly prominent ears are “pinned” closer to the head to make them less noticeable and patients less self conscious about them. The majority of patients want their ears to “just go away” and not be something that anyone takes note of.
Ear Reshaping Surgery
Otoplasty surgery is performed under a local or general anesthetic depending upon the severity of the condition as well as the comfort level of the patient. The correction of prominent ears begins with a small incision made behind the ear. The ear cartilage is then manipulated and folded in a manner to restore a normal anatomic appearance. This is accomplished using sutures and/or weakening of the cartilage itself. Dissolvable sutures are placed behind the ear followed by a protective head dressing to help maintain the new position of the ears.
Otoplasty Recovery and Results
Our San Diego ear surgery patients are seen in the office the next day for a routine check where the dressings are removed. Pain is well controlled with the prescription pain medication given before surgery. The changes are immediately apparent and there is traditionally very little bruising or swelling. Patients can almost instantaneously no longer be self conscious about a condition that has bothered them their entire lives. For the first few weeks following surgery, patients wear a soft headband at night to ensure there is no tendency for the cartilage to return to its original position. Final results are evident by two months.
San Diego Ear Surgery Consults
If you feel that you may be a candidate for otoplasty , contact our San Diego office to schedule an ear reshaping surgery consultation with Dr. Marin.
Call 858.356.5187 or complete this form and someone from our office will get back to you.
Marin Aesthetics
Dr. Vince Marin
1431 Camino Del Mar
San Diego, CA 92014
Phone: 858.356.5187
Toll Free: 888.638.9894
Fax: 858.551.9071
Dr. Marin provides plastic surgery services to the entire San Diego County community.