Otoplasty Benefits
Dr. Kam customizes otoplasty in Voorhees, NJ, to address your specific concerns regarding your ears. Otoplasty or ear pinning provides a wide range of benefits, including:
- Safely corrects abnormally shaped ears
- Reduces the size of overly large-ears
- Flatten or reposition the ears closer to the head
- Improve symmetry of the ears
- Reduce the size of a stretch earlobe due to large earrings or gauges
- Repair a ripped or torn earlobe
- Provides permanent results
- May alleviate social anxiety caused by irregularly shaped or large ears
Protruding, large, or misshapen ears can cause us to feel self-conscious. There is a permanent solution. Ear reshaping surgery, or otoplasty, can adjust the size, shape, and position of the ears.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgery that reshapes the ears. It is a highly customized procedure that utilizes a variety of techniques to shape the cartilage framework of the ear. Otoplasty is also known as ear pinning, ear reduction, or earlobe repair.
Otoplasty is usually performed as an elective surgery to improve protruding ears. Large ears distract from the other facial features, and adjustments to the ears can improve the patient’s overall appearance. Otoplasty can also be performed to reconstruct the outer ear when it is deformed or misshapen due to a birth abnormality or injury.
Other times, it is performed to repair a ripped, stretched, or pulled earlobe after distortion by gauges or heavy earrings. Dr. Kam customizes otoplasty in Voorhees, NJ, to improve symmetry and help restore self-confidence.
Ideal Candidates for Ear Surgery
Ideal candidates for ear surgery are individuals who are unhappy with the ear shape or prominence and seek cosmetic improvements. Candidates should have ears that have reached adult size, typically by the age of six, to ensure the cartilage is suitable for reshaping. Prospective patients must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. This surgery is ideal for those looking to correct irregularities or reduce the visibility of protruding ears, contributing to a more balanced facial appearance. Essential for success is an understanding that while cosmetic surgery can enhance physical appearance, it should also align with the individual’s overall health and psychological readiness for the changes it brings.
Otoplasty Consultation in Voorhees, NJ
During the otoplasty consultation at our convenient locations in Voorhees and Sewell, Dr. Kam examines the patient’s ears and listens to their concerns. Recognized as a leading New Jersey facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Joana Kam creates a unique surgical plan tailored to the patient’s medical history and cosmetic goals and explains the surgical procedure in detail.
Dr. Kam encourages a personal consultation to ensure each plan is perfectly aligned with the patient’s expectations. She shares before and after photos and explains the risks, expected results, self-care, and recovery process. Her ultimate goal is to help each patient achieve natural-looking results that match their goals.
Preparation for Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Dr. Kam provides each patient with presurgical and postsurgical instructions during the ear surgery consultation. Patients need to undergo necessary lab tests to ensure they are fit for surgery. Smokers must stop smoking about 1 month before surgery because smoking hinders healing.
Share a list of current medications with the surgeon and follow her instructions on continuing or pausing medications. Avoid aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin and Advil, because they increase the risk of bruising. Ask Dr. Kam about any herbal supplements you take, as some supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.
Avoid wearing perfume, lotion, and makeup on the day of surgery. Wear comfortable clothing. You may want to ask a friend for transportation to and from the surgery.
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The Otoplasty Procedure
The cosmetic procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia and takes approximately 30-45 minutes per ear. Dr. Kam uses incisions behind the ear or within the inner creases to remove, score, or fold cartilage to improve the position, shape, or size of the ear.
In some cases, the ear can be pinned back without removing cartilage. The procedure on each ear is unique and may include the removal of differing amounts of cartilage to create symmetry.
Dr. Kam customizes the otoplasty to match the patient’s goals. Some options include:
Augmentation Surgery
This procedure is aimed at increasing the size of underdeveloped ears to ensure they are proportionate to other facial features, ultimately creating a more balanced appearance. Augmentation may involve the use of implants or reshaping techniques to enhance the ear’s structure.
Ear Pinning Surgery
Ear pinning surgery is performed to draw the ears closer to the head, reducing their prominence. The incisions for this procedure are strategically placed in discreet locations behind the ear to minimize visible scarring and maximize the natural contour of the ear.
Reduction Surgery
Reduction surgery addresses the size of overly large ears or enlarged ear lobes by removing extra cartilage and skin. This procedure helps to achieve a size more in harmony with the face and other features, providing a refined, natural look.
Reconstruction Surgery
It focuses on restoring or reconstructing the external parts of the ear that are deformed due to a congenital defect or damage from injury such as Cauliflower ear. Reconstruction may involve techniques to repair split earlobes or rebuild the entire ear using tissue flaps or grafts, restoring both the form and function of the ear.
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Otoplasty Recovery
After the procedure, bandages are applied over the ears to support and protect the area. Dr. Kam will provide post-operative instructions on when to remove the coverings. Some discomfort, redness, and swelling are likely after surgery.
Dr. Kam will provide aftercare instructions for a successful otoplasty recovery, prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, and review pain medication. After removing the bandages, wear a headband at night to protect the ears and avoid irritation.
Patients should sleep on their backs. Although the incisions and surgery are minimal, the ears take time to heal. Most patients enjoy their total results and healing in about six weeks. Most patients return to school or work within one week and gradually resume their regular activities.
Why Choose Dr. Kam for Your Otoplasty
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
- Joanna Kam, MD is a Facial Plastic Surgeon certified in Otolaryngology by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- She completed a residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI.
- Dr. Kam was one of a handful of students in her medical school class nominated to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Otoplasty Cost
Each otoplasty is unique and the price varies based on the operation. Dr. Kam discusses the surgery, the anticipated results, and the cost during the consultation at our center for New Jersey Facial Plastic Surgery.
Medical insurance does not cover cosmetic otoplasty, but it may cover reconstructive ear surgery when performed to improve functional issues or injuries. It’s important to consider additional expenses that may not be included in the initial quote. Kam Facial Plastic Surgery offers payment options through Care Credit, which has a separate online application.
