Dr. Roland performs otoplasty and earlobe repair in New York City for patients who are self-conscious about their ears and want to feel more confident about their appearance.
Misshapen, oversized or protruding ears are a common source of embarrassment and teasing for children and adults. Individuals who wear earrings may experience stretched or torn earlobes. This may be caused by heavy earrings, gauges or trauma when hanging earrings are caught on an object, such as clothing, or pulled by a child. Macrotia is a rare condition in which the ears are larger than expected.
Such ear issues are cosmetic and will not alter the hearing. However, if ear deformities and injuries are a serious concern for you or your child, you may want to consider plastic surgical options offered by Dr. Roland, such as otoplasty or earlobe repair.
If you are looking for excellence, outstanding experience and more than satisfactory results then look no further. Dr. Donald Roland MD is a highly skilled professional in his field. He performs magic with his hands & leaves you feeling like a million bucks. His office is spotless and elegant; & the front desk experience is easy going and friendly. I personally had surgery done with the doctor, and the results where outstanding. He returned my confidence and my smile. Highly recommended 100000%.
Otoplasty for Protruding Ears
Dr. Roland performs otoplasty surgery to create a natural shape and to establish balance and proportion between the face and ears. Otoplasty repositions the ears so that they are held closer to the sides of the head, and this is often called ear pinning. This surgery is used to correct protruding, abnormally large or misshapen ears. The otoplasty procedure reshapes the ears with discreetly located incisions and stitches that are placed in the ear folds and behind the ears. More about Otoplasty in this article.
Earlobe Repair
Earlobes can become torn from the use of heavy or dangling earrings and ear gauges. Heavy earrings can create stretching of the earlobe, widening of the piercing and may, in some cases, cause the earlobe to split entirely. Ear gauges, which may be worn to expand or stretch the earlobe, are a popular choice among adolescents and young adults. The lobe becomes larger as the gauge size is increased.
Young adults often seek gauge repair after they feel they have outgrown the modification or style and their earlobe isn’t able to return to its natural size. Earlobe surgery is a noninvasive procedure that is used to repair stretched or torn earlobes. Local anesthesia is used during the repair process, which is commonly completed in less than one hour.
The Earlobe Repair Procedure
Dr. Roland performs earlobe surgery in the New York, NY, office or within one of the best surgicenters or hospitals in New York City. During the earlobe repair, Dr. Roland removes the skin along the piercing or tear and creates a raw edge before rebuilding and suturing the earlobe together.
The sutures are removed within one to two weeks, and full healing may take several months. Dr. Roland also offers complimentary new piercings for patients who desire to have piercings, as early as two weeks after the repair.
Otoplasty and Earlobe Repair Expectations
Correcting even minor ear deformities can provide profound benefits to a child’s or adult’s appearance and their self-esteem and confidence. Otoplasty is one of the best-known proactive strategies for helping children to avoid being teased due to large or protruding ears. But, there are several other popular reasons to seek cosmetic ear surgery, including the correction of a congenital deformity, torn earlobe or injury, or to achieve well-balanced ears.
Patients who have undergone cosmetic ear surgery with Dr. Roland typically enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved facial balance and proportion
- Improved self-confidence
- Minimal recovery and downtime
- Minor visible scarring
- The ability to wear earrings, again
- The reconstruction of the earlobe after a tear
- The rebuilding of the earlobe after removing an ear gauge
Ear Surgery Recovery
After the earlobe repair procedure, mild discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter medication. You will be given exact instructions on caring for your ears after surgery. The earlobe must be washed and antibiotic ointment applied to the ear as it heals. Surface sutures are typically removed within a week. Patients may resume work or school right away. There is little to no required downtime.
After otoplasty, a bandage will be covering the ears. Minor discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medication. The bandage is typically removed in a few days and is replaced with a light dressing, which resembles a headband. Light swelling, redness, and possible bruising will improve daily.
The stitches are removed in one week, and patients may resume work or school within five to seven days. For at least one month, it is of particular importance to avoid contact sports and other overly physical activities because the recovering ear could be bent.
Earlobe Repair Consultation
During your consultation at the New York office, Dr. Roland will evaluate your or your earlobe condition to determine if plastic surgery is the best approach. This appointment will include an open discussion of the surgery’s risks and benefits, along with aftercare and recovery instructions. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roland will review your health history, share before-and-after photos of previous patients, and will physically examine you. The cost of procedural options will be shared with you, along with possible payment options. You will leave the office that day with a personalized, professional recommendation.
Ideal Ear Surgery Candidate
The ideal otoplasty or earlobe repair patient is in good mental and physical health and has healthy after surgery expectations. Smoking should be stopped several weeks before the surgery because it hinders the healing process. It is important that the patient has realistic surgical expectations.
Ear Surgery Risks
Otoplasty and earlobe repair risks are rare, but possible complications may include infection, bleeding, a mismatched or unnatural appearance, and the possible return of ear protrusion. Dr. Roland will share any risks that may apply to you. The potential risks are significantly reduced when you seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and follow all aftercare instructions.
Ear Surgery Cost
The cost for earlobe repair and otoplasty varies between patients and depends on the extent of the repair or augmentation needs. Financing packages are available, which will allow you to accommodate your budget by establishing affordable payments.
Otoplasty and Earlobe Repair FAQs
What Can Ear Surgery Do for Me?
Dr. Roland performs otoplasty and earlobe repair surgery. Otoplasty or ear pinning surgery corrects large, protruding ears and positions them closer to the head. Earlobe repair is available for individuals who want to repair ripped or stretched earlobes.
Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for otoplasty if you want to correct oversized or protruding ears and you are in good health. This surgery is completed on children aged four and older. The ear cartilage is more pliable in younger children and is the opportune time to have the surgery.
How is Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty takes one to two hours and is completed under general anesthesia. An incision is made behind the ear within the natural crease. Dr. Roland weakens the cartilage and bends it to improve the shape, and it is held in place with sutures.
What is the Recovery from Otoplasty Like?
Your ears will be sore, tender and possibly bruised, which will improve each day. Otoplasty patients may return to work or school within five to seven days. Heavy exercise must be avoided for at least one month. It is of particular importance that children avoid being hit with balls or sports equipment.
What is the Scar Like after Otoplasty?
The incision will be hidden inconspicuously behind the ear and in the natural crease. The incision will leave a permanent scar, but it usually fades to a faint line.
What are the Risks of Otoplasty?
Possible otoplasty complications are rare, but they could include infection, an artificial appearance, bleeding, mismatched look and a return of the protrusion.
Am I a Good Earlobe Repair Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for earlobe repair surgery if you are in good health and have torn or stretched earlobes that you would like repaired. Dr. Roland will meet with you for a consultation to determine the best treatment for your concerns.
How is Earlobe Surgery Performed?
Earlobe surgery takes less than an hour, and local anesthesia is used. Dr. Roland removes the skin that lines the tear and creates a new edge, which is then meticulously sutured.
What Can I Expect During Earlobe Surgery Recovery?
The recovery after earlobe surgery is relatively easy and includes little to no downtime. Minor discomfort is common and may be managed with medication. Sutures are removed in approximately one week, and the area must be kept clean. You will receive further aftercare instructions from Dr. Roland. Complimentary new piercings are provided two weeks after the surgery.
What are the Risks of Earlobe Surgery?
Postoperative complications are rare and could include infection and poor healing.
Contact plastic surgeon Dr. Roland today at (212) 744-9400 to request an ear surgery consultation in New York, NY.