Kids are not typical candidates for plastic surgery, but when a child is born with or develops misshapen ears, otoplasty can help. This type of ear surgery can be performed on children ages four and up to improve aesthetics and self-confidence and avoid possible psychological problems caused by excessive teasing.
What Does Otoplasty Do?
Ear surgery can restore or improve the shape and appearance of the ears. The procedure is usually performed on both ears to keep them symmetrical.
Otoplasty can correct:
- Protruding ears
- Abnormally large ears
- Stretched lobes
- Pointed tops and deep creases
When children are born with prominent or misshapen ears, doctors can use molds to perform the surgery immediately after birth. If this correction did not happen at birth or needs more work after their ears fully develop, otoplasty can be performed after the ears have reached their full size.
Otoplasty is recommended for children as young as five, but in special circumstances, the surgery can be performed on children as young as three. Most ear surgeries are performed between the ages of five and fourteen, as long as the patient is in good health. Local anesthetic combined with either IV or oral sedation is used for older children and adults, and for very young children general anesthesia is usually used to so they can sleep through the procedure.
Otoplasty surgery will have the best results if the child is emotionally ready. They will probably need to take a break from school for a week to avoid any play activity where they could get hurt. Normal postoperative instructions will apply while the incision heals, and until the stitches dissolve.
Is Ear Surgery Right for Your Child?
If you are seeking to improve the aesthetics of your child’s ears, especially for those experiencing bullying or low self-esteem because of large or protruding ears, cosmetic ear surgery can help. The most common type of external ear protrusion is lop ear or bat ear. As long as there are no inner ear problems, these issues can be successfully resolved with outpatient surgery.
Once you find a surgeon who performs the service on children, you will want to schedule a consultation to discuss your child’s medical history and aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will go over the surgical risks, benefits, cost (with or without insurance coverage), and recovery expectations. This information will help you decide whether to move forward with otoplasty for your child.
To find out more about how otoplasty can improve ear aesthetics for your child or even yourself, contact us to schedule a consultation.