Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in Peachtree City, GA

Ear reshaping surgery, a procedure officially called otoplasty, is sometimes performed to reduce the size, shape, and general proportion of the ears for a better appearance. Otoplasty can also correct defects that are present from birth, problems caused by injury to the ears, and earlobe repairs. This surgery can also be performed to remove tissue and cartilage from the ear to mold it into a more refined and attractive shape. Sharpsburg, Peachtree City, Newnan, and Fayetteville, GA and surrounding area men and women can benefit from this surgery if they are unhappy with the appearance of their ears or who need reconstruction of an ear. Double board-certified plastic and ENT surgeon Dr. Matthew Karen can also perform this procedure on children as young as five who have large or protruding ears who may get teased for their appearance throughout childhood. For more information, contact Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa to schedule a consultation today.

If you're dissatisfied with the shape or size of your ears, a customized otoplasty procedure in Sharpsburg, GA at Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa may allow you or your child to gain a new level of self-confidence with upsides such as:

• Addresses a wide variety of ear problems
• Reduces the visibility of excessively big ears
• Repositions ears that jut out to lay more evenly against the head
• Fixes damage from a serious injury
• Treats congenital ear anomalies
• Increases self-assurance
• Achieves a more natural look to the ears
• Ear surgery is safe and effective
• It can be performed on children as young as 5 — 7

In the case of protruding ears, the cartilage of the ears will be reformed and sometimes supported by splints, and soft tissue may also be trimmed away. Dr. Karen will make incisions behind your ear to reveal the ear’s confines. From there, the ears will be repositioned by tightening the skin. In cases of "hidden ears," when cartilages are not fully developed, Dr. Karen may choose to reshape the cartilages by pulling or repositioning while splints are placed as supports. In some cases, tissue grafting is also necessary to gain volume. Ear surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia and takes 1 – 2 hours to complete. In the case of earlobe repair, Dr. Karen can help repair a split, torn, or stretched earlobe in as little as 20 – 30 minutes. Following your procedure, you will be sent home for recovery with your ears bandaged to keep the new position and shape in place. This also helps young patients so they cannot touch or play with their ears. Dr. Karen or one of his Sharpsburg, GA team members will give you post-op care instructions, which will include a variety of activities you should avoid your first week after surgery. Your scars will remain hidden behind the ears or within the natural folds if the incisions are made in front of the ear. You can expect your results to be long-lasting.

Ear surgery can be done on patients of all ages; however, it is common among young children and is recommended prior to reaching elementary school. By six years of age, this surgery is safe to be performed on a child. If you feel embarrassed by the look and shape of your ears because they are misshapen or protrude outward, otoplasty (ear surgery) can help you attain a more balanced and harmonious appearance. Sufferers of a torn or damaged earlobe, you are also a candidate for otoplasty.

How much does ear surgery cost?
The cost for ear surgery will depend on what's being done (ear shaping, pinning, earlobe repair, or a combination). Once Dr. Karen understands your issues and goals, he can make your surgical plan and estimate costs. In order for you to concentrate on getting the outcomes you want rather than prices, Exclusively Faces accepts many payments, and a member of our team can help you find low-interest medical financing.

Will the results of ear surgery last?
The ears typically grow faster than other areas of the body and face, which is why an otoplasty can be carried out on younger patients with long-term results. Dr. Karen will examine the ears and then talk about realistic expectations along with how long the outcomes should last. While the rest of the body and face can change dramatically from age and gravity, the impact on the ears should be minimal. If there are dramatic changes to the ears due to an injury, another surgery could be performed.

How old should my child be to consider otoplasty?
Normally, kids about 5 – 6 years of age are ideal candidates for ear surgery (otoplasty). Although the ear is usually fully grown, the cartilage and tissue are still malleable, making it easy to change. This age is also good since it's before they begin school or early in their education so that they can avoid teasing from their classmates. Even though many otoplasty patients are young children, Dr. Karen also performs otoplasty on adults.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?
Most issues, such as ears that are too big or stick out, occur in both ears, so both will need to be fixed. During ear surgery, Dr. Karen will adjust both ears — so they are as symmetrical as possible. However, if just one ear needs to be altered, the size and shape will be altered to mirror the untreated ear. When he develops your treatment plan, Dr. Karen will let you know if one or both ears need to be addressed.

What about fixing stretched or torn earlobes?
The trend of oversized earrings and ear gauges has made earlobe reconstruction a popular operation at Exclusively Faces. If you're interested in having earlobe reconstruction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Karen. He will analyze the damage and then explain what could be done in order to restore your earlobes.

If you are unhappy with the shape of your ears, it is possible to correct their shape or how far they stick out at Exclusively Faces Cosmetic Surgery and Medispa. At our Sharpsburg, GA facility, double board-certified plastic and ENT surgeon Dr. Matthew Karen offers ear surgery, as well as earlobe repair for men, women, and even children as young as five. For more information on ear surgery, including cost and treatment plans, call our office today.