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Ideally positioned ears are close to the side of the head. Ears, like the nose, cheeks and chin, are defining characteristics of the face. Ears that protrude too far away from the head can be the cause of great emotional distress – especially for young children and teenagers. Protruding ears and other ear abnormalities, such as traumatic injuries and congenital deformities can easily be corrected by Ear Reshaping surgery. Dr. Levine can perform Otoplasty surgery on a child 6- 7 years old – and there is no upward age limit. The ideal is to perform Ear Reshaping before peers in school begin the cruel teasing that can be so emotionally damaging to a child, but the cartilage must be at the optimal stage of maturity before surgery can be done effectively. Dr. Levine can help with this decision to ensure that the surgery is safe and effective and the end results are a pleasing appearance. For any child, or adult, whose appearance is cause for concern – Otoplasty Ear Reshaping Surgery can correct this problem.
Benefits of Ear Reshaping Surgery
- Otoplasty is a safe, effective, corrective surgery
- Otoplasty creates a less noticeable appearance – yet maintains function
- Otoplasty surgery can also enhance a person’s self-esteem
- Otoplasty is performed in our accredited office surgery center
- Otoplasty enhances beauty in adults when combined with other procedures
- Otoplasty is a simple, minimally invasive procedure
Your Personal Consultation
During your initial visit with Dr. Levine he will listen to your concerns and discuss your goals and expectations with you and/or your child. This time is very important as he will answer all your questions and explain the procedure to you. Upon request photos will be taken, and computer imaging will be used to help with this process as well as to show you the optimal results that are possible. Dr. Levine’s primary goal is to ensure that your realistic expectations are met.
Otoplasty Overview
After you are prepped and made comfortable, Dr. Levine will make an incision behind the ear to expose the cartilage. Working through this incision, he will reshape the cartilage then sutures will secure the ear to its new position. With children a general anesthetic is used while a local anesthetic is normally used for adults. After surgery, a turban type bandage is wrapped around the head and will be worn for a few days.
What to Expect After Your Otoplasty Surgery
You will need to wear the turban for a few days and be sure to keep it dry. Bruising, swelling and disrupted sleep are normal after surgery, but these discomforts will decrease each day as healing occurs. Hearing is temporarily compromised during this time, so assistance with daily activities is recommended. Students are usually able to return to school 1-2 weeks following surgery but cannot participate in sports or strenuous activities until released by Dr. Levine to do so. Healing is gradual and the changes with Otoplasty surgery are subtle. Final results are assessed at the end of one year, however patients tell us how pleased they are – much sooner.
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