Otoplasty
Otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, can improve the appearance of ears that protrude and bring them in better proportion to the face. At Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery in Ashburn, VA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Lickstein performs a range of facial plastic surgery, including otoplasty for adults and children in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear correction surgery, is a procedure to correct the appearance of overly prominent ears. For patients who are bothered by ears that “stick out” from their face, otoplasty can improve the position and shape of protruding ears so they lay closer to the sides of the head and are less noticeable.
Benefits of Otoplasty
- Prominent ear deformities are corrected
- Improved self-esteem and relief from the psychological stress of protruding ears1
- Results are natural-looking and permanent
- Scars are rarely visible
Adult Otoplasty
At Elle Aesthetic Arts, we most frequently perform otoplasty on adult patients. Many of our patients have suffered teasing, low self-esteem, and other negative impacts of ears they were told they would “grow into” but never did. Others have noticed ear deformities becoming more prominent as they reach adulthood, or have noticed changes to the appearance of their ears caused by aging. Whatever the cause of our adult otoplasty patients’ concerns, Dr. Lickstein can address them and help them regain confidence in their appearance.
Otoplasty and Ear Pinning Procedures for Children
Otoplasty is often performed on children because human ears fully develop as young as 8 years old. Parents often seek out ear pinning procedures because they notice that their children try to hide prominent ears with hats or their hair and they wish to save their children from low-self esteem or teasing by their peers. One clinical study found that 97% of children who had otoplasty reported an increase in overall happiness.
How Does Otoplasty Work?
Preparing for Otoplasty
The first step in the otoplasty process is a consultation appointment. Dr. Lickstein, who is known for his friendly and compassionate manner, will examine the patient and discuss medical history and aesthetic concerns. He will also answer any questions you have and explain your options in detail before recommending a treatment plan. If otoplasty is right for you or your child, he will provide pre-surgical guidelines.
The Otoplasty Procedure
Otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed with full sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Lickstein will make an incision in the natural crease of the ear, where any scarring will be virtually undetectable. He will then remove any cartilage if needed and suture the remaining cartilage into a more proportionate shape and position.
Recovery After Otoplasty Surgery
The ears will be bandaged and you will be given detailed post-procedure instructions, including guidance on pain medication if needed. Dr. Lickstein will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the bandages and assess recovery progress. You may be advised to wear a headband during sleep to protect your ears during the recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Who gets tummy tuck surgery?
Each year, more than 120,000 people in America get tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Lickstein treats a diverse range of patients, including moms seeking a pre-baby body, people who have excess skin post-weight loss, and men and women who want to correct age-related physical changes to restore a youthful look.
Am I a candidate for tummy tuck surgery?
There are many factors to consider when making the decision to have a tummy tuck and a consultation appointment is the best way to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. In general, good abdominoplasty candidates are healthy, at a stable weight, and interested in recontouring their midsection.
What will my scars look like?
Dr. Lickstein employs meticulous surgical technique and takes great care to place tummy tuck incisions as low as possible. Patients are typically able to hide any scarring in a bikini or underwear. He also recommends incision care to minimize inflammation and optimize maturation of the scar.
Can tummy tuck surgery remove my stretch marks?
If you have stretch marks below your belly button as a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations, Dr. Lickstein may be able to eliminate them during your tummy tuck procedure. Each patient is different and he can discuss what results may be possible for you during your consultation appointm
Is tummy tuck part of a mommy makeover?
A mommy makeover is a fully customized treatment plan with different procedures that aim to address changes that many women go through after pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Many women suffer from separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy, called diastasis recti, that can cause a bulge in the tummy; abdominoplasty can effectively correct this condition. Most women who get a mommy makeover include a tummy tuck, as well as liposuction, and procedures to restore and rejuvenate their breasts.
Contact Us
If you are interested in otoplasty for your or your child, we are here to answer any questions you have so you can make an informed decision. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment.
1 Ronen Nazarian and Adrien A. Eshraghi. Otoplasty for the Protruded Ear. Semin Plast Surg. 2011 Nov; 25(4): 288–294. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1288921
2 Cooper-Hobson G, Jaffe W. The benefits of otoplasty for children: further evidence to satisfy the modern NHS. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009 Feb;62(2):190-4. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2007.09.020. Epub 2007 Nov 26. PMID: 18032121.
