Otoplasty, commonly known as ear-pinning surgery, can improve the appearance of several ear disfigurements. Otoplasty operations can correct deformities such as large ear lobe, lop ear, shell ear, or underdeveloped ear. The operation also corrects ear abnormalities due to injury. Improving the appearance of one’s ears can greatly improve one’s self-esteem. This cosmetic procedure is particularly popular among men.
Anyone in generally good health is a candidate for otoplasty. However, it is recommended that otoplasty be performed on the patient while he is between the ages of 4 and 14 years old. This age range is specified for two reasons. First, the surgery is more effective if the ears are completely developed, and the ears’ development is usually complete by the time a patient is 4 years of age. Second, it is assumed that any self-esteem issues related to the appearance of the patient’s ears can be better prevented if the otoplasty takes place before the age of 14 which is usually the age that a patient would enter junior high school.
The cost of an otoplasty operation can depend on several factors, including the condition of the pre-operative ear(s), the difficulty of the surgery, and the surgeon’s experience and geographic location. Insurance typically does not cover the costs of otoplasty because it is performed under a volunteer basis for cosmetic reasons. At the Pope Plastic Surgery, Dr. Pope offers financing plans to make covering the out-of-pocket costs of the surgery affordable. There are certain situations, such as in the event the operation is intended to correct a deformity, in which insurance may cover the costs of otoplasty.
For the operation, the patient and surgeon may decide to use either a general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and an oral sedative. The otoplasty operation usually lasts one to two hours. After surgery, the patient will stay in a recovery area for an hour or so and then will be sent home to recover. Children undergoing the operation should plan to be absent from school for a week. Adults undergoing the operation should plan to be out of work for a few days.
Severe side-effects associated with otoplasty, such as altered hearing, are rare. Mild side effects include post-operative pain, itching, or numbness. Complete recovery may take up to six weeks. Incisions made during an otoplasty operation are typically made behind the ear; therefore, scarring is minimal.
If you suffer from this condition and feel otoplasty surgery would benefit you, contact us at The Pope Plastic Surgery, 407-857-6261, and we can set you up for a consultation with Dr. Pope.
George H. Pope, M.D. is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
About Pope Plastic Surgery: Pope Plastic Surgery is regarded as one of Central Florida’s premier plastic surgery centers. Dr. George Pope is one of Central Florida’s most sought after plastic surgeons (he was voted to the city’s list of best plastic surgeons by readers of Orlando Magazine three years in a row). Services range from rhinoplasty and nasal contouring, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery / blepharoplasty, revisionist surgery, and gynecomastia. Liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries are also offered. Dr. Pope and his staff also provide minimally invasive procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, Sculptra Aesthetics, Botox® injections, Latisse, Juvederm, and Restylane®. Visit georgepopemd.com for more information.
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