Developmental problems of the ear can cause the ears to seem larger in proportion to other features of one's face or to protrude in a conspicuous way. In such cases, the position of the ear can be changed in order to place it closer to the head and eliminate this effect.
Although surgery of the ear can be performed at any age, many surgeons recommend that it be done at about the age of 5 or 6, when the ear has completely developed to its adult size. In this way, one can avoid the psychological trauma that a child experiences by having large protruding ears when entering school.
The Virginia otoplasty procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, especially for children. Adults can have ear surgery with either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. The incision is located in an inconspicuous area behind the ear. The excessively large or misshapen cartilage is either cut or scored, bringing it into a normal position with the help of strategically placed sutures.
After surgery, a bandage will cover the ear for several days. Once the tissues have healed, the position of the ear will not change. The patient can return to his or her normal activities in a few days and to strenuous exercises in a few weeks.
Developmental problems of the ear can cause the ears to seem larger in proportion to other features of your face or to protrude in a conspicuous way. Ear surgery may be performed to reshape and reposition the ear closer to the head and, therefore, eliminate this effect.
Surgery of the ear is done for a variety of reasons. The most common abnormality is the shape of the ear. The misshapen cartilage causes a protrusion of the ear away from the head. The purpose of Virginia otoplasty is to make the shape of the ear more normal and put it back in its anatomic location.
In the first consultation, you will have a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will explain what you need to know about your Virginia otoplasty procedure and help to determine what is best for you. You will receive information booklets and pricing on the procedure.
The incision is located in an inconspicuous area behind the ear. The excessively large or misshapen cartilage is either cut or scored, bringing it into a normal position with the help of strategically placed sutures. Occasionally, there may be a relapse, and the ear may shift back out. In such cases, it may be necessary to readjust the ear so that the two sides match and are appropriately positioned on the head. If this is necessary, it can be done 2-3 months after the first procedure.
After surgery, a bandage will cover the ear for several days. There will be a moderate amount of swelling in the ear and drainage from the incisions. You will need to rest for the first 2 or 3 days, but most people are up and about shortly after surgery. We generally recommend that our patients take off 7 days from work. Once the tissues have healed, the position of the ear will not change. You can return to normal activities in a few days. Heavy lifting and exercising should be avoided for the first 2 weeks. Your body will tell you when you are ready to get back into your regular exercise routine.
Sutures are usually removed in 10-14 days. Sometimes, you may have absorbable sutures that do not need to come out.
We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of surgery. The normal routine is 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Of course, if there is a need, you may be seen more often. We encourage our patients to come in for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.
You should be able to wear makeup if you have had otoplasty. However, we do not recommend putting makeup on your incisions because this may result in tattooing of the skin by the pigments of the makeup.
You are a good candidate for Virginia otoplasty if you have healthy ear tissue, good overall general health, and realistic expectations. The best results are seen in individuals who have a moderate degree of ear protrusion and abnormality in the shape of the cartilage. Children who have protruding ears are good candidates if they are in good health and are old enough to have the surgery. Although surgery of the ear can be performed at any age, many surgeons recommend that it be done when the ear is almost fully developed (typically age 5 or 6). This avoids the psychological trauma that a child with large protruding ears experiences when entering school.
You can pay for Virginia otoplasty surgery by certified check, credit card, or cash. Payment for cosmetic surgery is expected prior to any procedure. If you are scheduled for surgery several weeks in advance, you may pay by personal check.
Yes. However, these scars are hidden in the folds of the ear. After a while, the scars heal and are barely visible.
The pain involved in Virginia otoplasty is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as a headache sensation or soreness. Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. In children, we find that the pain is not as problematic as you would expect. For some reason, children are able to tolerate postoperative pain better than some adults. Having said that, remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.
The Virginia otoplasty procedure is usually done under general anesthesia for children. Adults can have ear surgery with either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. If you are just having a small procedure done on your ear, such as a minor adjustment, it can be done in the office while you are awake.
The surgery can either be performed in the office or the outpatient facility, depending on the extent of surgery. In children, we always do it in the outpatient facility. In adults, the procedure can be done in the outpatient facility or the office, depending on the extent and complexity of the case. Minor deformities can be corrected in the office under local anesthesia.
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Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases, medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory because this is the only way for us to compare before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Marefat and the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss Virginia otoplasty (ear surgery). Schedule an appointment online or call one of our locations at 703-516-7600 (Arlington area) or at 703-560-9583 (Woodbridge).
Dr. Marefat offers a number of financial assistance programs and payment programs to cover the cost of otoplasty (ear surgery) in Virginia. Please visit the patient financing section of our website for more details or ask the staff at Metropolitan Plastic Surgery about these options so that you can get started with otoplasty (ear surgery) in Virginia today.
