What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, diminishes the size of your ears or “pins” protruding ears back toward your head. For many children and adults, overly large ears, or ears that “stick out,” can be embarrassing and cause low self-esteem. Our ear surgery at The Cosmetic Institute in Los Gatos, CA, helps people feel more comfortable with their appearance.
Dr. Howard S. Sutkin works with ear surgery patients from across the region, drawing individuals from Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Campbell and other nearby locales. He and his compassionate staff are happy to field any questions you may have about otoplasty. We understand that large or protruding ears can cause stress and unhappiness for men, women and children.
Los Gatos Ear Surgery: Before and After Pictures
Although there are no guarantees with any cosmetic procedure, you can get an idea of the possible results by looking at some Los Gatos ear surgery before and after pictures. By browsing these images, you can make a more informed decision about the procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
Patients who undergo Los Gatos ear surgery generally have an ear or ears that are protruding, overly large or abnormally shaped. As long as you are in good health, both physically and emotionally, and have realistic expectations, you are probably a good candidate for the procedure.
How is Ear Surgery Performed?
Otoplasty normally takes at least two hours and can involve moving, reshaping, adding or removing elements of the ear’s structure. General anesthesia is normally recommended for young patients and may require an overnight hospital stay. Older children and adults, however, are typically administered local anesthesia alone, or combined with a mild sedative, and return home within hours of the procedure.
There are two common methods for otoplasty. In the first technique, Dr. Sutkin finds the most inconspicuous site on the back of the ear to make the incision. He then sculpts the exposed ear cartilage and re-positions it closer to the head. Permanent sutures may be used to help the cartilage stay in position. If necessary, Dr. Sutkin will remove excessive cartilage to improve the final appearance of the ear.
The other technique begins with the removal of skin on the ear. A small file is passed to the front of the ear to gently score the cartilage, and then the ear cartilage is folded back. After marking the cartilage, Dr. Sutkin places stitches through the back of the ear cartilage without going all the way through the front of the ear. After a series of these permanent sutures are placed, they are tied down, folding the ear to create a normal, more aesthetically pleasing contour. No cartilage is taken out during this method. At this point, the bowl (concha) of the ear can be tilted back if necessary, and any adjustments to the earlobe are made. The skin is then closed with an absorbable suture.
What Can I Expect After Ear Surgery?
When your Los Gatos otoplasty is done, your head will be wrapped in a thick bandage. This helps maintain the new position of the ears, protects them and aids the healing process. You will generally need to return to Dr. Sutkin’s office within the first few days to have the bandage changed for a lighter one.
It is common to experience mild to moderate pain, but this can be controlled with prescription medication. For some patients, mild swelling may persist for many weeks. Bruising typically disappears within seven to 10 days, and stitches are usually removed within a week. For both adults and children, the ears should not be bent for at least a month or more.
What is the Cost of Los Gatos Ear Surgery?
Individual patient requirements, as well as the extent of the procedure, can greatly influence Los Gatos ear surgery prices. If you would like more details about otoplasty costs, then please schedule a meeting with Dr. Sutkin in his Los Gatos office.
Because ears are a part of your face, they are exposed to a lot of scrutiny, particularly if they stick out or are abnormally shaped. Our otoplasty has made a difference in the lives of adults and children from Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sunnyvale, Campbell and beyond. With ear surgery at The Cosmetic Institute, you can effectively alter the size and shape of your ears and ultimately boost your self-confidence.
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