Am I a good candidate for ear surgery
Patients who benefit from ear surgery include those who may have:
- Protruding ear(s)- Majority of the cosmetic surgery performed on ears.
- Large ear(s)
- Abnormally shaped ear(s)
Results of Your Ear Surgery
Usually the final results of the ear surgery are very long lasting.
Your Personal Consultation-- How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for aesthetic ear surgery?
During
the initial consultation, you may be asked to look in a mirror and
point out exactly what you would like to see improved. This will help
your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine
whether they can realistically be achieved.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical
history including previous surgeries, past and present medical
conditions and current medications. It is important for you to provide
complete information. High blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes,
etc. should be reviewed as these medical conditions may increase some
risks associated with ear surgery. Your plastic surgeon will want to
know if you have allergies.
How is Aesthetic Ear Surgery Performed
One of many surgical techniques may be suggested to improve the
appearance of your ear(s). The particular technique that your plastic
surgeon recommends will depend on the nature of the problem and many
other factors including your desires. Because of individual factors, not
everyone will achieve the same results from ear surgery. Your plastic
surgeon will select the surgical technique that he or she feels will
obtain the best outcome for you.
If your problem is protruding ears, the supporting tissue of the
ears, called cartilage, is reshaped in order to position your ears
closer to your head. This usually is accomplished through incisions
placed behind the ears. Subsequent scars will be concealed in the
natural skin crease. In some cases, especially in ears that need to be
reduced in size or are protruding in the middle 1/3 of the ear, external
incision of the front (outside surface) of the ear will be
necessitated. Usually these are placed in areas where they will heal in a
more inconspicuous manner. In ear reductions, skin as well as cartilage
will most often need to be removed.
Understanding Risks of Ear Surgery
Fortunately, significant complications from aesthetic ear surgery are
infrequent. Every year, many successful cosmetic ear surgeries are
performed, without experiencing any major problem.
The
subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best
discussed on a personal basis between you and your surgeon, or with a
staff member in your surgeon's office. The risks in most surgeries are
similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with
you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may
require removal), infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic
reactions, damage to underlying structures, need for revisions,
unsatisfactory results possibly necessitating additional procedures and
medical risks. Sutures may be visible or may even break allowing for
partial or complete recurrence of the protrusion and / or loss of the
ear fold. Irregularities, sharp folds and other shape abnormalities may
ensue.
You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and
instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your ear
surgery.
Your Surgical Experience (Preoperative Preparation and Recovery)
Pre-Operative
The
goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your
surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop smoking well in
advance of surgery since smoking can impair the healing process. Aspirin
and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so
you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before
surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative
instructions.
Aesthetic ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. If
this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home
after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours.
The Day of Ear Surgery
Your ear surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical
procedure. Frequently, local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are
used for patients undergoing ear surgery, although general anesthesia
may be desirable in some instances (especially young children). For your
safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your
heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in
your blood.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area
where you will continue to be closely monitored. You will be instructed
to inform your caretaker if the dressings feel too tight. There is
surprisingly little discomfort, however, from the surgery, especially if
the ears are in a head dressing.
You probably will be permitted to go home after a short period of
observation, although some patients may stay overnight in the hospital
or surgical facility.
Recovery from Ear Surgery
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.
The first several days you should maintain head elevation as much as
possible. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain
anti-inflammatory medications.
Initially, pain is usually controlled with oral medication. Some
patients find that mild swelling persist for many weeks. Bruising
typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches are usually
removed within a week of surgery.
After surgery, you may be instructed to wear gauze dressing or
bandage for a few days or up to several weeks to ensure that your ears
heal in their new, corrected position. Often a ski band to cover the
ears is worn at night to prevent the ears from bending during sleep.
Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early
postoperative period. In many instances, you will be able to resume most
of your normal activities within ten days or less. Most people return
to work at 7- 10 days.
How much will ear surgery cost?
Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for ear
surgery vary widely, and are often dependent on the surgeon’s experience
and the geographical location.
The fees are often broken down into several components:
- Surgeon’s professional fee
- Facility fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Medications
- Surgical garments
- Medical tests
Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon after Ear Surgery
You will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up care
at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does
not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or
concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later
time, you should contact your surgeon.
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