Cosmetic ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of large ears or pin back ears that protrude too far from the head. Commonly referred to as "ear pinning," this plastic surgery procedure can greatly enhance a person’s appearance and self-esteem.
Candidates for Otoplasty
Most cosmetic ear surgery patients are children between the ages of four and fourteen. The ears are fully grown by age four, and the sooner a child undergoes otoplasty, the less teasing and embarrassment he or she will experience growing up.
Ear plastic surgery is also an excellent option for adults who suffer from large, protruding ears or stretched earlobes. Adults of all ages are generally excellent candidates for otoplasty surgery.
Preparing for Otoplasty
The otoplasty process begins with a consultation with Dr. Shoukas. He will go over your ear surgery options and discuss your goals. Detailed pre-operative information and requirements will also be discussed. Otoplasty generally requires some form of sedation, and this will also be explained to you during a pre-operative appointment. Dr. Shoukas office is located in Lake Mary and is only minutes from Sanford, Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando and Daytona Beach.
About the Ear Plastic Surgery Procedure
There are different types of surgery for ear correction, and depending on which one is being performed, otoplasty typically takes about one to two hours to complete. The patient is placed under sedation while the cartilage of the ear is reshaped and any excess skin removed.
Recovery from Ear Surgery
Postoperative ear surgery patients experience very few side effects. Recovery from ear surgery can take up to six weeks; however, adult patients can typically resume their normal routines a few days after their procedure. Children generally require a week of rest before going back to school.
Torn Or Split Earlobes
Aside from being important for a normal appearance of the ears, the earlobes serve women and men as popular locations for jewelry. Often, the earlobes are pierced to fit various forms of ear ornaments ranging from little studs to larger and heavier items.
How Do Earlobe Tears Occur?
Excessive weight or trauma can easily overcome the strength of the earlobe tissues leading to a tear in the gentle earlobe tissues. This split may be unattractive and renders the earlobe unusable for most jewelry.
How Can Split Earlobes Be Corrected?
Most torn earlobes can be effectively and safely corrected using delicate surgical repair techniques. The procedure is routinely performed by Dr. Shoukas in the office under local anesthesia. The procedure itself is performed without any discomfort. In order to rebuild the earlobe, the healed and scarred aspects of the tear require removal. Repair is then performed in a straight line or in a zigzag. The most appropriate technique will be discussed with the patient and depend on the specific location of injury and anatomy of the earlobe. Fine sutures are used which support the repair and minimize scaring. Small amounts of antibiotic ointment are applied at home for a few days ensuring cleanliness. The healed earlobe usually has a barely visible fine-line scar.
Can The Ear Be Pierced Again?
Yes, but Dr. Shoukas asks his patients to wait for a minimum of 12 weeks before a stud can be placed. After three months one must be careful with larger ear jewelry and loops around children. Small studs are relatively safe, but heavy ear rings should be avoided.
Earlobe Slit (Enlarged Piercing Hole)
An incomplete tear in the earlobe usually starts at the original piercing site and continues downward for some degree. The result is an earlobe hole too large to hold ear studs. Closure of the enlarged slit-like hole can be performed in the office. A new piercing usually has to be performed but has to wait for approximately 12 weeks.
Earlobe Reconstruction (Ear Lobe Repair)
A variety of problems may require reconstructive surgery of the earlobes. Earlobe abnormalities may result from hereditary abnormalities, traumatic events, surgical procedures (i.e., for skin cancer treatment) or earlobe changes due to body art. The reconstructive approaches to most of these problems differ and depend on the specific needs of the patient. Dr. Shoukas will meet with you during your consultation and discuss the different treatment options available to you.
Dr. Shoukas serving patients in Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Winter Park, Orlando and Daytona Beach.
