The highly skilled surgeons at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada, with offices in Summerlin and East Side Las Vegas, excel at reconstructive cosmetic surgery. One of their many specialties is otoplasty, a cosmetic procedure that offers a permanent solution for overly large, protruding, or misshapen ears.  Read more about reshaping ears with otoplasty.

Understanding otoplasty

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that’s used to provide a more symmetrical and cosmetically appealing appearance to your ears.

During otoplasty, corrections are made to the outer ear that alter their shape as well as the extent at which your ears protrude from your head. It’s typically performed on both ears and may be used to correct various issues present at birth.

Otoplasty is also used to repair/reconstruct damage caused by injury or trauma to the outer ear(s), including less than pleasing results of a previous otoplasty.

Who is a candidate for otoplasty?

Unlike other plastic surgery procedures that are only performed once you reach adulthood, otoplasty can be undertaken as soon as a child’s ears have reached their full size, typically age five years and over but sometimes as early as three years. Teens and adults are also good candidates for otoplasty.

At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada, we perform a detailed evaluation during your initial visit with us and consider your general health, pre-existing conditions, and other factors that may affect the outcome of otoplasty. We also take time to thoroughly discuss recovery, expectations, etc. regarding the surgery.    

What can I expect after otoplasty?

Healing varies from patient to patient and often depends on the complexity and type of reconstruction required. At Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our surgeons excel at using innovative technology and advanced techniques that maximize natural-appearing results and minimize healing time after otoplasty.

Incisions are tucked away behind the ear or in natural folds or creases that keep visible scarring to a minimum. There may be mild swelling and some discoloration noted after surgery, but that typically resolves over several days.

Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions regarding aftercare. Generally, bandages are applied to protect the ears and left in place to provide support during the initial healing phase. It’s essential to follow postoperative instructions carefully since this can affect your surgical outcome.

Schedule a visit today to find out more about otoplasty or any of the services offered at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Nevada.