What is The Best Age To Go Otoplasty?

Any plastic surgery done on the outside of the ear is called Otoplasty. Ears can be moved, made more prominent, or changed in shape or size by a plastic surgeon. If you have ear concerns, Cache Valley Facial Plastics is here to help and guide you. 

Our Otoplasty service can enable you to get the best vision for yourself and your ears. Check out the best age to go Otoplasty and how it can help you in the long term. 

How Old Should You Have Otoplasty?

Most surgeons usually wait until the cartilage in the patient’s ears has stabilized, usually when they are around five years old. This is why many parents schedule ear-pinning or other types of Otoplasty for their kids between the ages of five and seven. So, their child can start school with ears that look normal.

How Does Otoplasty Works?

Even though there are many different ways to do something, Each provider follows a standard procedure. The doctor then talks about the other methods that could be done and what the patient can expect. 

Healthcare professionals typically look at the patient’s ears to figure out where, how big, and what shape would be best. Doctors may also take a picture of the patient’s ears for their medical records.

For safety, the patient is given some medicine to make them sleepy during the procedure. Our surgeon usually makes an opening where the ear joins the head on the back of the ear. So, the scar that was left behind won’t be seen.

Sometimes, our doctor makes a hole in the front of the ear. In this case, doctors usually cut the cartilage folds so that the scar is as hard to see as possible. Also, most people who get an otoplasty can return to school or work about a week later. 

Adults can go home soon after having an otoplasty done, but children may have to stay in the hospital overnight. The patient’s ears are bandaged, and they wear a protective headband for about three days, no matter how old.

How Can You Be Eligible for Otoplasty?

Our surgeon takes into account more than just age. For example, the patient should not smoke. This kind of problem and scarring is more likely to happen if you smoke. A patient who smokes should stop for a few months before Otoplasty to ensure the surgery and recovery go smoothly.

It also helps if the patient is in good health in general. Heart disease, problems with blood clotting, and lung problems increase the chance of problems during and after surgery. 

Patients with these conditions may need more care or medicine to make sure they get better. If a person has an ear infection, surgery may have to wait until the infection is gone.

Otoplasty in Cache Valley Facial Plastics

As we said, ears that stick out are a common congenital disability. Ear pinning is a type of cosmetic surgery often done when a person is young, but you can do it at any age. You can do surgery to make the folds and position of the ears look normal.

Please schedule a consultation at Cache Valley Facial Plastics to discuss your medical history, get a physical exam, take pictures, and talk with one of our board-certified surgeons about a custom surgical plan that fits your goals.

Before Your Surgery

We recommend doing the following before the treatment.

• Wear clothes that aren’t too tight, like a shirt that you can pull over your head or button up the front, and pants that are easy to move around.
• On the day of your surgery, don’t wear jewelry, makeup, lotions, oils, or perfumes.
• Do not take aspirin or products with aspirin for two weeks before surgery. 
• Do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a week before surgery. 
• If you are getting IV sedation or general anesthesia, Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. 
• Children under 18 must be with a parent or legal guardian.
• It would help if you had a ride home.
• You can make it less likely that your surgery will go wrong. Keeping your wounds and dressings clean and dry can help keep you from getting sick. 
• You can stop bleeding if you don’t cough, stoop, strain, or work. Surgery is usually stressful and requires a lot of rest, relaxation, and good food. 
• If you use tobacco, you should stop before surgery and not start again for 3–4 weeks. 
• If someone in your house smokes, please tell them to go outside. As much as smoking yourself can stop you from getting better, so can being around other people who smoke.

After The Surgery

We recommend doing the following after the treatment.

• Only drive once you have been off of them for 24 hours.
•  Follow the directions on the prescription, and only take what is needed. 
• If the rash, vomiting, or feeling sick doesn’t go away, stop taking it and call our office.
•  If your painkiller already has Tylenol, Do not add more Tylenol.
• After surgery, you should drink lots of fluids and start eating as soon as possible.
• Don’t bend over, strain, or lift more than 10 pounds for two weeks.
• Unless told otherwise, leave the dressings where they are.
• Do not take a shower for a day.
• Do not get the surgery site wet for four weeks.

Bruising and swelling can last from 2 to 4 weeks, and mild swelling (which is worse in the morning) can last up to a year. Some parts of the body may feel numb and tingly for months. The scars will fade over time. Keep new spots covered for six months.

Call our office immediately, or call our on-call doctor if it’s after hours if you have purulent drainage, redness around the surgical site, fever, a sudden increase in pain, a sudden increase in bruises, or bleeding that you can’t stop.

You can also book an appointment online and see our other services, like Genioplasty, Blepharoplasty, and Rhinoplasty, which can help you big time.