Deciding to undergo plastic surgery is not easy and should never be something one jumps in to without fully evaluating why they want plastic surgery and researching a qualified plastic surgeon. It can be especially difficult when the decision involves children, as otoplasty surgery often does.
Otoplasty surgery involves reshaping and/or sculpting a patient’s ears to a more aesthetically pleasing state. This can be done through a variety of techniques that typically bring the ears closer to the head so they are less prominent and distracting. Techniques involve removing and reshaping cartilage or sparing the cartilage and suturing the ears closer to the head. This simple outpatient procedure can profoundly improve ones self-esteem and confidence.
Children with prominent ears often suffer taunting and teasing from their peers regarding their appearance and typically resort to wearing hats often or maintaining long hair to cover their ears. Following otoplasty surgery, patients come in more vibrant and confident in their interactions with others. They are excited to finally wear short hair and different hairstyles they weren’t comfortable wearing prior to surgery.
There are important things Dr. Thompson looks for in determining if otoplasty surgery is right for a particular patient. First, he will determine the value a patient will receive from otoplasty surgery and give his recommendation based on the level of improvement. Second, the patient has to want to undergo otoplasty surgery, no matter how old or young they are. If it’s just the parents pushing their child into surgery, it can be a difficult process that a child just isn’t ready for. Lastly, after going over the information, the patient must have the right expectations for recovery and results.
With open communication and a good relationship between patient and plastic surgeon, results from otoplasty surgery can dramatically improve one’s self-esteem and overall outlook on life. For more information on this procedure, visit our otoplasty page or call (801)776-2220.