Otoplasty
Ear Surgery (“Otoplasty”) in Houston
For some children, misshapen or large, protruding ears can cause insecurities and, oftentimes, teasing from their peers. For those who would like to improve the appearance of their child’s ears to alleviate these anxieties, Dr. Eisemann can create a surgery plan to individually address his/her needs. He also treats adults at Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center.
It is recommended to have children wait to undergo ear surgery (“otoplasty”) until they are around five or six years old; this is usually the age when the ears are completely developed.
Usually, Dr. Eisemann operates on children who have a lop deformity, which is the absence of a fold in the ear. This problem causes the ear to be positioned abnormally, which he can correct with ear lop reconstruction surgery.
Using the latest techniques, Dr. Eisemann can perform otoplasty with minimal scarring and a faster recovery time.
Typically, he will make an incision behind the ear cartilage and suture it to maintain the fold, which is pushed back behind the head. In most cases, absorbable sutures are used and scarring is hidden. This will be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia and intravenous (IV) sedation. It is a short surgery, usually taking about one hour.
After surgery, Dr. Eisemann will require the patient to wear a garment (similar to a ski band) over the ears to protect them. The use of this garment will help to maintain the new position of the ears, enhancing the healing process.
Before the procedure, Dr. Eisemann will provide the patient with a post-operative instruction list. In order to ensure a safe healing and recovery process, the patient should follow these instructions accordingly. Typically, this will include waiting to resume normal and strenuous activities for at least one week after surgery. Children should avoid playful activities that may disrupt the ears; and it is important for parents to monitor their child’s healing progress.
Other facial procedures that may also be performed along with otoplasty include browlift surgery, facelift surgery, and/or eyelid surgery.
Otoplasty patients can expect swelling for up to a week after surgery, which can be alleviated by keeping the head elevated. Other side effects include aching, numbness, and minimal pain. However, Dr. Eisemann will provide pain medication to alleviate discomforts. Once the ears have healed, patients can expect to see a dramatic change to their overall appearance without looking overdone or operated on.
A triple board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Eisemann has been practicing for more than 30 years. Providing the highest standards of excellence in the field of cosmetic surgery, he has gained a reputation of one of the top doctors in Houston, and beyond. Dr. Eisemann’s professional experience and aesthetic skills can reassure patients that they are under good hands. At Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, our surgeon can help a patient decide if otoplasty or another cosmetic procedure is right for them.
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Is this procedure right for you? Get started today and give us a call at (713) 790-1771 or click here to contact us.
