Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in New Orleans

Having Perfect Ears is A Real Possibility with Ear Surgery in Metairie

What is Otoplasty?

otoplasty new orleans

Otoplasty or ear surgery is done when a patient wants to improve the position, proportion, or shape of the ear. The surgery is also used to correct any deformities in the structure of the ear stemming from birth or to correct ears that were misshapen due to various types of trauma or accident. The procedure will not affect or produce a noticeable change in the patient’s hearing but can improve their overall self-confidence from their appearance.

Why Do Patients Undergo an Otoplasty?

The otoplasty procedure can help cosmetically improve the appearance of the ears in many ways. While otoplasty procedures can also address specific hearing problems and commonly yield hearing improvements, many people seek ear surgery for cosmetic reasons, as the procedure works to effectively change the shape, size, or position of the ears. Whether a patient needs to correct the appearance of a congenital anomaly or alter the appearance of the ears, otoplasty can help patients achieve a newfound self-confidence while also presenting little to no risk to a patient’s hearing.

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?

During ear formation, the process is sometimes interrupted causing a variety of differences in the shape of the ear. These instances may cause the ear to look folded or cause the cartilage of the ear to develop in a myriad of different ways. Other ear outcomes may have the ears appearing to stick out or seem too big, including those who suffer from macrotia. Another symptom can be from the position of the ears to be off from each other, causing one to be higher than the other. For those patients that have been living with any of these aforementioned maladies, there are ways for you to improve their appearance and, in the long run, their self-esteem.

Others that should consider ear surgery are those that have suffered any injury or trauma on their ears resulting in an odd shape or positioning of their ears. This can include having torn earlobes or other various injuries to the ear. The ages of those who can have the surgery performed on them usually range from 4 on up, as the cartilage in the ear is normally developed by that age. Usually, children are ideal candidates for ear surgery as the cartilage is easier to reshape during the younger age, which can also mean including having more “normal” looking ears for the rest of their lives.

What Conditions Can an Otoplasty Treat?

Because otoplasties are customized to fit the needs and aesthetic goals of each individual patient, it can provide excellent results for patients by correcting the following:

Congenital abnormalities

An otoplasty can address problems in both children and adults. Many young otoplasty patients are born with congenital abnormalities. In fact, a significant number of ear surgery procedures are carried out on kids between four and seven years of age. This is because the ear has usually grown to its adult size by this time, and the cartilage of the ear is thick enough to tolerate incisions and hold sutures.

Microtia, a condition in which the outside part of the ear (the pinna) is smaller than normal, can also be addressed by ear surgery. This condition is an underdeveloped or missing external ear canal.

Damage caused by trauma or injury

In addition to correcting congenital issues, otoplasty can reconstruct ear structures that have been damaged by trauma. This trauma may occur all at once as the result of a sudden accident or over time as a result of repeated stress. Common trauma-related conditions include the cauliflower ear, which is so prevalent among boxers, wrestlers, and martial arts practitioners.

Prominent ears

Ear surgeons see many “prominent ear” cases that result from the interrupted development of ear cartilage of the fetus in the womb. During the third to sixth months of fetal development, the cartilage of the outer ear undergoes a series of folds that give the ear its appearance. When one of these folds is missing, it can result in ears that extend two centimeters or more from the side of the head.

Constricted ears

Constricted ears present as an abnormal fold of the upper helical rim of the ear. Also called “cup ear” or “lop ear,” severe cases of ear constriction may result in a topmost ear that is essentially rolled up into a tube shape.

How is Otoplasty performed?

There are a couple ways that ear surgery is performed in order to reshape the ear. The first involves folding and stitching the cartilage in a manner of reshaping the ear and another involves cutting out the cartilage and reshaping it that way. Both of these begin with the surgeon making a small incision at the back of the ear so that they have access to the cartilage. The surgery is generally done at an outpatient facility and a general anesthesia with a sedative is used. However, if the patient is a child, or the surgery is more complex, the surgeon may require the patient to stay overnight.

How long is the recovery time for cosmetic ear surgery?

Recovery time can last from one to two weeks and the head is bandaged during this time. We suggest that you schedule time off work for recovery time before hand.

Are There Any Risks with Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty, as with any other type of major surgery, has risks, including the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks associated with otoplasty include the following:

  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Infection
  • Numbness
  • Facial paralysis
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Poor results
  • Need for revision surgery

Despite the potential of these risks, New Orleans and Metairie patients will still feel comfortable while being treated by Dr. Jeffrey James. As a dual board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. James prioritizes patient safety during each procedure.

How Long Does It Take to Recovery from Cosmetic Ear Surgery?

While recovery will vary from patient to patient, recovery time can last from one to two weeks. The head will be bandaged during this time. We suggest that you schedule time off work for recovery time beforehand.

Schedule a Consultation for an Otoplasty in New Orleans, LA

As one of the leading ear surgeons in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Jeffrey N. James MD, DDS, MBA, FACS, FAACS is proud to offer the otoplasty procedure to patients looking to improve the appearance of their ears. Located in the community of Metairie in Jefferson Parish, the office welcomes both brand-new and returning patients. To schedule a consultation for your otoplasty, call us at 504-619-8700 or click here to schedule a consultation for your cosmetic ear surgery in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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