Ear Surgery in Menlo Park, Atherton & Palo Alto, CA

 

Looking for an Ear Surgery Specialist Near You? Look No Further Than Dr. Jane Weston. Simply Call Us Today at (650) 457-6291 to Schedule Your Consultation.

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning surgery, can correct a variety of external ear deformities and problems. Earlobe reduction and repair, also offered at Jane Weston, MD, focuses on the reshaping and correction of the earlobe, whether the abnormalities are due to injury or other factors. Otoplasty and earlobe reduction are typically sought for cosmetic reasons, whereas earlobe repair is considered a reconstructive procedure.

Is ear surgery right for you?

Unlike most cosmetic surgery procedures, ear surgery is commonly performed on younger patients between the ages of four and 14 because ear cartilage is most pliable at this time. Both children and adults typically seek ear surgery to correct ear deformities and problems including:

  • Protruding ears
  • Misshapen or asymmetrical ears
  • Split or torn earlobes
  • Stretched earlobes
  • Disproportionately large earlobes

What to expect during ear surgery

Ear surgery is most often performed using local anesthesia with conscious sedation. However, Dr. Weston may recommend general anesthesia for younger patients undergoing ear surgery.

During the otoplasty procedure, Dr. Weston will make a small incision behind each ear, hidden in the natural folds where your ears meet your head. Skin and cartilage are removed, trimmed and reshaped as needed. Finally, the cartilage is held in place by permanent sutures, effectively “pinning back” the ears. The entire procedure typically takes about two hours.

Earlobe repair surgery, takes only about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia with a mild sedative if needed. Dr. Weston will use delicate surgical techniques and fine suture threads to ensure earlobe repair scars are nearly invisible.

Ear surgery recovery

If you have been sedated or placed under general anesthesia during ear surgery, you will need a ride home following the procedure.

Once the effects of anesthesia have worn off, adults can resume normal daily activities immediately following ear surgery, and children can return to school about a week after ear surgery. Vigorous activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week, and any activity that causes contact with or bending of the ear, including sleeping on your side, should be avoided for about three to four weeks.

Although ear surgery requires little to no downtime, soft dressings or ointment need to be kept on your incisions for a few days, and a headband that covers your ears may need to be worn to hold your ears in place for a couple of weeks after surgery.

Be sure to follow all post-operative care instructions and keep post-operative appointments with Dr. Weston, so she can check your progress and ensure you’ve achieved the best possible ear surgery results.

Ear surgery is a straightforward procedure that can significantly improve a person’s appearance and quality of life overall. To find out if you or your child are a good candidate for ear surgery, contact Dr. Jane Weston today!