Otoplasty

In Phoenix and Glendale, Arizona

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgery specialist who offers otoplasty at his practice. In the paragraphs below he describes this procedure and how Scottsdale, Glendale and Phoenix otoplasty patients have benefited from treatment.

The term “otoplasty” refers to procedures to reshape the external ear. Most commonly it is performed for the prominent ear which protrudes at an abnormal angle from the skull. This is a congenital condition (present from birth). There are a number of other congenital conditions of the external ear that also benefit from surgical correction of misshapen cartilage and skin ranging from minor cartilage abnormalities to complete/nearly complete absence of the external ear termed “microtia”. For the sake of this brief introduction we are discussing the prominent ear.

Otoplasty: The Procedure

Prominent ears result from abnormalities in the cartilage of the ear. If caught early enough, the cartilage may be molded in infancy to correct this problem. After 6 months of age, molding is usually not beneficial. Treatment then is surgical, at the appropriate age, which may be before starting grade school at age 5-6 or older. Surgery involves an incision behind the ear and sometimes inside the cup of the ear to shape cartilage with sutures to create normal anatomy landmarks and alter the abnormal angle of protrusion of the ear. Sometimes cartilage is removed.

Surgery is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The patient wears a bulky, protective head dressing after surgery for a week and then a headband is used for 12 weeks to control and protect the position of the ear. Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed after surgery. Slight overcorrection is beneficial, but excessive tightening of the ear to the skull can look abnormal. Swelling resolves over several months. Scars are hidden in natural creases. Most patients have an excellent result. Relapse occasionally occurs requiring revision.

Otoplasty: Major Complications are Rare

All otoplasty procedures have some degree of risk. While most patients do not have complications, minor complications that do not affect the outcome of a treatment or surgery may occur after some procedures. Major complications are rare. The specific risks and the suitability of a particular procedure are carefully reviewed at your consultation (and preoperative visits if you are having surgery).  Your safety and comfort are our foremost concerns. We will provide additional detailed information for you at each stage of your experience from your initial contact with our office through your procedure and afterwards in an interactive fashion. We will ensure that you feel informed about your treatment options and recovery in advance and can actively and confidently participate in designing your treatment plan. We want you to have the best possible experience and will work with you to make it happen.

In addition to otoplasty, Dr. Angelchik also performs other facial procedures in his Phoenix cosmetic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats Phoenix facelift, rhinoplasty, laser resurfacing, brow and forehead lift and blepharoplasty patients.