Otoplasty is a relatively uncommon plastic surgery that can be extremely beneficial to patients. It is facial surgery done to correct ears. There are many problems that can arise with the ears such as protruding ears, floppy ears, unusual shape etc. Many of these issues can be solved with Otoplasty surgery. Most of these issues can be detected at birth and fixed quickly through surgery which ensures balanced features for the patient. So let's delve more into what otoplasty is and if it is the right fit for you.
Otoplasty is a relatively uncommon plastic surgery that can be extremely beneficial to patients. It is facial surgery done to correct ears. There are many problems that can arise with the ears such as protruding ears, floppy ears, unusual shape etc. Many of these issues can be solved with Otoplasty surgery. Most of these issues can be detected at birth and fixed quickly through surgery which ensures balanced features for the patient. So let's delve more into what otoplasty is and if it is the right fit for you.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery, which is a fairly common plastic surgery procedure. It involves correcting the ear shape or overtly protruding ears. Protruding ears become evident fairly quickly in the first few years of the child’s life. This physical development of the ears has been known to have a huge psychological impact on the child’s development, thus should be corrected as quickly as possible. Some patients may only develop one protruding ear or floppy ear which is called a “lop” ear. Dr. Kallman is equipped to handle both kinds of Otoplasty surgeries and has expertise in the field to make sure that each patient leaves looking their absolute best.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery, which is a fairly common plastic surgery procedure. It involves correcting the ear shape or overtly protruding ears. Protruding ears become evident fairly quickly in the first few years of the child’s life. This physical development of the ears has been known to have a huge psychological impact on the child’s development, thus should be corrected as quickly as possible. Some patients may only develop one protruding ear or floppy ear which is called a “lop” ear. Dr. Kallman is equipped to handle both kinds of Otoplasty surgeries and has expertise in the field to make sure that each patient leaves looking their absolute best.
How do protruding ears happen?
Big ears or protruding ears can be caused by two main reasons or a combination of them.
Perhaps the most common reason for having protruding ears is due to the absence of the anti-helical fold. During the early development, the anti-helical fold remains underdeveloped. It then causes the helix to stick out or protrude.
The second reason why a person may have protruding ears is if they have a deep concha. The concha is the bowl-shaped part of the ear located just outside the opening of the ear canal. This deep concha pushes the entire ear away from the side of the head causing the bigger ears.
Most commonly, it is a combination of both of these reasons which cause the protruding ears.
What happens in an Otoplasty consultation?
During the otoplasty consultation, Dr. Kallman will meet with the patient and their family. He will conduct an examination to determine what caused the protruding ears and discuss the plan to go about correcting it. He will also address any concerns or questions that the family might have about the surgery and ease any reservations they may be feeling.
Dr. Kallman also explains the entire procedure to the patient and family so they understand exactly what is being done and what expectations to have. The patient can also review some before and after pictures with the doctor until they are fully satisfied with the procedure.
The main goal with the otoplasty is to bring the ears closer to the head and to make the ear more symmetrical.
What happens in an Otoplasty consultation?
How is the Otoplasty surgery done?
In the otoplasty surgery, the incision is made behind the ear. If the protruding is due to the anti helical fold, then Dr. Kallman will place stitches along with the ear cartilage that will act as the anti-helical fold when tied up. These stitches will change the shape of the ear and bring it closer to the head. The anti-helical fold should never be made by cutting any cartilage as that can lead to an ear deformity. On the other hand if the protruding is due to the concha being too large, then the entire concha bowl is shaved and brought closer to the head. It is then placed there with permanent stitches. In a more common otoplasty, a combination of both techniques is used to ensure the perfect balance. Dr. Kallman performs the entire procedure in about one and a half hours.
What is the recovery process like?
After the surgery is conducted, the patient should spend the first night resting in bed. It is recommended to keep a liquid diet and get as much rest as possible. The head of the patient should be elevated and propped up on 2 pillows. Most patients with Dr. Kallman do not experience any pain or discomfort however a pain medicine is prescribed in case they experience any distress.
The patient will go into the office the day after the surgery and the bandage will be removed. A removable elastic bandage is placed on top of the ears which should be kept on at all times for the first 3 days. After the 3 days, the elastic bandage should only be worn at night for the following week. After 10 days the patient will be examined again by Dr. Kallman and any of the remaining stitches which have not been absorbed will be removed.
