Otoplasty & Ear Pinning
Conveniently located to serve Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond
Ear surgery (otoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the aesthetics of the ears. At Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay, patients can enhance the appearance of their ears through ear surgery in Bellevue.
What Is Ear Surgery?
People have different ear shapes. Some individuals have abnormally small ears (microtia), while others have larger ears. For some people with earrings, the hole can get too big, stretched, or even torn downwards over time. Aesthetic concerns like these can be treated using ear surgery.
In addition, patients with cauliflower ears due to frequent ear trauma can be treated with ear surgery. Deformed ears (lop ears) and earlobes with large creases can also be corrected using this procedure.
Note that otoplasty is a purely cosmetic procedure and does not treat hearing issues or influence the hearing function of the ears.
Ideal Candidates for Ear Surgery
Ear surgery is most appropriate for patients who are at least 4 years old, since the ears will be fully developed by then. However, corrective ear procedures can be performed at any age.
Ideal candidates have realistic goals for their ear surgery results. Healthy patients who want to correct the appearance of their ears are the best candidates for ear surgery. Patients in need of a reconstructive procedure for cosmetic ear injuries are also excellent candidates for ear surgery.
Your Ear Surgery Consultation
During your otoplasty consultation, we will discuss your concerns with your ears and the goals you have for ear surgery. We will evaluate your medical records to ensure that you will have no issues undergoing ear surgery. We will examine your ears to determine the extent of the issue and develop the most suitable treatment plan.
It is important to ask any questions you may have at this time so we can address them before scheduling your ear surgery. We will make sure to discuss all the details involved in the ear surgery, including potential fees and results.
The Procedure
Ear surgery usually takes around two to three hours, depending on the enhancement or repairs required. The patient will be prepared for the procedure using anesthesia. General anesthesia will be used for younger patients, while a combination of local anesthesia and sedation can be used for older patients.
For earlobe repair, the torn area or stretched hole will be closed without notching (retraction) at the bottom area of the lobe. The earlobe will be reconstructed back to its original shape.
For earlobe reductions, the excess earlobe tissue is removed from the inferior (bottom) edge of the earlobe, then carefully sutured back together. Sutures are removed five days later.
For ear recontouring, a tiny incision will be made behind the ear near its connection to the head. Modifications will then be made depending on the goals of the ear surgery. After making the necessary repairs or reconstructions, the incision will be sutured closed. The area will be bandaged to keep the ear in ideal position throughout the recovery period.
Healing and Recovery
After ear surgery, the patient may experience a degree of discomfort, including a throbbing sensation, during the recovery period. Prescriptions will be given to make the healing process comfortable for the patient. Physically taxing activities will not be allowed within the first week. For two weeks, sleeping on one’s side will be discouraged.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to replace the bandage with a surgical dressing and remove the sutures. Results can be seen after recovery is complete.
Ear Surgery Cost
The cost of ear surgery depends on the details of the treatment plan. The number of ears treated and the anesthesia used can both impact the overall price of the procedure. We will refer our patients to our financing partners, CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit, if they are interested in financing.
Schedule Your Consultation
For inquiries about ear surgery in Bellevue, visit Liebertz Plastic Surgery at Yarrow Bay. Schedule your informative consultation by contacting us today!
