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cosmetic ear surgery Atlanta

Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

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It’s common for people to be unsatisfied with some aspect of their appearance. However, some aesthetic imperfections are tougher to conceal than others. For instance, if you’re not happy with the appearance or size of your ears, there aren’t a lot of great ways to hide them. In some cases, long hair can be used to cover the ears, but this is a short-term solution that is not available for everyone. Ears that are too large, uneven, misshapen, or protruding can be a significant source of frustration and embarrassment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ear SurgeryFor patients who are self-conscious about their ears and seek a change, ear surgery can be a great solution. Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can help improve the shape, size, and/or position of the ears to provide a rejuvenated, more balanced facial appearance. However, ear surgery may not be right for everyone. To help prospective patients, I have outlined what makes someone a good candidate for ear surgery.

Unlike most plastic surgery procedures, since most people’s ears reach their full size and shape at an early age, ear surgery can be performed on children as young as five years of age. In some cases, it can be better to perform the procedure while the patient is young since a child’s cartilage is more flexible.

Ear surgery can help people who were born with overly large or small ears. It can also be useful for those who are dissatisfied with the shape of their ears including ears that stick out prominently. Additionally, the procedure can be highly beneficial for patients with ears that are disproportionate to their other features or oddly placed. Those with ears that have been affected by birth defects or damaged by injury can also be good candidates.

Ear surgery patients should be in good physical and mental health. They should maintain a positive attitude and realistic expectations going into their surgery. Lastly, patients considering ear surgery should be nonsmokers, as nicotine can lead to complications during surgery and recovery.

It’s wonderful to witness the often-profound boost in confidence and self-esteem that many patients experience after undergoing ear surgery. If you are interested in learning more about ear surgery, the first step is scheduling an appointment with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. At that time, we will discuss your aesthetic concerns, as well as your medical history and goals to help determine if ear surgery is right for you. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, today. Don’t forget that you can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for additional plastic surgery news, videos, updates, and more.

4 Facts to Know Before Considering Ear Surgery

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Although they may not be considered the most prominent facial feature, the appearance of the ears is a more sensitive subject than many people realize. After decades of performing cosmetic plastic surgery, I have learned that dissatisfaction with the size or shape of the ears is a stigma that dates back to childhood for many of my patients. The childhood embarrassment of large, uneven, misshapen, or protruding ears can often stretch into a patient’s adult life. This is why I offer cosmetic ear surgery for patients interested in altering the appearance of their ears.

4 Facts to Know Before Considering Ear SurgeryEar surgery, also known as otoplasty, is meant to improve the shape, position or proportion of a patient’s ear. Ear surgery can help correct the appearance of ears affected by defects in the ear structure at birth or those damaged by injury. By re-positioning or correcting the ears, ear surgery can bring balance and proportion to the entire face. It is gratifying to see the profound boost to a patient’s self-esteem and confidence after even a minor aesthetic correction to the ears.

To help patients gain a better understanding of what can be accomplished through cosmetic ear surgery, I have provided four essential facts about the procedure.

Fact #1: Ear Surgery Isn’t Just for Adults

Unlike the vast majority of plastic surgery procedures, ear surgery can be performed on children starting around age five. Since most ears reach their full size and shape at an early age, the effects of ear surgery will not be altered or reversed due to continued growth and development. In fact, many plastic surgeons recommend undergoing the procedure while young since a child’s cartilage is more flexible.

Fact #2: Ear Surgery Isn’t Just for Protruding Ears

Although ear surgery is commonly associated with protruding ears that stick out from the head, I can also surgically reshape the contours of the ear, resize them, fix large and damaged earlobes, and address conditions caused by injuries like “cauliflower ear” if needed.

Fact #3: Ear Surgery Leaves Extremely Minimal Visible Scarring

Scarring is always a concern for patients undergoing plastic surgery. Thankfully, due to the natural folds of the ear and the small incisions required for ear surgery, scarring is often very minimal. The scars that do exist are often found in areas with very limited visibility like the back of the ear. For patients who require incisions in the front of the ear, I make every effort to make them as discreet as possible to limit visible scarring.

Fact #4: Post-Ear Surgery Complications are Very Rare

Although some degree of pain or discomfort is common immediately following ear surgery, these effects are typically short-lived and can be tampered with a prescription pain medicine. As long as the patient closely follows post-surgery care instructions, including keeping their ears bandaged for the necessary amount of time, complications from ear surgery are rare.

Much like any other plastic surgery procedure, the first step towards determining if ear surgery is the right choice for you is consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and expectations, as well as your medical history, to help find the best procedure option for your unique aesthetic needs. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, today. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery news, photos, and updates.