Otoplasty
in Indianapolis
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Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)
Procedure at a Glance:
Indications: For patients who have prominent ears that protrude from their skull. Prominent ears are usually present at birth, and often run in the family. Children can often endure cruel teasing from peers that can ensue into adulthood. Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning, is often performed when most of the ear growth is complete. It is commonly performed in adolescents and adults and it can greatly enhance self esteem and improve confidence.
Anesthesia: IV Twilight Sedation
Surgery Type: Outpatient
Downtime: One week with restrictions on exercise and lifting anything heavier than 5lbs. A light dressing similar to a headband, is recommended for one week and at night for several months. Patient will still need to adhere to certain post-surgical instructions that will be specific to the procedure. Limitations will be discussed during a thorough pre-operative appointment.
Stitch Removal: External stitches are dissolvable, and deep sutures which achieve the pinning of the ears are permanent
Techniques: During an otoplasty, an incision is placed behind the ear in the crease where the ear meets the skull. Careful attention is given to remove cartilage that is pushing the ears out further than necessary and permanent sutures are placed to pin the ears back. Additional sculpting to provide improved symmetry or to improve or create conchal folds can also be done when indicated.
BEFORE + AFTER
Real patients, real results! Check out our before and after photo gallery and witness the transformation of surgical and non-surgical patients!
FAQ’s
Have a specific question? Contact us!
That depends on your goals and desires. In general, the cost is less to combine the procedures and you only undergo one recovery period, instead of several. On the downside, it may take a bit longer to heal (longer anesthetic, multiple procedures).
Changes made to the tissues are permanent. However, your face will continue to age. Many patients will need a touch up after about 10 years, depending on genetics and the care they provide to their skin and body.
Again, it depends on the procedure. Patients may experience a headache after a trichophytic browlift. Some discomfort and dryness after eyelid surgery is expected, and the swelling of the eyelids may impair visual fields for a day or two. A facelift is uncomfortable for the first 24 to 48 hours, after which most patients are surprised by the lack of pain. Rhinoplasty patients typically don’t experience a lot of pain but they do experience nasal stuffiness and cannot blow their nose following surgery which is the biggest post surgical complaint. Regardless of procedure, pain will be controlled with narcotics until it is manageable with Tylenol. Pain is a unique sensation, and no two people will perceive it the same.
A scar is always a resulting factor of having surgery. However, incisions made at the hands of a facial plastic surgeon are made as discreetly as possible. Scars are placed so they are well camouflaged and very difficult to see. Any scar will be pink/ red during the healing period (generally 6-12 months) and after that are generally imperceptible.
Depending on the type of procedure, recovery is generally 7-10 days. Most patients can resume work after 1 to 2 weeks. Regular physical exercise may be slowly resumed after 7-10 days. Makeup can be used to help camouflage the areas that are bruised after one week. Social activities can be resumed after 3 to 4 weeks.
There is no perfect age for a facelift. The younger the patient, the better the results last and the less dissection is needed. In general, younger patients heal faster, better and have better results. We treat patients with the very beginning signs of aging to the more severe signs of aging and everything in between. The most important factor is the patient’s overall health in pursuing elective surgery no matter their age.
Absolutely, men can have facelift surgery. The incision is often contoured differently for a man, but the ability to tighten the jaw line and the skin under the chin are no different. In fact, this is one of the fastest growing populations seeking cosmetic refinements!
There are many non-surgical options on the market, such as injectable fillers, Botox, non surgical fat removal and laser skin tightening. In general, nothing but a facelift accomplishes a facelift. Most non- surgical options are excellent adjuncts for, but not replacements of, surgical procedures.
