Children and adults with large, protruding ears are excellent candidates for otoplasty, ear surgery or ear pinning surgery. Dr. Ben Light of Light Facial Plastic Surgery has years of experience in performing otoplasty and is skilled at achieving safe, attractive results for patients at his practice in Decatur, Alabama.
THE OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE
Otoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia for young children and under local anesthetic for adults. The procedure takes between one to two hours to complete. After making an incision behind the ear, Dr. Light removes and repositions cartilage to achieve a smaller size and a more pleasing shape. Excess skin from the back of the ear may be reduced in cases where the ears need to be positioned more closely to the side of the head. The incisions are then closed and the procedure is complete.
The ears are a prominent feature, patients who undergo otoplasty enjoy significant,
and potentially life-changing, benefits.
OTOPLASTY BENEFITS
Because the ears are such prominent features, patients who undergo otoplasty enjoy significant, and potentially life-changing, benefits. Children who were teased at school for large, protruding ears no longer have to put up with taunts from bullies. Adults no longer have to feel embarrassed by the appearance of their ears. Thus the procedure enhances self-image and self-confidence for patients of all ages.
RECOVERY FROM OTOPLASTY
Otoplasty does not require a long recovery period; most children and adults can return to school or work within one week of surgery. Some patients may experience temporary bruising and swelling, but symptoms are usually very mild. Pain medication can be prescribed to eliminate any discomfort. In order to facilitate healing, the ears will need to remain wrapped in bandages for about a week. It’s important for patients to leave the bandages on their ears at all times during this period to help prevent against infection.
WHY CHOOSE DR. LIGHT
Dr. Light has successfully performed hundreds of procedures to enhance facial contours, including otoplasty, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Light completed extensive post-graduate training in facial plastic surgery and completed a rigorous application process to become certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is committed to helping patients improve the quality of their lives through safe and effective cosmetic surgery.
