Enhance the Look of Your Child’s Ears with Otoplasty

Is My Child a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Your child may be a candidate for otoplasty if they struggle with any of the following concerns:

• Disproportionately large ears
• Unusually shaped ears
• Pointed ears
• Ears that stick out from the side of the head

Dr. Kishinevsky will usually wait until your child is about five years old before performing otoplasty surgery, since cartilage growth has stabilized by this time. In addition, for your child to undergo cosmetic ear surgery, they must be in good overall health. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Kishinevsky can review all additional candidacy requirements and preparation procedures. Teenagers and adults can also benefit from cosmetic ear surgery. Again, patients must be healthy and have the ability to heal properly after their procedure.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Your child will typically receive general anesthesia the day of their otoplasty surgery. Dr. Kishinevsky will then create an incision behind your child’s ear, through which she will remove the excess cartilage. She may also reshape the tissue to make the ear more proportionate.

Next, she will remove any excess skin and close the incisions with small stitches. Dr. Kishinevsky can address one ear, or she can perform bilateral otoplasty, enhancing both ears at the same time.

If your child has protruding ears, Dr. Kishinevsky will perform ear pining, either alone or in conjunction with tissue removal. After creating the incisions, she will use small sutures to pull the ears closer to the side of your child’s head.

Recovery from Cosmetic Ear Surgery

Otoplasty is a simple procedure. Therefore, recovery time should be minimal. Your child will need to take about one week off from school. Immediately following otoplasty, your child may experience swelling or discomfort. Mild anti-inflammatory medications can reduce irritation.

A full recovery usually takes about six weeks. At this time, your child will enjoy an improved appearance and greater sense of confidence that will carry them into adolescence and adulthood.

Your child will need to wear bandages for about one week after surgery. In addition, for several weeks, they should avoid strenuous physical exertion, especially sports and other activities that could involve the ears. Finally, a special headband will be provided, to help the ears maintain their new shape.

A full otoplasty recovery usually takes about six weeks. At this time, your child will enjoy an improved appearance and greater sense of confidence that will carry them into adolescence and adulthood.

Learn More About Otoplasty Today

To find out if otoplasty is a suitable option for your child, contact Dr. Kishinevsky’s practice today. We will be happy to meet with you and your child to review the procedure and recovery details.