Beverly Hills Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Although the hearing function has a much higher priority than the outward appearance of the ears, many people -- and especially children -- suffer the pangs of embarrassment caused by oversized, deformed, or protruding ears. For that reason, Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) is one of the few cosmetic procedures performed more often on children than adults.
Children's outer ears are fully developed by the age of four, and with softer, more pliable cartilage, reconstructive surgery is easier and more beneficial between the ages of four and fourteen. Not only are the physical benefits more heightened at a young age, but so are the psychological ones. Years of self-consciousness can be avoided by correcting the problem early on in life.
Otoplasty is also, however, a relatively simple, effective surgery for adults, although their cartilage isn't as pliable as in young children and can be more complex to sculpt. When combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a face or brow lift, Adult Ear Surgery can improve and rejuvenate the entire facial appearance. No more hiding under hats, caps, and long hair once your new ears create a more appealing look for you . . . and, yes, you've been waiting a long time for that, haven't you?
In the Beverly Hills area, Dr. D. David Saadat is renowned for his extensive background performing Otoplasty procedures. His professional staff is dedicated to outstanding patient care and, as a certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Saadat is committed to the latest, state-of-the-art techniques in all cosmetic surgeries, including Otoplasty.
Procedure: Eyelid Lift
Gender: Male
Age: 55
Surgeon: Dr. Saadat
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Is Ear Surgery Right For You?
Before deciding on an Otoplasty procedure, you should schedule a one-on-one consultation with the physician you've selected to make sure that the surgery is right for you or your child. It's important to ask questions and review all the options to assure the goals for your surgery are realistically attainable and specifically tailored to your needs. You will also have an opportunity to look at before-and-after photos to get a better idea of what your ears -- or your child's --might look like following surgery.
If you are considering Otoplasty for your child, the surgeon can explain the procedure to them in age-appropriate terms and help your child get more comfortable, both physically and psychologically, with what's going to happen before, during and after the operation. It is also very important that the child be open and willing to have the surgery so they will be better patients and have an easier recovery. Insisting they have the surgery when they're not ready will only cause more anxiety for both of you.
In order to help determine if Otoplasty is right for you or your child, ask yourself if any of the following are the desired effects that you want to achieve:
- Ears that are flatter to the head with a less noticeable protrusion ("pinning");
- Refinement and contouring of the ear shape to improve "cupping" or "shelling";
- Reduction in the size of overly large ears;
- Improvement of lobes that are stretched, creased, or wrinkled;
- Reconstructive surgery for injuries or birth defects, including undeveloped or missing outer ears.
There is little risk associated with Otoplasty and most patients are very happy with the results. When considering whether Ear Surgery is a good personal choice for you, remember that all cosmetic surgeries are very intricate procedures which require the most skilled surgical hands doing precise delicate work. If you are seriously considering Otoplasty, for you or your child, it is important that you work with a board certified surgeon you can trust.
What is Otoplasty?
Most Otoplasty surgeries are relatively simple, taking a little over an hour, but the more complicated cases can take two or three hours. For adults, a mild sedative and local anesthesia will be used while children usually receive general anesthesia so they can be asleep and less frightened. Most Otoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis, but in the case of children having general anesthesia, there is usually an overnight stay in the hospital for observation.
The most commonly used Otoplasty procedures are for "pinning" the ears closer to the head, refining the shape of the ear, reducing large ears, enlarging small ears, making both ears more harmonious with one another, and creating ear shapes where none exists because of either an accident or a birth defect. For more complex or total ear reconstruction, your surgeon can review various options during the initial consultation appointment.
In almost all Otoplasty procedures, a small incision is made in the back of the ear to expose the cartilage, which is then sculpted and sometimes partially removed to achieve a smoother, more natural shape to the ear. Pinning involves cartilage removal and adjusting the ears closer to the head. Even when only one ear needs to be corrected, the surgery is generally performed on both ears to ensure better alignment and balance.
Small, non-removable stitches are used to hold the ears in the correct position and willleave only a faint scar in the folds behind the ear. When the surgery is completed the ears will be packed with gauze padding and a Compression bandage will be placed around the head to prevent the possibility of injury and ensure the proper positioning and healing.
What Might You Experience During Recovery?
You should stay as quiet and restful as possible for the first few days following surgery and try to limit movement of the head for the first week or two. Drink plenty of water and keep your head slightly elevated when reclining and avoid sleeping on your side.
Pain is generally minimal following an Otoplasty procedure, but the ears may ache or throb for a few days, which can be best controlled with prescription medications. Any excessive pain, redness, or an elevated temperature, however, should be reported to your doctor immediately. As with all surgeries, avoid using aspirin and alcohol for a few weeks before and after your procedure.
There will some bruising and swelling around the ears and neck, which will start to disappear in about a week, and the large head bandage will be replaced by a smaller headband-type dressing which should be worn for a week or two, especially at night.
Normal activities may be resumed after about two weeks but strenuous activity, heavy lifting,or any activity in which the ear might be bent, should be avoided for a month or so. Wait for your doctor to tell you when it's okay to go back to your "regular life", and make sure you schedule and go to your follow-up exams, as it's very important to monitor the healing process.
Make sure that you take it easy and listen to your body throughout the entire recovery period . . . you'll heal faster and with less pain if you do.
Choosing Dr. Saadat For Your Ear Surgery
It is important for you, as you consider having Otoplasty surgery, to differentiate what various surgeons in your area have to offer . . . not only from a surgical perspective, which is your first criteria, but also from a personal perspective. Your decision to have this surgery needs to be built upon a trust of the surgeon, the staff, and their ability to offer guidance through what is a time-consuming, expensive but, yes, rewarding procedure. The bottom line is . . . . are you comfortable with everything that this surgeon and his staff are offering to you as a patient?
Dr. David Saadat is committed to both outstanding patient care and to the latest cosmetic surgery techniques. Combining state-of-the-art equipment and first-rate surgical skills, Dr. Saadat is able to achieve beautifully natural looks and, even more importantly, a natural "feel" for his patients. Clients come from around the world for the facial and Otoplasty surgery expertise that Dr. Saadat provides in the Beverly Hills / Los Angeles area.
His goal for you is simple . . . to give you a more natural-looking improvement to the ears that both you and Dr. Saadat will be pleased with for many years to come.
What Do You Do Next?
If you have further questions about whether Otoplasty Surgery is right for you, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Saadat to discuss your goals and surgical options.
