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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Houston

Protruding ears can be a source of teasing and embarrassment for adults and children alike. Ear surgery or otoplasty is a procedure that brings ears in line with the rest of the facial features, creating symmetry, balance and a more pleasing facial contour. It is one of the few cosmetic procedure that is appropriate to perform on patients of all ages, including young children.

Ear surgery offers the following benefits:

  • Reduces the appearance of protruding ears
  • Enhances the size and shape of the ears
  • Creates symmetry to uneven ears
  • Gives balance and proportion to the entire facial profile

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Ear Surgery Houston

Options in Ear Surgery
Dr. Rappaport can perform otoplasty one of two ways:

  • Incisions behind the ear allow for removal of excess cartilage and soft tissue
  • Incisions inside the ear provide for correction to the ear rim fold

How is Ear Surgery Performed?
Dr. Rappaport performs otoplasty on an outpatient basis, usually under general anesthesia. The surgery may take 1-3 hours, depending on the specific techniques used and whether other procedures will be done at the same time. Small incisions made in undetectable areas behind or inside the ear allow for removal of cartilage and soft tissue. The remaining cartilage is then moved into the new position and the incisions are sutured closed.

What is the Recovery Like?
A soft compression dressing is worn for about one week after surgery to keep ears in their new position and encourage healing. A headband is also worn for the following five weeks. Any discomfort can be managed with oral pain medicine. Most patients are back to regular activities within a week and full results are visible within two weeks.

Dr. Rappaport Answers Questions about Ear Surgery

Who is a candidate for ear surgery?
Otoplasty is best performed prior to kindergarten to prevent teasing by other children, but the procedure can be performed at any age, including adults.

What is the primary goal of otoplasty?
The basis of the procedure is the correction of the fold of the ear rim and reduction of the angle of the ear as it protrudes from the side of the head.

How long will the results last?
Otoplasty is considered a permanent procedure that only needs to be performed once in a patient’s lifetime, as long as the ears are fully developed before the procedure is done. This usually occurs around five or six years of age. However, accidents or injuries could alter the appearance of the ears, requiring additional surgery in the future.

Will otoplasty affect my hearing?
Ear surgery of this nature will not damage or improve your hearing in any way.

How common are protruding ears?
It is estimated that around five percent of the general population has this issue. The degree of protrusion varies from person to person.

Dr. Rappaport performs ear surgery on patients of all ages and strives to achieve a result that is natural and proportionate. To learn more about ear surgery, call the staff at Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at 713-790-4500.

Houston Center For Plastic Surgery

6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc