When you are a parent, you want the best for your kids. You want to ensure that they are happy, healthy, and that they live the best life as possible. And when it comes to things that may not be necessarily life or death but that you know will bring them happiness later on in life, such as otoplasty (ear surgery). If your child has ears that stick out a bit far away from their head and you are worried that they may be self-conscious about this later on or that they may be made fun of at school, then otoplasty is just the surgery you are looking for. Read on to learn more.
How is the surgery done?
Thinking about having your little one go into any type of surgery— no matter how big or small it is— is enough to give any parent a heart attack. However, by understanding the ins and outs of the surgical procedure they are going to undergo, you can help to feel more calm, cool, and collected.
During an otoplasty, your child will be placed under anesthesia so that they won’t feel or remember a thing. Once under anesthesia, the surgeon will make a short incision at the back of the ear in order to expose the cartilage. Once the cartilage is exposed, it will then be sculpted into a new shape and will be moved closer to the head. Lasting about two to three hours, this surgery is straightforward and simple. What is recovery like? Another thing that’s important to know about when considering any surgical procedure for your child is what the recovery process will be like. As your child’s number one care taker, you can expect your child to wear a headband around their head and ears for a few days following the procedure until their ears have started to heal. Additionally, you should make sure that your child doesn’t participate in too much ative play while they are healing.
If you would like to learn more about otoplasty surgery or if you would like to schedule a consultation for your child, contact our Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants office today!