When it comes to our physical features, most people don’t pay much attention to the appearance of their ears. Ears are normally tucked away on the side of the head and draw little attention to themselves, even when adorned with jewelry like dangling earrings, gauges, or diamonds and pearls. But for some people who were born with ears that are overly large, oddly shaped, or protrude prominently from the sides of the head, the ears can be a major cause of low self-esteem, embarrassment, and social anxiety. Additionally, they can even make children and adults more susceptible to bullying.
Fortunately, Dr. J. Randall Jordan at Faces PLLC in Ridgeland, MS, offers a cosmetic procedure called otoplasty, a surgery that aims at reducing the size and correcting the position of the ears. If you’re unsure what otoplasty entails or why you should consider having it now in adulthood, continue reading to learn how adult otoplasty can benefit you.
What Exactly Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear-pinning surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that reshapes or minimizes the appearance of the ears. While otoplasty is often easier to perform on children as the cartilage is more pliable, it’s also possible for most adults. Otoplasty is generally performed using a local anesthetic in the office for adults or a general anesthetic in the operating room for children. During otoplasty, a small incision is made in the natural fold behind the ears, where the surgeon will reduce protrusions and minimize their size by carefully and strategically removing excess cartilage and skin. Once the procedure process is complete and the surgeon is satisfied with the results, the incisions are closed with just a few stitches, and the patient is ready to return home.
Why Do Children Have Otoplasty?
Parents of young children who have overly large ears or ears that stick out from their heads will often choose to have otoplasty performed on their child at a young age to avoid bullying or the low self-confidence that results from abnormal ears. However, parents must wait until their child is at least five years old, or the results could change as the ears continue to form.
Children tolerate otoplasty surgery well since it is a minimally invasive procedure that they likely won’t remember having. Otoplasty won’t affect the child’s ability to hear, scars are easily hidden, and recovery is relatively quick.
What Are the Most Common Reasons for Adult Otoplasty?
Adults seek otoplasty for largely the same reasons that parents seek cosmetic ear surgery for their children. The main difference is usually the emotion behind the decision. Adults are looking to boost their self-confidence after years of feeling self-conscious about the size of their ears. Many adults who pursue otoplasty have suffered years of bullying as children and even into adulthood and are excited to finally have ears that draw little attention to themselves.
How to Choose the Right Surgeon for Your Otoplasty Procedure?
It is essential for the patient’s safety and exceptional results that they work with an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled surgeon for their ear correction surgery. While a relatively safe procedure, otoplasty does have risks, as do all surgical procedures. For this reason, patients should choose a surgeon with a proven record of successful and safe outcomes. Be sure to review your chosen surgeon’s otoplasty before and after photo gallery and read otoplasty testimonials from previous patients.
Double board-certified surgeon Dr. J. Randall Jordan is a leading facial cosmetic surgeon in the Jackson, MS, metro area. He believes that the best decisions are informed decisions, which is why he spends ample time with his patients explaining the procedure and answering questions. His honest, tactical approach is what makes patients feel comfortable expressing their needs and putting their trust in his expert opinions and recommendations.
During your consultation, Dr. Jordan will explain otoplasty benefits, surgery and recovery, and costs.
Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation at Faces PLLC Today!
If you’ve grown up feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about the appearance of your ears and would like to make them less prominent, Dr. Jordan and the team at Faces, PLLC can help! Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jordan at our clinic located in Ridgeland, MS, and learn about the benefits of otoplasty and whether it’s right for you.
Call us at (601) 607-3033 or complete our contact form to get started today!