Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery, has been ranked one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery performed in the western hemisphere. For patients who are seeking otoplasty surgery in Toronto, there are plenty of options. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding the procedure.
How Is Otoplasty Performed?
There are numerous techniques that are employed when performing otoplasty. The most common ones involve making small incisions either in front of the ear, behind the ear, or through the ear and then pinning the protruding ear backward so that it’s closer to the head. By making the incisions behind the ear lobe or through the ear, the scarring is very minimal and completely unnoticeable. A newer method known as incisionless otoplasty is also available in the GTA. It involves manually reshaping the ear by placing permanent stitches through the skin and then hiding them underneath the skin so that piercing the skin isn’t necessary. This allows the surgeon to remodel the cartilage according to the patient’s preferences and desires.
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What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
There are plenty of benefits to undergoing ear surgery or otoplasty in Ontario. It can help increase your self esteem and confidence, especially if you have noticeably protruding and large ears. Many parents whose children have particularly large ears opt for otoplasty procedures in Toronto because it can help decrease the chances of their school-aged children being teased by their peers and it can also improve their ability to wear glasses or earrings more comfortably. More importantly, it can also correct congenital issues in the ear such as Microtia and Anotia in addition to fixing complications resulting from blunt-force trauma or physical injuries such as having piercings accidentally torn out.
What Is the Ideal Age to Do Otoplasty?
There’s no specific ideal age or age restrictions when it comes to receiving otoplasty surgery in Toronto. In fact, most children around the age of 4 or 5 are eligible to undergo the surgery as long as their ears are fully developed. Children’s ears usually develop into full-sized adult ears by this time. As a precaution, it’s advised that parents consult with at least two plastic surgeons before committing their young children to such a procedure to ensure that their child is absolutely ready for it. Otherwise, future problems and complications could arise throughout the child’s formative years.
How Long Does Is the Recovery Period?
The full recovery period for both children and adults lasts anywhere from four to six weeks, but you’ll start to notice results immediately after removing the protective dressing from your face. Young adults and older adults can typically return to school or work respectively after about seven to eight days following surgery, but should refrain from participating in any strenuous physical activities for at least one month to avoid undoing the surgery.
What Are the Risks Involved in Otoplasty?
There are very minimal risks involved in otoplasty surgery, especially if your surgeon is board-certified and specializes in ear, nose, and throat surgical procedures. Possible post-operative complications could include visible scarring, infection if the entry wounds aren’t properly closed or cared for, or even asymmetrical results. Your hearing won’t be obscured or affected at all because otoplasty is strictly an outer ear procedure.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
Unfortunately, otoplasty isn’t typically covered by insurance plans because it’s an elective cosmetic procedure and isn’t usually done for serious medical reasons. However, this is something patients should ultimately discuss with their insurance companies directly or check if their employers will help cover a portion of the cost.
Dr. Andres Gantous at Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery has been assisting patients seeking ear lobe surgery and other forms of otoplasty in Toronto and the GTA for over 20 years. As a nose, throat, and ear specialist, he’s helped hundreds of patients achieve their cosmetic surgery goals with outstanding results and he can help you, too. If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please contact us today!