Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Dr. Michael Devlin in Little Rock, AR performs Otoplasty or Cosmetic Ear Surgery to correct protruding and abnormally positioned ears by moving them closer to the head and improving their contour by reshaping them. Cosmetic surgery of the ears is called Otoplasty and is commonly referred to as ear pinning.
What is Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
Cosmetic Ear surgery or Otoplasty, can place prominent ears closer to the head or reduce the size of large ears. A portion of the ear cartilage will be removed and occasionally can be molded and secured into a more aesthetically pleasing contour through hidden incisions behind the ears. The results are permanent. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children between 6 and 14 years of age, though the surgery is also performed on adults later on in life. When performed at an early age, the surgery can help spare children and young adults the psychological challenges that can be associated with prominent ears.
During an initial consultation with Dr. Michael Devlin, your complete medical history will be reviewed. Your individual concerns and goals will be addressed and the surgery will be explained to you in detail. This appointment determines if you are a good candidate for Otoplasty.
Ideal Candidates
- Adults and children ages 6 and older
- Men, women, and children with large or protruding ears
- In general good health
- Non Smoker
- No history of scarring problems, such as keloids
- Wanting to improve appearance of the ears
- Realistic in expectations
- Understand the limitations on activities required for good healing
- Able and willing to carefully follow Dr. Devlin’s after-care instructions.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery ( Otoplasty )
Otoplasty surgery on children is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. Most teenagers do best with having the surgery performed with IV Sedation.Adults may undergo otoplasty surgery in the office of Dr. Michael Devlin, under local anesthesia and also takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Ear Lobe Repair
Over time, heavy ear earrings tend to stretch and distort the ear lobes. The ear lobes are also frequently accidentally torn because or earrings. Ear gauges are also becoming increasingly popular. Gauges stretch the skin of the earlobe.. Surgery is the only way to restore the ear lobe back to its original shape.Ear lobe repair is preformed under local anesthesia and can be performed during your lunch hour with no down time.
Recovery
Dr. Devlin will provide you with a detailed post-operative instruction sheet that will be individualized to your needs. Patients are able to go home on the day of surgery. Recovery is typically less than one week, and patients can then return to work or school after a few days. Discomfort is minimal and easily controlled. However, we will prescribe medication for you to ensure comfort throughout the post-operative healing period. Initially a bandage will be wrapped around your head that can be removed the first post-operative day. For children, a light head wrap may be used at night to help protect them from pulling or tugging on their ears. Sutures typically will be removed or dissolve or will be removed on their in about a week.
Risks and Complications
Risks and complications of otoplasty are rare and usually minor. Complications include, but are not limited to:
- Blood clots behind the ear
- Infection
- Bruising
- Altered sensation
- Pain
- Asymmetry
CONTACT US
To learn more about cosmetic ear surgery and ear lobe repair, contact the office of Dr. Michael Devlin at 501-227-8811 for a consultation, proudly serving the central Arkansas area for over 14 years.
