When ears do not fully develop into their natural shape or protrude away from the sides of the head, it can be difficult to maintain confidence and self-esteem in one’s appearance. Sometimes, these problems develop at birth and are immediately present. Other times, they develop over time as the child grows or as a result of trauma or injury. Whatever the cause, Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery offers the cosmetic treatments to restore ears to an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
An otoplasty, more commonly known as ear surgery, is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure which can improve the size, shape, and position of the ears. This procedure can be performed for both children and adults but is typically done between the ages of 7 and 14.
Some of the most common problems treated by ear surgery include
- Protruding ears which can be pinned back, closer to the head, to decrease their prominence
- Misshaped ears can be restructured by recreating the upper ear fold or setting back or reducing the size of large ear cartilage.
At Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery, our doctors’ number one priority during otoplasty is to ensure that the ears look effortlessly natural and blend with the aesthetics of the rest of the head and face.
What can I expect during ear surgery?
Ear surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option which can be performed in a single surgical procedure at either one of our offices in Charlotte, NC, our office in Gastonia, NC, or our office in Fort Mill, SC. During your initial consultation, Dr. Marashi or Dr. Ricciuti will determine the best method for ear reshaping to ensure the most aesthetically pleasing result. He will also discuss your options for anesthesia during the procedure and help you determine the correct decision for your treatment. Younger patients generally prefer a light general anesthetic, while adults can have the procedure performed with a local anesthetic and a light sedative if preferred.
The surgery can usually be completed in approximately two to three hours and only requires a short recovery period in our office to allow the effects of the anesthesia to minimize. You will need to wear a sterile dressing over the ears during your initial recovery period and patients can usually return to work or school about five days after the procedure. Normal activities, such as athletics, can usually be resumed several weeks following treatment.
Otoplasty is a fantastic option for patients wishing to improve upon the appearance of their ears. Ear surgery can give patients the ability to wear their hair in a ponytail or sport a new pair of sunglasses with confidence, knowing that their ears align perfectly with the rest of their head. If you are interested in learning more about this treatment, please contact Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery for a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons.
