Otoplasty New York City and New Jersey
Otoplasty, ear pinning surgery or plastic surgery for protruding ears is the correction of prominent or protruding ears, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures that is performed to correct abnormal appearance of the ears, usually present from birth.
What is the cause of protruding ears?
There are several anatomical features that cause the protrusion of the ear. They are the lack of development or partial development of different structures like folds or valleys of the external ears (the helix and or antihelix –folds-, and or concha (valley or cup of the ear). In the majority of the patients there is a combination they find. Otoplasty, ear pinning surgery or plastic surgery for protruding ears corrects all these abnormal findings to recreate the normal looking ear.
Because the young child cannot cooperate, and the fear of the operating room is often strong, Dr. Mesa recommends that otoplasty on children be performed under general anesthesia at the hospital.
How is Otoplasty in New Jersey and New York City performed?
Otoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is usually performed using general anesthesia in children ( since they cannot cooperate and they have fear of the operating room) In selected adult candidate patients, it is performed using a local anesthesia to numb the treated area while the patient remains awake.
How is otoplasty surgery performed?
New York City and New Jersey Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon and Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeon, Dr. Mesa will perform otoplasty under anesthesia. Dr. Mesa will make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. Then he will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head.
Non-absorbable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. In certain cases, Dr. Mesa will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete. Once the surgery is completed, protective bulky dressings are placed in the ears. A lighter head dressing similar to a headband will be placed to keep the ear dressings in place.
Patients are discharged home after recovering from anesthesia. Dr. John Mesa is fellowship trained in Craniofacial Surgery at Michigan University, and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery of the face at University of Alabama which gives him additional credentials, experience and knowledge to perform high quality plastic surgery of the face.
How will I look after Otoplasty?
Otoplasty with New York City and New Jersey Board Certified Craniofacial and Cosmetic Latin Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Mesa is a safe and effective procedure that can enhance the confidence of the child or adult treated by freeing your child or you from the emotional burden of protruding ears. After your surgery with Dr. Mesa, a Board Certified Latin Plastic Surgeon also fellowship trained in Craniofacial Surgery, the structural appearance of your ears will be more balanced and proportional, giving your face a more distinct, symmetrically pleasing look.
Why not go to Internist, Obstetricians, Gynecologists, Dentist, Primary Care Physician and “cosmetologists” for facial implant face plastic surgery?
Practitioners like Internist and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform otoplasty have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, etc.
Only a licensed professional with the knowledge, training and skills required to achieve optimum results should perform otoplasty or plastic surgery to correct protruding ears. Look for a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has completed his training at some of the top residency and fellowship institutions.
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Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty) Frequently Asked Questions
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears to create a more balanced and natural appearance. This surgery can correct protruding ears, reduce oversized ears, or address ear asymmetry by reshaping the cartilage and positioning the ears closer to the head.
Good candidates for otoplasty include children and adults who are bothered by protruding or misshapen ears. Children as young as 5-6 years old can undergo the procedure once their ear cartilage has fully developed. Adults of any age can also benefit from ear pinning surgery if they're in good health and have realistic expectations.
Ear pinning surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and whether one or both ears are being treated. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Recovery from ear pinning surgery involves wearing a protective headband for 4-6 weeks, especially during sleep, to maintain the new ear position. Most patients experience mild discomfort and swelling for the first few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and proper care.
Most patients can return to work or school within 5-7 days after otoplasty. Children typically recover faster and may return to normal activities within a week. However, contact sports and activities that could bend the ears should be avoided for at least one month following surgery.
Otoplasty incisions are strategically placed behind the ears in the natural creases, making any resulting scars virtually invisible. The scars typically fade significantly over time and are well-hidden by the ear's natural contours and hair.
No, otoplasty does not affect hearing ability. The surgery only addresses the external appearance of the ears by reshaping cartilage and skin. The internal ear structures responsible for hearing remain completely untouched during the procedure.
The cost of ear pinning surgery varies based on the complexity of the case, whether one or both ears are treated, and the surgeon's experience. During your consultation, Dr. Mesa will provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific needs and treatment plan.
Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries some risks including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, or changes in skin sensation. However, when performed by a Harvard-trained and board certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Mesa, complications are rare and all patients achieve excellent results.
The results of otoplasty are permanent. Once the ears are repositioned and the cartilage is reshaped, they will maintain their new position indefinitely. The natural aging process may cause some changes over time, but the corrected ear position will remain stable.
Absolutely. While otoplasty is commonly performed on children, adults can successfully undergo ear pinning surgery at any age. Many adults choose this procedure to address lifelong concerns about their ear appearance or to boost their self-confidence.
During your consultation, Dr. Mesa will examine your ears, discuss your aesthetic goals, explain the surgical technique, and review the recovery process. This is an opportunity to ask questions, understand the procedure fully, and determine if otoplasty is right for you or your child.
Preparation for otoplasty includes avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk, arranging for post-operative care, and following pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Mesa's team. For children, it's important to discuss the procedure in age-appropriate terms to reduce anxiety.
Dr. Mesa is a Harvard-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in ear pinning surgery for both children and adults. His expertise in facial anatomy and commitment to natural-looking results make him uniquely qualified to perform otoplasty procedures with precision and care, ensuring optimal outcomes for his patients.