Few things are more heartbreaking for a parent than seeing a child suffer. For children born with overly large, misshapen or protruding ears, parents may worry about their child being teased or mocked due to their appearance. We are often contacted by parents looking for options to help their child with aesthetic ear problems. Contact our offices and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sajjadian and your child today. You do have options.
Otoplasty Surgery: A Solution for Problem Ears
If your child has aesthetic ear problems, including issues that arise from ear trauma or injury, otoplasty may be the solution. This is a surgical procedure that reshapes the ear. This surgery is an effective option for ears that stick out from the head, ears that are misshapen, asymmetrical ears, ears needing reconstruction after damage, etc. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and your child can typically head home right after surgery. In fact, otoplasty often is more effective on children since the cartilage is more pliable and easier to shape.
Dr. Sajjadian typically utilizes two techniques for otoplasty; he’ll choose the technique for your child’s surgery that best addresses their aesthetic needs. One technique involves making an incision at the back of the ear and removing or reshaping cartilage. The other technique removes and repositions skin at the back of the ear.
How Old Does My Child Need to Be?
Otoplasty can be performed on children, teens, and adults as long as the ear is fully developed. Typically this occurs around 4 or 5 years of age. Dr. Sajjadian can help you determine if your child is ready for surgery.
Recovery After Otoplasty: What Should My Child Expect?
Otoplasty is surgery and your child will need to spend some time recovering. After surgery, they’ll have thick bandages placed around the ears. This helps hold the ear into position as it heals. Keep these in place until you’re instructed to remove them. Most patients need a few days to a week off from their regular activities. Help your child to get plenty of rest during this time. Rest is essential in helping the body to heal. Dr. Sajjadian and his staff will be in close contact during recovery to ensure your child heals properly after surgery.
Choose Your Surgeon Carefully
One of the important decisions in any cosmetic surgery, but especially in those involving children, is the choice of a surgeon. You’ll want to find a surgeon that is comfortable working with children. Dr. Sajjadian loves working with his youngest patients and helping them to correct aesthetic problems early on that could lead to embarrassment or teasing down the road. He can help alleviate your child’s fears about the procedure and explain the surgery in terminology a child can understand. His extensive surgical experience and triple board certification help him to create stunning results for all of his patients, young and old.
If your child’s ears are misshapen, see us. Dr. Sajjadian can help create aesthetically pleasing ears for your child using otoplasty.