Ear Plastic Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear Plastic Surgery (Otoplasty)
Ear Plastic Surgery (Otoplasty) is a procedure that is performed to set back prominent ears closer to your head, reduce the size or change the shape of your ears. Dr. Mausner performs this surgery on children, as well as adults. Many techniques are available for correcting abnormalities or prominence of the ears.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
Otoplasty can be performed at one of two stages in life; child age or adult. Ears are fully grown by the age of four or five, making this a surgery often performed on children. If recognized early, otoplasty is best when the child is at the preschool level, age 5 thru 6. This is a common time for correction and helps the child during the early socialization years. Adult ear plastic surgery is also popular.

Best candidates include:

Adults or children with protrusion of the ears
Ears which have not developed properly, or folded properly
Abnormal shape or configuration of the ear

Your Consultation
At the time of the consultation your plastic surgeon will examine you, understand your goals, determine the nature of the problem and will explain in detail the best ear plastic surgery procedure for you. Dr. Mausner strives to obtain a very natural appearance to the ear. The otoplasty offers immediate and dramatic results, which will last a lifetime.

The Procedure
Ear plastic surgery takes about one to two hours and will be performed on an out-patient basis. Ear plastic surgery is performed with general anesthesia under the care of a board certified anesthesiologist.

When ear plastic surgery is performed on children, Dr. Mausner understands that some children can become anxious about the hospital experience. During the induction of the anesthesia, one parent is allowed in the room until the child is asleep. This is both assuring and comforting for the child.

A small incision is made behind your ear and the cartilage is sculpted, folded and in some cases trimmed. Both techniques will reshape your ear. Dissolving stitches are used and there will be no visible scar. Shortly after the ear plastic surgery, you will be able to go home for recovery.

Your Healing
You are advised to keep your head elevated to reduce discomfort and swelling. Pain relievers and antibiotics will be prescribed to help during your recovery. You may shower two days after surgery. A bandage is worn for the first 6 to 7 days. This protects the ears and keeps gentle compression intact. Discoloration is gone by ten days to 2 weeks days after ear plastic surgery. Dr. Mausner does recommend that you wear a sport or ski headband to sleep for 1-2 months after otoplasty surgery to help mold the ears. Dr. Mausner will follow up with you regularly in the office. It is suggested that you take off one week from work or school.

Complications
The expectance of complications for otoplasty is quite low. Occasionally the correction of the ear may not stay, and then recurrence is possible. This may be repaired with a later operation. Dr. Mausner will review all complications and risks with you.

Can you benefit from ear plastic surgery? Call Mausner Plastic Surgery Center today at 301-564-4466 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

CARING. COMPETENT. CONFIDENTIAL.

Dr. Mark Mausner, nationally and internationally renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeon located in the Washington, D.C. area, specializes in plastic surgery procedures, including breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, liposuction, facelift and body contouring surgery. Mausner Plastic Surgery Center serves the communities of Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Frederick, Arlington, Fairfax, McLean, Alexandria, Urbana, Mt Airy, Poolesville, Brookville, Kensington, Clinton, Waldorf, Laurel, Potomac, Columbia, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Tysons and Washington, D.C.