Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear pinning or Otoplasty is commonly performed in younger patients. Typically, parents begin to hear about teasing at school or complaints from their children about the appearance of their ears. Otoplasty can be performed as young as five years of age, because at that point, the ear has already reached 90% of its adult size. In addition, completing the procedure at this age allows the child to avoid teasing at school. Finally, if you have a newborn with prominent ears, this can often be treated with taping of the ear in the first few weeks of life, and avoiding the need for future surgery. Please be sure to check with your pediatrician early if your baby has prominent ears, or if it runs in your family.

BeforeAfter

Dr. Schwartz strives to provide an individual approach to each patient. Dr. Schwartz is known for his natural results, with minimal bruising and swelling. Patients come from across the country for his skill, artistry and experience.

Your First Consultation

The most important visit with your plastic surgeon besides the surgery itself is your initial consultation. You will be able to discuss your goals, concerns and specific desires. You will discuss the specific details of your surgery, including incisions, risks, recovery and your expected results.

You should also be interviewing your prospective surgeon. You should feel your surgeon would care for you as if you were part of his own family. That your surgery was the most important, and that you are unique. It may never be truer that you get.

Otoplasty Procedure – Each patients ears are different. Dr. Schwartz will evaluate your childs ears to explain what needs to be done. Typically, the incisions used are behind the ear only, and involve re-creating the natural folds of the ear, and weakening the cartilage so it will not recur.

Otoplasty Recovery

Patients wear a protective head dressing for the first 3 days. This is removed at the first office visit after surgery. Your child may shower after this visit, but no baths or swimming for a few weeks. Dr. Schwartz often has patients wear a protective headband AT NIGHT ONLY. This keeps your child from accidentally rolling on his or her ears while sleeping. It is not necessary to wear this during the daytime. Improvement will be seen right away, but the ears can have fairly noticeable swelling for several months.

SURGERY LOCATION – Your childs surgery will be performed at our new AAAASF accredited Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center facility. This state of the art surgical center provides the highest standard of care, safety and privacy. Dr. Schwartz also has privileges to perform procedures at Los Robles Regional Medical center, Thousand Oaks Surgical Hospital, and both St. Johns Regional Medical center, and Pleasant Valley Hospitals.

ANESTHESIA – Otoplasty is performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Schwartz only works with Board Certified Physician (M.D.) anesthesiologists who are always present for your entire procedure. They have significant experience working with children who are having surgical procedures.

Otoplasty Risks

While every procedure has risks, it is Dr. Schwartz goal to minimize every possibility of this during your care. You will receive extensive consultation regarding your surgery and any risks during your consultation and pre-op appointments.