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Elevate Your Look

On the other hand, earlobe surgery tackles issues like elongation or enlargement caused by aging or heavy earrings, providing a subtle yet impactful improvement in overall facial appearance. Dr. Westreich's expertise in NYC encompasses both procedures, allowing individuals to regain confidence and achieve aesthetic balance in their ears.

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Advantages of ear surgery include…

  • Ear surgery can improve the shape, symmetry, and proportion of the ears, enhancing overall facial aesthetics
  • Correcting prominent or irregular ears can eliminate self-consciousness and improve self-esteem
  • Especially beneficial for children, ear surgery can prevent or mitigate teasing and bullying related to ear appearance
  • Ear surgery can address various issues such as protruding ears, asymmetry, enlarged lobes, or folded ears
  • Results from ear surgery are typically permanent, providing lasting aesthetic benefits
  • Depending on the procedure, recovery from ear surgery is often quick, allowing patients to resume normal activities relatively soon
  • Dr. Westreich’s comprehensive approach includes fat transfer to the earlobes if they are deflated from hereditary or age related fat loss
  • Dr. Westreich can tailor ear surgery procedures to individual needs, ensuring personalized and satisfactory outcomes
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Otoplasty Before & After

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Ideal candidates for ear surgery

  • Children with prominent ears
  • Adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their protruding ears
  • People with asymmetrical or unevenly positioned ears may choose ear surgery to achieve better balance and symmetry
  • Those with elongated or enlarged earlobes, whether due to aging, heavy earrings, or other factors
  • Patients with folded or cupped ears
  • Those in generally good health
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Moving forward with the procedure

Getting started with ear surgery is easy. The first step is to schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Westreich in the privacy and comfort of his New York office. During this initial session, your questions and concerns will be addressed in detail, and the doctor will formulate a customized treatment plan that addresses all your unique requirements. The ears will be examined and photographed, and computer imaging may be used to project your potential results. The doctor prides himself on providing in-depth patient education and knowledge so that you might make the most informed decisions about surgery in complete confidence.

Otoplasty: Procedure and Recovery

Otoplasty is a procedure that can be done under local anesthesia with or without sedation for adults and under general anesthesia for young children to ensure their comfort during the surgery. Dr. Westreich will make hidden incisions behind the ears to remove, reduce, or readjust the ear cartilage. The goal is to reshape the ears to sit closer to the scalp and create a more balanced and attractive appearance that complements the rest of the face. Any asymmetry or enlarged earlobes can also be addressed during the procedure.

Recovery from otoplasty is typically smooth and manageable due to the doctor's careful and conservative surgical approach, which minimizes discomfort and reduces downtime. Patients may experience some aching and soreness in the ears for about 4-7 days, but after this initial period, they should start feeling better. Pain medications can be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. If the ears are bandaged or splinted, these can usually be removed within about seven days, along with the sutures.

Aftercare instructions will be provided, including sleeping with a slightly elevated head and avoiding contact sports or activities that could interfere with the healing process. A soft elastic headband is recommended while sleeping for the first 4 weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to their regular routine, such as school or work, within about ten days. As a result, parents of children undergoing otoplasty are often advised to schedule the surgery during a vacation or summer break.

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Earlobe Repair and Reduction: Procedure and Recovery

Dr. Westreich usually uses local anesthesia for earlobe reductions unless it's done along with a facelift or another surgery. Once the area is numbed, he removes a portion of the earlobe skin, often in a wedge shape, and then stitches the earlobe together. He tries to make the incisions in natural folds or creases to minimize visible scarring. In most cases, the resulting scar is not noticeable to the casual observer.

Recovery after earlobe reduction surgery is relatively straightforward. Any discomfort can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medications Dr. Westreich recommends. After surgery, loose bandages are placed around the ears for protection. For 48 hours, it's essential to keep the ears dry and avoid washing the hair without assistance. It's also recommended to avoid putting a phone to the ear and wearing tight-fitting clothes that need to be pulled over the head.

Bruising and swelling are usually not a significant concern, but if they occur, they should subside within 7-10 days. Initial results can be seen at this time, and by three months, a good idea of the surgery's outcome should be apparent. However, the ears will continue to heal for up to a year. To prevent visible redness on the closure lines, it's crucial to protect the ears from the sun by wearing a hat or sunscreen for at least six months after they have healed. If a piercing is lost during the reduction procedure, it can be re-pierced 4-6 weeks later.

Why Choose Dr. Westreich for Ear Surgery?

When it comes to ear surgery in NYC, choosing a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr. Westreich can make a big difference in getting the best results and having a positive surgical experience. Dr. Westreich is board-certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, meaning ear, nose, and throat, reflecting his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and safety. Dr. Westreich specializes in facial plastic surgery and focuses on achieving natural-looking results that enhance overall facial harmony. His extensive training and expertise in this area ensure precision and attention to detail in every procedure. Additionally, Dr. Westreich uses advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology to perform ear surgeries with precision and efficiency, including minimally invasive approaches that minimize scarring and promote faster recovery times. Choosing Dr. Westreich for ear surgery in NYC means getting top-notch care from a reputable surgeon who prioritizes aesthetic goals, safety, and satisfaction. His expertise, personalized approach, and commitment to excellence make him a trusted choice for ear surgeries that deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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Ear Surgery FAQ

What are the risks and potential complications of ear surgery?

Is ear surgery suitable for addressing stretched earlobes?

Can ear surgery be combined with other facial procedures?

What is the ideal age for pediatric otoplasty?

How long do the results of ear surgery typically last?

What are the risks and potential complications of ear surgery?

The risks of ear surgery include infection, scarring, asymmetry, and unfavorable healing. However, complications are relatively rare when performed by a skilled surgeon.

Is ear surgery suitable for addressing stretched earlobes?

Yes, ear surgery, specifically earlobe repair, is suitable to address stretched or damaged earlobes, often caused by heavy earrings or gauges.

Can ear surgery be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes, ear surgery can be combined with other facial procedures, such as facelift or rhinoplasty, to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For example, a patient may opt for otoplasty (ear surgery) alongside rhinoplasty to achieve a harmonious facial balance.

What is the ideal age for pediatric otoplasty?

Pediatric otoplasty is typically performed on children aged 5 to 14 when ear development is nearly complete and before potential teasing or self-esteem issues arise.

How long do the results of ear surgery typically last?

The results of ear surgery are typically permanent, as the structural changes made during the procedure endure over time.

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