Cosmetic Ear Surgery Procedures - Kansas City
Cosmetic ear surgery, otherwise known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure meant to improve the shape, position and overall appearance of the ears. Typical candidates for ear surgery are younger patients, where defects in the structure of the ears - usually a genetic or inherited problem - can be easily corrected with a cosmetic ear surgery.
In most cases, cosmetic ear surgery is an outpatient procedure, although some of the more severe reconstructive cases may require a more complex ear surgery procedure. In a typical ear procedure, the aim is to improve upon the position of the ears. The end result is one in which the ears appear more normal, smaller and do not stand out as much.
A list of potential candidates for otoplasty:
- Abnormally large or protruding ears
- The Cagot ear, or one in which little to no earlobe is present
- Overly-large or stretched earlobes
- The Shell ear, or one in which the curve in the outer rim or natural folds are missing
- The Lop ear, or one in which the top appears to fold forward and downward
- Ears that are folded forward, much like those of a cat
- Ears that appear particularly small or underdeveloped
- Cauliflower ear, or one in which there has been repeated injury to the cartilage of the ear
What to know about ear surgery:
The decision to have elective ear surgery is highly individualized. There are many cosmetic benefits associated with otoplasty or ear surgery. Your in-depth consultation with Dr. Vargas will involve an extensive exam of your ears. Measurements and photos may be taken at this time. If the candidate is a child, the parent is instructed to wait until the child's ears are nearly fully developed before undergoing surgery (this is usually around the ages of five to seven), as the softer cartilage of a child's ear does not provide the same molding capacity as that of an adult.
