Otoplasty
Prominent Ears, Big And Droopy Earlobes?
An otoplasty is an operation that addresses the shape and or size of the ears. About five percent of the population have prominent ears and this can lead to self-consciousness and embarrassment in many cases. This problem can be easily taken care of with an otoplasty.
The ear is given a new and more normal shape by recreating the folds and grooves that are missing. There are various methods of performing this operation. In some, the cartilage that forms the ear is cut or weakened in order to bend and shape it. More commonly, stitches are used to bend the cartilage into the desired shape. More recently, an incisionless technique has been devised to create these changes without having to cut the skin in the back of the ear. When the ear lobes are too large and sagging (a change that invariably occurs with age), we can improve them easily with an ear lobe reduction. The lobes are trimmed and reshaped, hiding the scars nicely within the normal creases around the ear. Torn earlobes from long use of heavy earrings can also be corrected and made stronger surgically.
Otoplasty will correct the specific parts of the ear that are causing it to look different. The incisionless technique offers a very quick recovery with little bruising and swelling in most cases, allowing patients to resume normal activities within a day or two. A natural looking ear is the goal and usually very easily achieved. Lobe reductions and repairs heal within a week and restore cosmesis and function to the lower part of the ear.
Dr. Gantous was the first surgeon in Canada to offer this technique for correcting prominent ears. He has performed hundreds of procedures in both adults and children and developed a keen interest and expertise.
In an incisionless otoplasty, the ear is reshaped by placing permanent stitches (the same kind that are used in the traditional open technique) through the skin and burying them underneath without the need for any cuts. The reshaped cartilage of the ear is scored with a needle in order to “create” scarring, that will help the ear retain its shape. The operation can be done under local anesthesia if desired and takes about 20 minutes per ear. The patient can go home the same day and only needs to wear a headband at night for the first two weeks.
Compared to the traditional technique, the incisionless otoplasty is a less painful operation and has less chances of a complication arising.
Dr. Gantous will assist you in determining whether you are a good surgical candidate for this operation.
Earlobe Reconstruction (Earlobe Repair)
A variety of problems may require reconstructive surgery of the earlobes. Earlobe abnormalities may result from hereditary abnormalities, traumatic events, surgical procedures (i.e., for skin cancer treatment) or ear lobe changes due to body art. The reconstructive approaches to most of these problems differ and depend on the specific needs of the patient. Often, a creative and artistic eye is helpful in planning these delicate earlobe procedures.
Torn Or Split Earlobes
The earlobes are the lower part of the ears and are made of soft skin and a small amount of fatty tissue. Earlobes come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and forms. The earlobes provide and complete the normal appearance to the ears and serve as an important area for displaying jewelry across all cultures. This can range from little studs and hoops to heavier earrings or different types of piercings.
How Do Earlobe Tears Occur?
Long-time use of heavy earrings or accidental pulling of and earring can lead to a partial or complete tear of the lobe. This split may be unattractive and renders the earlobe unusable for most jewelry.
How Can Split Earlobes Be Corrected?
Most torn earlobes can be effectively and safely corrected using delicate surgical repair techniques. The procedure is routinely performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient. In order to rebuild the earlobe, the healed and scarred aspects of the tear require removal. Repair is then performed in a straight line or in a zigzag. We find that partial tears can be easily repaired in a straight line, but we prefer the Z-plasty technique for complete tears. Not only will this restore the normal look to the lobe, but it will make it stronger and less likely to tear in the future. Small amounts of antibiotic ointment are applied at home for a few days ensuring cleanliness. The earlobe heals beautifully and the scars are barely visible.
Can The Ear Be Pierced Again?
Yes, Dr. Gantous will advise when it is safe to do so, but it is usually about two months after the repair. It is important to prevent recurrent earlobe damage. Dr. Gantous recommends being careful with larger ear jewelry and loops around children.
Ear Lobe Reconstruction (Ear Lobe Repair)
A variety of problems may require reconstructive surgery of the earlobes. Earlobe abnormalities may result from hereditary abnormalities, traumatic events, surgical procedures (i.e., for skin cancer treatment) or ear lobe changes due to body art. The reconstructive approaches to most of these problems differ and depend on the specific needs of the patient. Often, a creative and artistic eye is helpful in planning these delicate earlobe procedures.
Torn Or Split Ear Lobes
The earlobes are the lower part of the ears and are made of soft skin and a small amount of fatty tissue. Ear lobes come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and forms. The ear lobes provide and complete the normal appearance to the ears and serve as an important area for displaying jewelry across all cultures. This can range from little studs and hoops to heavier ear-rings or different types of piercings.
How Do Ear Lobe Tears Occur?
Long time use of heavy ear-rings or accidental pulling of and ear ring can lead to a partial or complete tear of the lobe. This split may be unattractive and renders the earlobe unusable for most jewelry.
How Can Split Earlobes Be Corrected?
Most torn earlobes can be effectively and safely corrected using delicate surgical repair techniques. The procedure is routinely performed under local anesthesia as an out-patient. In order to rebuild the earlobe, the healed and scarred aspects of the tear require removal. Repair is then performed in either a straight line or a zigzag. We find that partial tears can be easily repaired in a straight line, but we prefer the Z-plasty technique for complete tears. Not only will this restore the normal look to the lobe, but it also make it stronger and less likely to tear in the future. Small amounts of antibiotic ointment are applied at home for a few days to ensure cleanliness. The earlobe heals beautifully and the scars are barely visible.
Can The Ear Be Pierced Again?
Yes, Dr. Gantous will advise when it is safe to do so, but it is usually about two months after the repair. It is important to prevent recurrent earlobe damage. Dr. Gantous recommends being careful with larger ear jewelry and loops around children.
