All About Otoplasty:
Otoplasty involves cosmetic surgery to address prominent ears in children. It can enhance the appearance of a child’s ears. It can also improve how a child’s ears functions, serving two purposes. By choosing this type of procedure, it can result in a considerable boost of self-esteem. When child’s ears protrude too far, it can make a boy or girl feel extremely self-conscious, trying to hide this feature behind a hat or hair. Otoplasty, performed by the talented hands of a plastic surgeon, can correct the problem, easing a child’s mind about the criticism of others. To correct this issue, it is up to a child’s parents to choose the ideal time for the procedure.
What is the Best Age for Otoplasty?
When considering otoplasty for a child, this form of plastic surgery can be performed when a child is quite young. The ear needs to be completely formed. The ears finish developing and are considered mature by age five. An ideal window of time for otoplasty is from the age of five to the age of seven. However, it is important to note that otoplasty can be performed when children are older. In some cases, adults may choose to have otoplasty performed because they are not happy with the appearance of their ears.
Why Consider Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is most often chosen to correct ears that protrude to far. When this is the main focus, it is called ear pinning. Other issues that can be addressed include ears that look like lop ears because they fold over at the top, ears that look like they are out of proportion when compared to the rest of a child’s face, and ears that are not a match in shape or size. In some cases, a birth defect or some type of trauma may cause damage to the ears that can be corrected through plastic surgery.
Is Now the Right Time for Otoplasty for Your Child?
Only you, your child, and your plastic surgeon can determine if the timing is right to address any issues with your child’s ears. The first step is, to begin with, your child to find out if he or she is ready and willing to have surgery. You’ll need to discuss what will happen during the procedure in a way that is easy for your son or daughter to understand. Your child will need to be careful during the healing process to avoid infection or injury to his or her ears. You will have to watch your child closely and make sure his or her ears are protected after the procedure.
It is typically recommended that a child stay home from school or daycare for a week after otoplasty. You will need to make plans to be at home with your child during this time. Your plastic surgeon will make the final call on approving a procedure, making sure your child is healthy enough, there are no underlying conditions that could put your child at risk, and that the ears are sufficiently developed in order to have plastic surgery.
What Can Your Child Expect During Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is generally performed as an outpatient procedure. Prior to surgery, your child should not eat or drink anything for the amount of time specified by your child’s surgeon. Typically, six hours is recommended. If your child is not feeling well when the surgery is scheduled, plan on coming in to see your plastic surgeon for a final determination on whether it is possible to proceed or the procedure will need to be rescheduled. Your child should wear comfortable clothes for the procedure, such as pajamas. Choose a shirt that will not need to be removed over the ears after the procedure. The specific steps performed during the procedure will depend on what is being done to help your child. If it is pinning, it is quite simple. An incision will be made in the fold behind your child’s ear, any shaping of the cartilage will be performed, and sutures will be used to pull the ears into the desired position. Other procedures can be performed as well. Once it is over, your child will be closely monitored in recovery until the surgeon approves the release.
What Happens After Otoplasty?
Your child should rest as soon as you get home. Be sure to prop extra pillows under your son or daughter to keep the head elevated. This will help to reduce swelling. Your child should not lie on his or her side as this could be painful and may damage the incision sites. Your child should eat a bland diet following the procedure for at least a day or two to avoid nausea. If vomiting occurs, this is a normal reaction to anesthesia. If it continues, contact your plastic surgeon. Anti-nausea medication may be recommended.
Your child will be given an antibiotic to reduce the risk of developing an infection. You can expect your child to be given a prescription for pain medication as well. Your child’s ears will be bandaged after the procedure. You should not remove any type of bandaging. Your plastic surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment with your child to remove bandaging, check incisions, and apply new bandages. Your doctor will let you know how often they need to be changed. Bandages will be necessary for at least a week. Expect your child to wear an elastic band at night to hold the ears in place. This could last up to six weeks. Sutures will typically be removed a week after surgery.
After bandages are removed, you will need to cleanse the incision sites regularly. Your child should not go swimming for a few weeks after the procedure. Baby shampoo is advised to make sure your child’s ears do not become irritated.
If you are seriously considering otoplasty for your child, Dr. Donald Roland can be your guide as a leading surgeon in New York City with a wealth of experience. Dr. Roland is a highly experienced, board-certified ear surgery specialist in NYC.