Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
An otoplasty, also known simply as ear surgery or pinning, is a procedure designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the ears and earlobes. While an otoplasty can generally be performed on healthy adults and children over the age of five, as long as their ear cartilage is fully formed, certain individuals are better suited for ear surgery than others. Read on to learn more about ideal candidates for otoplasty procedures.
People Who Want to Make Aesthetic Changes
Individuals who are bothered by the size and shape of their ears may be perfect candidates for ear surgery. An otoplasty may be right for you if you are ears are asymmetrical, protrude away from your head, or are disproportionate in size. Ear surgery can also be performed on individuals who are suffering from droopy, saggy, or overlarge earlobes. Parents often choose otoplasty for their children to help them avoid being teased and improve their social interactions at school.
Dr. Joseph Perlman, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston with over 30 years experience, treats many patients with protruding ears. "Most of my patients are girls and they tend to come from three different age groups. The majority are 4-5 years old and they are getting ready for school. Their parents feel that the other kids may make fun of them or that they will be self-conscious about their ears. The next group are girls 11-13 years of age and they are wanting to wear their hair up at school and the last group are girls in their 20s who never got the opportunity to have the surgery earlier. It always makes me good to see them come in further postop visit with their hair pinned up", says Dr. Perlman.
Individuals with Congenital Defects
Adults and children who have non-hearing-related congenital defects may be candidates for an otoplasty. These defects include but are not limited to:
- Cagot ear: earlobe is not present.
- Cat’s ear: tips of the ears fold forward.
- Lop ear: ear curves slightly inward like a cup.
- Scroll ear: ear curves forward.
- Cleft ear: earlobe contains an indentation.
- Cryptotia: upper curved portion of the ear is embedded in the scalp.
- Macrotia: condition characterized by abnormally large ears.
- Microtia: condition characterized by abnormally small or underdeveloped ears.
Those with Ear Deformities Due to Trauma
An otoplasty is also a great option for individuals suffering from cauliflower ear, or a condition in which the cartilage within the ear separates and fills with fluid. This condition is often the result of repeated injury.
Find out if you’re a candidate for an otoplasty by contacting the Advanced Plastic Surgery Centre of Houston at (281) 394-4167. We also offer face lifts, rhinoplasty procedures, and liposuction.
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