People with “dumbo” like ears often get teased by bullies at school or among individuals in the neighborhood. Sometimes, the ears still stick out even if you cover them with your hair. If ever you have this facial feature problem, you may consider otoplasty.
Ear surgery or otoplasty is a minor surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the ears by reshaping them. It can also improve the position of the ears and put them in proportion with the face. Moreover, it can correct a congenital defect in the ear that becomes evident with development. Otoplasty can also treat deformed ears caused by trauma or injury.
By: Dr. Jason Litner and Dr. Peyman Soliema
You can undergo an ear surgery as long as the ears have achieved its full size. This means that children as young as five years old can have an ear surgery. Regardless of the fact that the ears are slightly asymmetrical, the condition can prompt to self-consciousness and a likely target for bullying.
According to the 2016 statistics of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of the ear surgery is $3,154. This average price is for the procedure alone. Other expenses related to the procedure aren’t included.
There are also factors that vary the cost of an ear surgery. The surgery cost depends on the surgeon’s expertise of the procedure, the geographic location, and the type of procedure used.
Most health insurance companies may not cover the cost of the surgery especially if it’s for aesthetic reasons. However, they may cover the expenses if the procedure is to be done to relieve a medical condition or to restore hearing. Well, many surgeons offer financing plans to their patients to cover the costs of the ear surgery. Ask the doctor about it. It may help you with your financial concerns.
You should meet the following requirements if you intend to go through an ear surgery:
Ear surgery may be a minor surgical procedure, but a well-experienced plastic surgeon is still the best option. Choose a plastic surgeon that’s board-certified and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Remember that it’s your comfort that’s far more important than the total expenses of the surgery. A highly skilled plastic surgeon can assure you of having a successful result of the operation. You’ll be guaranteed of fewer risks and quality results.
You’re required to do the following before the surgery:
The success and safety of the ear surgery solely depend on your complete cooperation during the initial consultation until its full recovery.
Your chosen plastic surgeon will discuss with you everything about the procedure. He or she will talk to you about the anesthesia injection during the procedure, pre and post-operative care, risks, and complications. Moreover, the doctor or staff will be asking some questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Make sure that you’re true with your answers.
The recovery, result, and follow-up will also be discussed with you. Then, you’ll be asked to sign a waiver confirming that you fully understood everything that’s discussed with you.
You may become anxious about the whole process, but it’s important that you understand all aspects of your ear surgery. Make sure that you ask all questions and concerns you have in mind before fully deciding to undergo surgery.
The plastic surgeon will tell you where it’ll be performed. Most ear surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. But it’ll still depend on the type of the procedure to be done. It can be performed in an accredited clinic or a hospital. Make sure you have someone to take you to the facility and stay with you for at least a night after the surgery.
If ever you’ve undergone a more extensive ear surgery, complete healing of the surgical site may take longer.
Deciding to have an ear surgery is a personal preference. You’ll have to think carefully the benefits, risks, and complications that you might get if you’ve decided to go through an ear surgery. You have to be optimistic about the procedure and set realistic expectations. This is a great factor in achieving successful results.
You’ll need to heed your doctor’s instructions and advice strictly. Excessive force, exposure to sunlight, abrasion or friction must be avoided especially during the healing process.