Introduction
Otoplasty is commonly referred to as pinning the back of the ears. In cases of protruding or overdeveloped ears, otoplasty may be an option. It is available for children once their ears have stopped developing around the age of six. Overdeveloped ears can be the cause of psychological stress and trauma and should preferably be treated at a young age. Triple board-certified facial and plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Urban is trained in several surgical procedures that eliminate most of the problems related to protruding ears. If you are interested in getting an otoplasty in the Salt Lake City area, contact Dr. Urban at his Utah Facial Surgical Arts office in West Jordan.
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to restructure ears that protrude or are damaged by trauma. The congenital condition for ear protrusion is known as prominauris. When an otoplasty is performed specifically to address ear protrusion, it is called “ear pinning” surgery.
Our patients who received an otoplasty in Salt Lake City enjoyed its long-lasting results and a boost in their self-confidence. Other benefits include:
The best candidates for otoplasty in Salt Lake City will be those who are looking to address some aesthetic or functional challenges with their ears. Some characteristics of ideal candidates will include those who:
We will evaluate your medical history before surgery to better understand your overall health. In addition, we will complete an examination of your ears to determine the most effective surgical approach. We will discuss all issues, such as the shape and types of anesthesia used.
Dr. Urban will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection.
The areas that will be excised are marked, and digital photographs will be taken to document the improvement after surgery.
On the day of your otoplasty in Salt Lake City, Dr. Urban and his staff will receive you at the practice and get you settled in the surgical suite. A member of the staff will review your surgical plan to ensure you are fully comfortable with proceeding. Once you are comfortable with the plan, a board-certified anesthetist will administer anesthesia. The procedure can be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Once you are sedated, Dr. Urban will begin by creating an incision. The incision is usually done behind the ears to mask it or in the inner creases of the ears. Dr. Urban can either fold the cartilage located on the back of the ear or remove excess cartilage. In the case of an ear-pinning surgery, additional sutures on the back of the ear cartilage can be placed to “pin” the entire ear closer to the side of the head. Finally, all incisions are closed with sutures and bandages, which are applied to speed up the healing process.
Without complications, and on average, an otoplasty can take anywhere between one and two hours to complete.
After the operation, patients should expect bruising around the area, which will fade in two to three weeks. Pain associated with the operation is minimal and can be easily treated with oral medication. The bandages are only needed for a few days and should be replaced with a lighter dressing.
Patients are advised to refrain from sleeping on their ears and use a very soft pillow. Showering and shampooing may begin after a few days. Two to three days of recovery are required before normal activities can be performed.
Consult with Dr. Urban before attempting any athletic or precarious activities that may affect the healing process.
The cost of an Otoplasty in the greater Salt Lake City area will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to the complexity of the case, Dr. Urban’s fees, and the type of anesthesia used. Patients are recommended to schedule a consultation so that they can receive their surgical plan and arrive at a price estimate.
Scott D. Urban, MD, DMD, FAACS, specializes in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. He loves the practice of healing, helping, and serving. As one of the finest surgical practices in Utah, Dr. Urban’s Utah Facial Surgical Arts can provide you with level care in facial cosmetic surgery and oral maxillofacial surgery. Our state-of-the-art surgery center, located in West Jordan, was constructed to the strict standards required for Joint Commission accreditation. In September 2012, Utah Facial Surgical Arts became Utah’s first office-based facial cosmetic and oral maxillofacial surgical practice to be awarded the Gold Seal of Approval accreditation by The Joint Commission. Joint Commission accreditation is considered the highest standard for medical and surgical accreditation. This facility has established the standard for providing the safest level of care possible as an office-based surgical center. Utah Facial Surgical Arts should be your undeniable choice for your otoplasty in the Salt Lake City area.
Dr. Urban is triple board-certified in facial surgery by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS), and the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Dr. Urban is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
If you are concerned about protruding ears or need to fix a damaged ear, consider learning more about otoplasty in Salt Lake City at Utah Facial Surgical Arts. Schedule your consultation today with triple-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Urban, and a helpful member of our staff will be at your service.
