Dallas Fort Worth Plastic Surgeon Dr. David Azouz reviews Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

What is Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a cosmetic ear surgery that improves the shape, position, and proportion of the ear. Otoplasty is also performed to modify the structure of the ear or to reduce or reposition disproportionately large, or prominent ears. Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. David Azouz’s objective for an otoplasty is to create a more natural look with better-positioned ears that complement and balance the rest of the face. This cosmetic surgery can be performed on adults or children who feel self-conscious about their ears. Ear surgery can also be utilized to correct an abnormality that has either been present since birth or caused by injury or trauma. Dr. Azouz has also helped reconstruct many patients who have undergone piercing or “ear gauging” to restore a more natural-looking ear. Dr. Azouz is also able to correct split ears from earrings and can help patients who have developed a “cauliflower ear”.

Benefits of Otoplasty

There are a variety of benefits for cosmetic ear surgery. Otoplasty can create more facial balance, can improve the shape of the ear. Otoplasty can correct cupped, outstanding, folded, protruding, gauged, cauliflower and enlarged ear deformities. Many patients report that otoplasty improves their self-confidence and this is often true in adults and young children.

Who is a candidate for otoplasty?

Otoplasty is performed in children as young as 5 and in older adults. Patients have a variety of ear anomalies that are both congenital and acquired. These include the following:

Outstanding Ear
Cauliflower Ear
Lop-Ear
Folded Ear
Constricted Ear
Stahls Ear (Spock Ear)
Gauged Ear
Post Traumatic Ear Loss
Ear Asymmetry
Enlarged Ear

What to Expect During Your Otoplasty in Dallas

The extent of the procedure depends on your desired goals and what Dr. Azouz believes is appropriate to achieve your ideal results. Ear Surgery usually takes about one to two hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. Otoplasty is routinely performed under a local anesthetic with sedation, which allows you to be comfortable during the procedure but doe not necessitate general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube. Dr. Azouz will create small incisions on the back of the ears, which are concealed in the natural crevices of the ear so that virtually no scar will be visible after the healing period. The ear cartilage can be folded or removed as needed to reshape the ear and bring it closer to the head, improving the appearance of the patient. Otoplasty is also sometimes called ear pinning but no actual pinning back of the ears is performed despite the name.

Anesthesia for Otoplasty

Dr. Azouz aims for the patient to have the best experience possible. Many patients have varying desires in how awake or how asleep they would like to be during plastic surgery. Dr. Azouz performs otoplasty under local and sedation. Some patients desire deep sedation and others wish for light sedation or no sedation. With local anesthesia and sedation, patients tend to have a quicker recovery as compared to general anesthesia. Patients who undergo sedation frequently have less nausea, better pain control and feel less groggy.

Otoplasty Results

Results are usually immediate and permanent, providing a life-long benefit to the patient’s appearance and self-esteem. Patients often return home shortly after the otoplasty is complete. As with any surgical procedure, Dallas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Azouz provides specific aftercare instructions and close follow-up care to ensure ideal results are achieved as well as a safe and healthy recovery.

Otoplasty Recovery

After otoplasty, your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support. It is common to feel some discomfort and itching which are usually well controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Azouz. Dr. Azouz recommends trying not to rub or place excessive force on the incisions after ear surgery. A few days after otoplasty, Dr. Azouz will remove your bandages. Dr. Azouz will guide the use of headbands that cover, support and protect the ears.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?

Otoplasty costs can widely vary, Dr. Azouz will determine the cost of surgery through history and physical examination evaluation. Insurance does not routinely cover the cost of ear surgery as most insurance companies deem otoplasty to be a cosmetic operation.

Otoplasty Combination Surgery

Otoplasty can be combined with a variety of plastic surgery procedures including plastic surgery of the face: facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), neck lift, chin augmentation (chin implant), brow lift and laser skin resurfacing. Otoplasty can also be performed in combination with breast and body surgery such as liposuction, mini tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift or gynecomastia (male breast reduction).

Schedule Your Consultation

For patients who are self-conscious about the size, shape, or position of your ears, otoplasty may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Many patients also choose to combine ear surgery with eyelid surgery, face lifts, neck lifts, breast lifts, liposuction or gynecomastia surgery. Contact Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Azouz today. For more information on otoplasty or any other procedure, visit our blog.

Otoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Can insurance cover otoplasty?

Otoplasty is deemed a cosmetic operation by most insurance companies.

What causes prominent or outstanding ears?

What kind of dressing will I wear after otoplasty?

Can I have one ear set back and not the other?

Is it possible to fix an ear lobe that was damaged by an ear ring or ear gauge?

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WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING

“A huuuuuuge thanks to Dr. Azouz and the wonderful job he did on my laser resurfacing. I felt like a million bucks on my wedding day and I couldn't have achieved that level of confidence without him! So grateful!” - Katie

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