Otoplasty

We can change the shape of our face with fillers, get injections to plump the lips, and have facial reconstructive surgery to define our features, but there is another part of the face that is often ignored– the ears.

The ears play a major part in both our face shape and our profile, and we don’t always have the face shape that we want. If the ears are too big or stick out, we can feel awkward and self-conscious about how we look. With otoplasty, you can change the shape, position, and even size of the ears.

Why Do We Need Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning or cosmetic ear surgery, is a surgical procedure that fixes ears that protrude or are misshapen. While otoplasty is not as popular as other facial reconstructive procedures, it’s a common surgery performed on patients of any age, including children. In 2018, over 23,000 otoplasty procedures in the United States were performed according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Unlike other body insecurities we face, our ears aren’t something we can easily change. You can change the shape of the face with makeup and de-emphasize parts of the body that you wish to slim, but other than surgery there are no other options for changing the shape of the ears.

The ears are often misshapen due to birth defects or genetics. Sometimes they’re misshapen due to injury. No matter the case or cause, otoplasty can give you the shape that you want, reduce the size of your ears, and make the ears lay back closer to the scalp.

What Does Otoplasty Treat?

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, can address many concerns.

There are other ear concerns that my not be listed. You may still be a candidate for otoplasty or ear pinning. Schedule a consultation with our Dubai office to find out if otoplasty will benefit you.

Overly large ears, a condition that is also known as macrotia
Protruding ears that stick out from the head
Uneven ears
Correction of previous ear surgery
Abnormally large ear lobes
Lop ear, a condition where the ear tip folds down or forward
Shell ear, a condition where certain features of a normal ear are missing

Am I a Candidate For Otoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for otoplasty if you meet the following criteria:

Are healthy and have no life-threatening illnesses or chronic ear infections that are untreated by your doctor
At least 4 years old. This is the age at which the ear cartilage is solid enough for otoplasty
Have realistic expectations about the procedure, results, and are able to follow the aftercare rules
Have no other preconditions that pose any risks to surgery

How Should I Prepare For Otoplasty?

We recommend that every patient do as much research as possible into otoplasty to decide if it will benefit them and their particular concerns. Read other patients’ stories and experiences and look at as many before and after photos as possible.

It’s important for patients to feel comfortable with their otoplasty procedure. By doing as much research as possible and seeing other patients’ results, patients will feel more comfortable and at ease before, during, and after the procedure. Research into otoplasty is also valuable as patients may see others who have had similar conditions or ear shapes and results that may be relevant to them.

We encourage patients to make a list of questions and concerns ready for when they come in for their initial consultation with us at Biolite Clinic Dubai. In doing so they can understand the procedure and what results they can expect and the aftercare in the weeks following.

During your consultation at our Dubai office, one of our trained medical staff will thoroughly review your medical history and discuss what aesthetic goals you have. A physical examination will take place. Afterward, the medical professional will take this information to create a specific treatment plan that is customized for you.

Every surgery is unique and we pride ourselves on offering results that are specifically tailored to you and your needs. After your consultation, you will be given a list of instructions to follow leading up to your otoplasty procedure. It’s important to follow these instructions closely as they directly affect your health and the results of your cosmetic ear surgery.

What Are My Otoplasty Options?

Otoplasty can be completely customized to the individual patient’s shape and size. At Biolite Clinic Dubai, our surgeon will help you choose the best shape that will complement both your face and your whole head.

Otoplasty surgery is done by cutting out the cartilage in specific areas that are strategic to changing the shape or reducing the bulk of the ear. Cartilage makes up the structure of the ear, and after the cartilage has been cut, it is stitched back in place.

Depending on the goal of the surgery, the cartilage may be removed entirely or simply folded and stitched such as in cases where the ears are pinned back closer to the head.

What Should I Expect From the Otoplasty Procedure?

The following is a simplified list of the standard otoplasty steps:

Patient checks in to our Dubai Clinic and meets with the surgeon
Surgeon will review the plans and mark the patient’s ears
Patient will be taken into the surgical room
The patient will receive intravenous local sedation in the ear or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will recommend the best choice for you according to your needs.
Surgeon will make incisions in the ear and remove or stitch the cartilage
Surgeon will stitch the incisions closed

What Should I Expect During Otoplasty Recovery?

You can expect the following during the otoplasty recovery process:

Immediately After Surgery

After otoplasty, bandages will be applied to keep the surgical site of the ear clean. Your surgeon may advise you to take pain medication and to sleep lying on your back or at an angle.

The initial bandage is worn for a few days, after which your surgeon will provide you with another bandage to wear. It can be worn for up to three weeks to promote proper healing.

Week One, Two, and Three

In most cases stitches are removed by the surgeon after one week. A bandage is still worn to promote healing and to prevent the surgical site from getting infected. Your surgeon will advise you on how long the bandage is worn depending on the severity of the ear surgery.

Can My Otoplasty Procedure Be Combined With Other Facial Procedures?

Changing the shape of the face is often done with several different types of facial surgeries. Depending on which type of anesthesia you are put under, your surgeon may recommend combining other facial surgery that can be done at the same time.

One of our medical experts at our Dubai Clinic will let you know during your initial consultation if multiple facial procedures can be done during the same surgery.

Have You Decided Otoplasty is Right For You?

If you’ve decided that otoplasty is right for you and you’re ready to change your ears, schedule a consultation with our expert medical staff. You can give our Dubai office a call at +971 4 346 6641. You can also fill out our online contact form to receive a call at a later date!

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