Otoplasty

Dr. Hilinski is "Double Board Certified" in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Featured Case
Rhinoplasty Case Example

The current Featured Rhinoplasty Case Example was chosen because of the many complexities involved with her surgery. This is an otherwise healthy young lady who desired reshaping of her nose due to several areas of concern. She had no prior surgery on her nose.
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Otoplasty, also referred to as ear shaping or ear pinning, is a procedure to reposition and recontour prominent ears. Prominent protruding ears often look unnatural and can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. Many children from the age of three to four years begin to recognize the difference in their ears from that of their peers. However, it is not until five to ten years of age that caustic remarks begin to leave psychological scars. Adults with prominent ears may be sensitive about their appearance and exhibit a poor self-image. Many adults actually avoid certain hairstyles to keep their ears camouflaged from public view.

Otoplasty is used to reposition the ears back into a natural position and/or improve the appearance of an abnormally-shaped ear, such as lop ear or cup ear. The ears are commonly made to appear smaller and/or less prominent. There is very little discomfort and most patients can resume a fairly normal schedule within a week. With children it is best to undergo the procedure around six years of age or older. At this age, the ear has achieved at least 90% of it adult size and children seem more compliant with the treatment. More importantly, the intervention is early enough to prevent the damaging effects of remarks that often come once schooling begins.

Before & After Photos

Otoplasty is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center and usually takes two to three hours to complete. General anesthesia is commonly used for children while adults and young adults often receive local anesthesia with oral sedation. Otoplasty involves incision lines that are hidden behind the ears near the natural crease where the ear attaches to the head.

Children usually require 1-2 weeks off of school for recovery. Adults undergoing this procedure can usually return to work within a few days. Bandages are removed within five to seven days at which time they are replaced with a lighter headband worn only at night for an additional three to four weeks. The stitches are also removed within five to seven days. Any pain that patients experience after surgery is very tolerable and easily controlled with low-dose narcotic medication. Aerobic activity and reconditioning can be resumed within ten to fourteen days while more strenuous activity and resistance workouts may be resumed within three to four weeks. The benefits of this operation with minimal down time makes it a very rewarding and satisfying surgery.

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Q - What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also referred to as ear reshaping or ear pinning, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of an abnormally shaped ear, such as a lop ear or cup ear. This commonly involves making the ears smaller and/or less prominent.

Q - Are there any age restrictions for undergoing otoplasty?
Otoplasty may be performed on adults and on children four years of age or older. It is often recommended to parents that children undergo otoplasty between the ages of four to six as this can help to alleviate the potential psychological stress that can result from classmate comments and criticism. In reality, many children do not undergo the procedure and, as a result, many teenagers and adults are still considered good candidates for otoplasty. Many young adult female patients seek otoplasty because they are experiencing increasing difficulty with constantly wearing their hair down to conceal excessively large or prominent ears.

Q - Where is the otoplasty procedure performed?
Dr. Hilinski usually performs otoplasty in an outpatient surgery center.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for otoplasty?
Children undergoing otoplasty typically require general anesthesia whereas local anesthesia and oral sedation may be used for adults and young adults.

Dr. Hilinski's office in San Diego, CA is conveniently located near the following: