Ear Surgery
What is Ear surgery?
Overview
Ear surgery, also referred to as otoplasty, is designed to enhance and improve the shape, proportion or position of the ear.
Ear surgery is used to correct a structural defect that is seen at birth, or it can be done to treat misshapen or damaged ears due to injury.
Done properly, ear surgery can bring a balance and proportion to the ears and the face. When even minor deformities are corrected, your appearance and your self-esteem will be greatly enhanced.
For those with protruding or disfigured ears, ear surgery is the appropriate treatment.
Are you a candidate for ear surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, which helps change the shape or the proportion of the ears, produced dramatic results.
There are several criteria that determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for the ear surgery procedure. They include:
- Children over 5 years of age; or, if the cartilage is stable enough for surgery
stable enough for surgery
- Children who are able to communicate how they feel
- Teens and adults who enjoy relatively good health without any medical conditions that could jeopardize your healing or present surgical risks
- You’re a non-smoker (smoking can impair the healing process), and you have realistic expectations on what the surgery can do for you
To determine if you’re a good candidate for chin surgery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson.
Cost for ear surgery
The costs involved in this procedure include facility/hospital fees, medical tests, anesthesia fees, Dr. Jimerson’s fee and any medication or post-operative garments that may be required. Our staff will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your procedure
The Recovery Process
Children often return to school within one week, with no contact activities for 6 weeks. A bandage is placed and will remain for a week, and a headband must be worn while sleeping for four weeks. Adults are able to return to work in a day, and continue wit their normal activates in 3 weeks.
The Recovery Process
During the procedure, an incision is made just behind the ears in the natural fold close to where the ears are attached to the skull. The skin is carefully lifted off to expose the underlying cartilage, which is then shaped and pulled back towards the head using carefully positioned permanent sutures.
If incisions are made in the front of the ear, Dr. Jimerson will make the incisions inside the folds of the ear so they’re not easily visible. You will be able to see the results of your surgery almost
immediately once the bandages are removed.
Risks involved in ear surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks or complications. You have to determine if the benefits that you’ll obtain from your procedure outweigh the risks involved.
Dr. Jimerson and his trained staff will do everything possible to minimize risks and postoperative complications. Risks may include:
- Anesthesia • Bleeding • Infection • Scarring •Poor wound healing • Asymmetry • Numbness or skin sensation changes • Persistent pain • Possible need to revise the surgery • Allergies to tape, sutures, glues, etc.
It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with Dr. Jimerson prior to your surgery. If you have a question – please ask!
Meeting with Dr. Jimerson
He will discuss you specific goals, take a medical history and review your current medications. Photos are usually taken, both before and after the surgery.
You will also be able to learn what options are available to you, along with the risks and possible complications of the procedure.
Questions to ask Dr. Jimerson
Here are some questions to consider:
– What surgical technique is recommended?
– How long will the recovery period be for my surgery?
– What risks are associated with my surgery?
– What type of complications can happen?
– When will I be able to see the results of my surgery?
– Do you think that I’m a good candidate for this procedure?
Be sure to ask any other questions you have about Dr. Jimerson, the procedure or anything else that concerns you about your surgery.
Ear surgery preparation
What happens prior to the ear surgery? You will have lab tests, and the doctor may have you take new medications or adjust the medications that you’re currently taking.
If you smoke, you must stop several weeks prior the surgery, as it can severely impeded the healing process.
Finally, you should arrange to have someone available to drive you home after your surgery, and to be with you for the first night.
Results
Be sure to follow Dr. Jimerson’s instructions following your procedure to obtain optimal results.
Why use Dr. Jimerson and the Advanced Plastic Surgery Solutions team?
The team is committed to meet your unique needs, with a natural, long-lasting look. Because of his expertise, Dr. Jimerson offers patients reduced operative times, which means faster recovery times. In addition, he strives to use techniques that are safer than traditional procedures.
Schedule your appointment
The best way to determine if ear surgery is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jimerson. The doctor will discuss the procedure, evaluate your concerns relating to your body and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your appointment click here.