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Heard the Latest on Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
Clinically referred to as otoplasty, cosmetic ear surgery is a procedure
that corrects abnormalities and deformities of the ear, and in some cases,
simply reshapes the ear for a more proportioned and balanced look.
Why Ear Surgery?
Adults and children who are embarrassed by the size and/or shape of their
ears can undergo cosmetic ear surgery in order to improve their overall
appearance and feel better about themselves. Plastic surgeons can correct
oversized ears, ears that stick out, and various deformities caused by
birth defects or injuries. In many cases, otoplasty does not only improve
the appearance of one’s ears, but also increases the level of their
self-esteem.
The
Consultation
Prior to ear surgery, the patient will meet with the cosmetic surgeon
for a pre-operative consultation. The purpose of this visit is to determine
whether otoplasty is a good option for the patient. A candidacy for the
procedure depends largely on a patient’s medical history, general
health, lifestyle, and expectations. Patient and surgeon will discuss
the desired results, details of the procedure as well as the recovery
period. Before and after pictures may be taken for the patient’s
medical file in order to enable comparisons.
The Procedure
The patient will be either sedated or under local or general anesthesia
during the otoplasty procedure. Once the patient is comfortable, the plastic
surgeon will make an incision either on the back portion of the ear, or
if necessary, in an indiscriminate location on the front of the ear in
order to access the cartilage which must be molded and reshaped to its
desired form. The exact procedure in each case varies in accordance to
the patient’s wishes. Once the new ears have been constructed, the
incisions are closed using permanent sutures to maintain the shape.
The Recovery
At the beginning of the recovery period, the ears will be bandaged to
enable the healing process. Patients will experience some mild soreness
from the incision, and over-the-counter pain medications may be suggested
to manage any discomfort. Once the bandages are removed, patients will
be able to see immediate results. If these results are not satisfactory
to the patient, a follow-up procedure may be recommended.
The Cost
While the average cost of the surgeon’s fee for ear surgery is around
$3,000, this amount does not include the fee for the facility or the anesthesia
administered prior to the procedure. Moreover, the cost can vary widely,
depending on the skill and reputation of the chosen surgeon, the geographical
location of the facility, and the extent of the specific procedure. In
generally, the entire cost of cosmetic ear surgery should be in the $5,000
range. Like most aesthetic procedures, insurance does not typically cover
any of the costs associated with otoplasty; hence, the patient is responsible
for the cost of the procedure. Some plastic surgeons offer financing options
to their patients.
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