Darrell L. Henderson, MD understands the stigma that often accompanies protruding ears and work very carefully to reconstruct their ears to look normal and increase self-esteem.
What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is recommended to correct ears that protrude or are disfigured. Ear surgery corrects the shape, position, and the proportion of the ear and is appropriate for adults and children at least four years of age. Known to some as ear pinning, the procedure is purely cosmetic and cannot treat any degree of hearing loss.
Benefits of Ear Surgery
- Bring better proportion to your ears and facial features
- Correct ear deformities present from birth
- Restore the ears after an accident or sports injury
- Improves confidence
- Makes patients feel normal
Ear Surgery Procedure
Otoplasty surgery takes around one to three hours, depending on the complexity. Although general anesthesia is usually recommended for children, adults can either choose between general or local anesthesia.
A small incision is then made in the fold along the back of the ear. The skin and cartilage are manipulated and reshaped to achieve the desired appearance. Even when only one ear needs to be reshaped, your doctor may work on both ears to ensure symmetry. Your ears are wrapped with a thick bandage to protect them and help your ears heal properly. The bandages also reduce swelling.
Preparing for Ear Surgery
If your ear surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
It is best to maintain a positive attitude before your ear plastic surgery. If combined with a thorough understanding of the expected recovery, your otoplasty procedure will be a good overall experience.
Ear Surgery Recovery
Recovery from ear surgery is an individualized process that depends on many factors, such as physiology, extent of correction, and patient self-care.
- You may have some swelling, tenderness, and bruising.
- Sleep with your head elevated for at least three days.
- You then return to our office to be evaluated by your plastic surgeon and to have your bandage replaced.
- Your stitches are removed after seven days.
The next step of your recovery is giving yourself time to heal. Typically, adults require at least three days, while children are asked to limit their activities for up to seven days. Even after the initial healing, you will need to protect your ears from injury for up to three weeks. You should not bend or manipulate your ears for at least one month.*
*Take note individual results may vary
What Does Ear Surgery Cost?
We accept most insurance plans and we offer financing options through CareCredit®. The total cost depends on the procedure. After your consultation appointment, we give you a total cost that includes anesthesia, pre- and post-operative care, and other associated costs. To learn more, call our office today.
What to Expect During your Consultation
We believe exceptional patient care is a right, not a privilege. Several areas will be covered during your consultation, including:
- Your medical history
- Discussion of your concerns and goals
- Explanation of procedure and expected results
- Customized treatment plan(s)
- Applicable fees and financing information
Darrell L. Henderson, MD offers cosmetic treatments using the latest medical advances to patients in entire Acadiana region, including New Iberia, Abbeville, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Monroe. For your private consultation, contact our office today.
