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Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Baltimore, MD

Concern about the shape, position, or proportion of the ears is common among men and women of all ages. Whether your condition was present at birth or caused by an injury, our Baltimore otoplasty surgeons can help. An otoplasty, commonly called ear surgery, helps patients improve the appearance and proportions of their ears and feel confident in any hairstyle.

What is an Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)?

The human ear is a very intricate structure. Developmental abnormalities of the ears are common and result from misshapen or malformed ear cartilage. Protruding ears can be a source of concern for both children and adults. Many individuals with protruding ears, especially children, experience teasing and cruelty from their peers. This can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the shape, structure, and position of the ears for both children and adults.

What results can I expect?

Otoplasty reduces the prominence of ears by improving their shape, structure, and position. Many patients feel that the procedure is life-changing because it helps them regain self-esteem and self-confidence.

Who is a good candidate for otoplasty in Baltimore?

Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults who have protruding ears or ears that lack normal contour or folding. The procedure is only performed once the ear has matured to its full size, which generally occurs around 5 or 6 years of age. Patients considering an otoplasty should be in good general health and have a realistic understanding of what can be accomplished with the procedure. During your initial consultation, your Belcara Health plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns, goals, medical history, and expected result with you and determine the best treatment plan to meet your needs.

What does an otoplasty procedure involve?

Our Baltimore otoplasty surgeons will personalize your procedure to address your unique needs. The surgery will vary from patient to patient and can be done under local anesthesia, moderate sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the patient and extent of the surgery. Typically, your surgeon begins by making an incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. Generally, the ear cartilage is weakened and re-shaped, and excess skin and cartilage may be removed to reposition the ears in a more natural position towards the head. In some cases, it is not necessary to remove cartilage and the ear can be repositioned with sutures alone.

Where will the procedure take place?

Most ear surgery patients elect to have their ear-pinning procedures performed in our on-site surgery center. Our 5-star facility, the Clarkview Surgical Center, was designed with the safety, comfort, privacy, and convenience of our patients in mind. It features state-of-the-art technology and meets the most rigorous safety standards. We are proud to be one of the few outpatient surgical facilities to earn AAAHC accreditation, as well as certifications from Medicare and the state of Maryland. Because safety is our first concern, all surgical procedures are performed with board-certified anesthesiologists and registered nurses.

What should I expect during recovery?

Following otoplasty, you will be able to rest in the comfort of your own home. If your procedure was performed using anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone to drive you home after surgery. It may take several hours for the anesthesia medication to wear off, so expect to be groggy for a while.

Generally, following the surgery, we apply a soft dressing to the ears. This dressing will remain in place for 72 hours, after which an athletic headband is worn as much as possible for 10 days. You may experience some bruising or swelling in the first few days following surgery, but these typically resolve in 1 to 2 weeks.

Every patient’s recovery is different and depends upon the extent of his or her personal treatment plan. Your surgeon will give you thorough instructions that are tailored to your individual case, but in general, patients can expect the following:

• Rest in bed the day of surgery and limit activity for the next 3 to 5 days
• Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects for 7 days
• Avoid strenuous activities for 7 days
• Avoid hitting or bumping your ears
• Typically, you can return to work within 7 days

What is earlobe surgery?

Torn or stretched out earlobes are common concerns for both men and women. Years of wearing heavy earrings or gauges can stretch out the earlobes, making it difficult to wear stud earrings. Traumatic earlobe tears can occur when an earring is pulled through the bottom of the lobe. This can make it impossible to wear earrings and leads to an unattractive cosmetic deformity of the earlobe. Aging can also cause the earlobes to thin and elongate. Fortunately, earlobe repair or reduction is a simple office-based procedure that can treat these common earlobe concerns.

Who is a good candidate for earlobe surgery in Baltimore?

Patients in good general health but bothered by torn, stretched, or elongated earlobes may be good candidates for earlobe surgery. Patients considering earlobe surgery must have a realistic understanding of what can be accomplished with the procedure. During your initial consultation, your Belcara Health plastic surgeon will discuss your concerns, goals, medical history, and expected result with you and determine the best treatment plan to meet your needs.

What does earlobe repair involve?

The procedure is performed while you are under local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes small incisions to remove any scar tissue or abnormally formed tissue. Sutures are then used to restore the normal earlobe contour.

What should I expect during recovery?

Every patient’s recovery is different and depends upon the extent of his or her personal treatment plan. In general, there is minimal pain and downtime following earlobe repair. We prescribe a prescription ointment that should be applied three times daily until sutures are removed one week following the procedure. Most patients can return to work the same day and resume strenuous activities within 3 to 5 days.

What results should I expect?

Earlobe repair or reduction is a quick, simple procedure with minimal downtime that restores the natural shape and appearance of the earlobe. Following surgery, your ears can be re-pierced here in the office.

Why Choose Belcara Health for your Maryland Ear Surgery?

If you are ready to improve your appearance, the practice and surgeon you select are your most important decisions. To be confident with your results, you must have confidence in your medical team.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons are renowned for creating natural-looking, proportionate, beautiful results. Our Facial Plastic Surgeons  Dr. Bradley Roberson will listen carefully to your goals, answer all your questions and help you make informed choices. We believe in educating our patients about their treatment options because you know your face best and you should be a partner in the entire surgery experience.

Exceptional patient care is the core of our philosophy at Belcara Health. Our goal is for you to feel as if you just received the best care possible and absolutely love your results. Located in a welcoming, sophisticated, luxurious facility, our 5-star services and staff provide an unparalleled experience. At each stage, we make every effort to surpass all your expectations. We are constantly upgrading our knowledge, technology, and services – and it shows. Our strong reputation and the trust of the community validates this commitment.

Learn More

Contact us today to learn more about how cosmetic ear surgery can help you feel more confident.

• Schedule your private consultation today by calling 410.296.0414 or contact us online.
• We offer Specials, Events and Features every month, check them out HERE.
• Check out our Blog for more information on plastic surgery and other services offered at Belcara Health.

Our Practitioners who Specialize in Cosmetic Ear Procedures

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