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Though the ears are an often forgotten feature, they can be a source of frustration for those who feel their ears don’t flatter their face and head shape. Perhaps you worry that your ears protrude too much, or that your earlobes hang too low. Maybe you avoid short hairstyles because you want to cover your ears, or perhaps you don’t wear earrings because you don’t want to call attention to them. If you’ve wished you could change the way your ears look but you aren’t sure what your options are, you might be a good candidate for ear surgery in Atlanta.
Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, is the most targeted and effective way to change the appearance of your ears. While some non-invasive products on the market claim to “train” your ears to take a different shape, these are slow to act if at all and can’t achieve the level of change that you can get from an otoplasty.
Our doctors at Advanced Aesthetics are experts in improving the appearance of your ears and in performing ear surgery or otoplasty in Atlanta. Our providers are knowledgeable board-certified plastic surgeons who have years of experience with otoplasty and many other surgical procedures of the face. We invite you to call for a complimentary consultation.
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that changes various aspects of the appearance of the ears. There are a few different types of otoplasty, such as ear pinback, ear reduction, ear augmentation and earlobe surgery (loboplasty). Depending on the concerns you have about your ears, your surgeon may suggest one approach or a combination of approaches to create ears that balance the rest of your features.
The most common type of otoplasty is ear pinback, which is used when the ears protrude farther away from the head than desired. You might feel that your ears “stick out” or look bigger than they are. If this is your concern, then an otoplasty can reshape your ear so it is closer to your head. Often, the cup of the ear is too deep, or the ear developed without the proper folds. Using an incision placed discreetly on the back of your ear, our surgeons can pull the ear into a new shape and suture the skin in place.
Ear reduction and ear augmentation are needed less frequently. However, they may be appropriate when the size of the ears is problematic rather than the ears’ projection from the sides of the head. If you feel as though your ears are too big or too small when viewed from the side, or if one ear is a noticeably different size than the other, you might be a candidate for this type of ear surgery.
Otoplasty may also address other parts of the ear, such as the earlobes or uneven outer folds. If your earlobes have become stretched or distended, or if you have a natural earlobe shape that you dislike, your surgeon can remove excess lobe skin or close up old piercings. Some clients have bumps or protrusions along the outer edge of their ear that a surgeon can remove for a more rounded shape. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon for these alterations will ensure that any scarring is well-hidden and that your new ears won’t look unnatural.
Ear surgery is relatively uncomplicated since it’s easy for surgeons to work with the external cartilage of the ears. Ear cartilage is relatively free from nerves and blood vessels, so there is little risk of experiencing long-lasting complications. If you are in overall good health, a non-smoker and have concerns about the appearance of your ears, you are likely a good candidate for otoplasty. Factors like age, gender or lifestyle don’t usually preclude people from undergoing ear surgery. Before you set ear surgery as your goal, though, we recommend meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to talk about your needs and your medical history. They will be able to tell you if ear surgery is appropriate in your case.
At Advanced Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, meeting with a surgeon is easy. Our friendly doctors are available to meet with you in person and will help you talk through your concerns. Our surgical coordinators will speak with you on your first phone call, answer your introductory questions and schedule a consultation at one of our four convenient locations in Newnan, Fayetteville, LaGrange and McDonough. During your visit, you will see an educational video and meet with your provider, who will explain all your options including the risks and benefits of ear surgery and any other procedures you may be considering.
Our surgeons perform otoplasties in the Atlanta area at our new, Georgia state licensed and certified surgi-center. They are performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can return home the same day as your surgery. We use local anesthesia with intravenous sedation to keep you comfortable during the procedure. You should not need general anesthesia as the surgery is in a concentrated area, and the intravenous sedation will ensure you are in a gentle sleep so we can administer the local anesthesia without any pain or discomfort. If you have concerns about the type of anesthesia you’ll be given, be sure to talk to your surgeon about your options during your consultation.
The surgery itself typically only takes one or two hours, depending on the extent of the work to be done. When your procedure is complete, you will need to spend between 30 and 60 minutes in our recovery room. During this waiting period, the effects of the anesthesia will subside, and our surgeons can ensure you don’t have any initial adverse reactions. Then, your surgeon clears you to leave, and you are free to return home to rest and begin recovering. You will need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery since you will be unable to operate a vehicle after receiving anesthesia. Ideally, this person is someone who will also be helping you during your recovery — that way, your surgeon can also read through the recovery paperwork with them while your anesthesia wears off.
The otoplasty procedure causes minimal discomfort, but you will require some TLC at home. You should avoid getting the area wet while showering or bathing at first. You should also try to keep your head elevated while lying down or sleeping to keep blood flow in the area regular. Your Advanced Aesthetics surgeon will provide you with specific aftercare instructions including tips on staying comfortable and making the healing process fast and free from complications.
You should plan to spend the first three days resting as much as possible — your ears will feel swollen and tender, and you’ll likely need to wear a compression garment. You may also be using prescription pain medications. By the middle of your first week post-op, you should be able to transition to over-the-counter pain medications or even away from pain medications entirely. You should also notice any swelling or discoloration begin to subside.
After about one week — sometimes between one and two weeks — you will be cleared to resume daily activities like work, childcare or running errands. It’s important to listen to your body during this time, and if you start to feel tired or in pain, it’s best to take a break from your activities until you feel better. Exercise is not generally recommended until about three weeks after your surgery; your provider will clear you for more strenuous activities during one of your follow-up appointments when they deem it appropriate. You will be ready for post-op pictures in six weeks, and after about three months your ears will be fully healed with your cartilage settled into its new position.
You will have regularly scheduled follow-up appointments with your Advanced Aesthetics surgical team to ensure that your recovery is on track. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during your recovery process, you can feel free to contact us so that we can assess the problem and determine whether corrective action is necessary.
If you are interested in ear surgery in Atlanta, let the expert team at Advanced Aesthetics guide you as you choose the right procedure or procedures. Whether you are unhappy with your ear projection, ear size or earlobes, our experienced plastic surgeons can evaluate your concerns and offer personalized suggestions to achieve your goals. We also offer a full range of cosmetic services and surgeries and we would be happy to discuss any other treatments that might be of interest to you. Visit one of our convenient locations to meet with one of our providers and get started toward building your confidence in your appearance. Call us to schedule your complimentary consultation today.