The patient should not exercise or perform any strenuous activity for 3 weeks following the surgery and they can return back to work or school 6 days after the surgery.
How is the Otoplasty surgery done?
In the otoplasty surgery, the incision is made behind the ear. If the protruding is due to the anti helical fold, then Dr. Kallman will place stitches along with the ear cartilage that will act as the anti-helical fold when tied up. These stitches will change the shape of the ear and bring it closer to the head. The anti-helical fold should never be made by cutting any cartilage as that can lead to an ear deformity.
On the other hand if the protruding is due to the concha being too large, then the entire concha bowl is shaved and brought closer to the head. It is then placed there with permanent stitches. In a more common otoplasty, a combination of both techniques is used to ensure the perfect balance. Dr. Kallman performs the entire procedure in about one and a half hours.
What is the recovery process like?
After the surgery is conducted, the patient should spend the first night resting in bed. It is recommended to keep a liquid diet and get as much rest as possible. The head of the patient should be elevated and propped up on 2 pillows. Most patients with Dr. Kallman do not experience any pain or discomfort however a pain medicine is prescribed in case they experience any distress.
The patient will go into the office the day after the surgery and the bandage will be removed. A removable elastic bandage is placed on top of the ears which should be kept on at all times for the first 3 days. After the 3 days, the elastic bandage should only be worn at night for the following week. After 10 days the patient will be examined again by Dr. Kallman and any of the remaining stitches which have not been absorbed will be removed.
The patient should not exercise or perform any strenuous activity for 3 weeks following the surgery and they can return back to work or school 6 days after the surgery.
What type of anesthesia is used?
The type of anesthesia used by Dr, Kallman depends on the age of the patient. For younger adults and children, Dr. Kallman performs the procedure under general anesthesia. He has the best anesthesiologists available who make sure the patient is comfortable and at ease.
For adults, he performs the surgery under local anesthesia with oral sedation.
What is the cost of Otoplasty?
The cost of the surgery depends on the individual patient and their specific requirement. However an approximate on an otoplasty for children is about $6800- $7100. This cost includes the anesthesia and the operating room charges. For an adult, the price range is about $4500-$5400 which includes the operating room charges. You can ask about the charges for your particular case during the consultation with Dr. Kallman.
What complications can occur in an otoplasty?
Like any other surgical procedure, there are chances that a complication can occur. There is a small chance that bleeding can occur after the otoplasty. This is usually more common if the patient took any medication that affects the coagulation of the blood. If bleeding does occur, Dr. Kallman opens up the incision, stops the bleeding and redresses the wound.
Another complication that can occur is that the incision area can get infected. An infection occurring has an extremely small chance as Dr. Kallman administers antibiotics before, during and after the surgery. However, if it does take place, the dose of the antibiotics given is increased.
In conclusion, Otoplasty is the corrective surgery to bring the nose closer to the head. Dr. Kallman is a qualified and experienced surgeon that makes sure that each step of the surgery is done skillfully to ensure the most conservative and natural-looking results for his patients.
What complications can occur in an otoplasty?
Like any other surgical procedure, there are chances that a complication can occur. There is a small chance that bleeding can occur after the otoplasty. This is usually more common if the patient took any medication that affects the coagulation of the blood. If bleeding does occur, Dr. Kallman opens up the incision, stops the bleeding and redresses the wound.
Another complication that can occur is that the incision area can get infected. An infection occurring has an extremely small chance as Dr. Kallman administers antibiotics before, during and after the surgery. However, if it does take place, the dose of the antibiotics given is increased.
In conclusion, Otoplasty is the corrective surgery to bring the nose closer to the head. Dr. Kallman is a qualified and experienced surgeon that makes sure that each step of the surgery is done skillfully to ensure the most conservative and natural-looking results for his patients.
DR. BRANDON KALLMAN
Face Miami’s Dr. Brandon Kallman, MD. brings over 27 years of experience as an Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to his prestigious practice. Miami men and women trust his extensive expertise in a diverse range of facial cosmetic procedures, and he’s renowned as a rhinoplasty specialist.
Skill & Experience
Call the office in Miami Fl today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kallman come see what the possibilities are
