Photo Gallery
Patient Number 12
Description:
Case by Dr Steven Rueda MD. OtoplastyPatient Number 77
Otoplasty Surgeon in West Palm Beach, Wellington, Jupiter
Dr. Steven Rueda is one of the most sought after ear surgeons in Palm Beach. His attention to detail and methodical technique create beautiful and natural results. Ear surgery, formally known as otoplasty, is a facial plastic surgery procedure that improves the overall aesthetic appearance of the ear. In this procedure the ear cartilage and skin are repositioned or reshaped to obtain the desired appearance. Most commonly known as “ear pinning”, the procedure is performed to correct protruding ears. The procedure can be performed in children and adults. Most commonly it is performed in children and young adults, as this is the period of life when criticism from peers or friends occurs. Earlobe repair, also known as earlobe surgery, is also a common form of ear surgery. This procedure is performed to repair torn, stretched, or split earlobes caused by accidents, piercings, or heavy earrings. The surgery uses the existing earlobe tissue to create a new one by reshaping and repositioning the skin.
WHAT CAN EAR SURGERY CORRECT
Frequently caused by piercings or heavy earrings, the earlobe may appear split or floppy and dilated. Earlobe surgery rearranges the excess and split skin to create a new and natural look.
Patients with protruding ears have changes in the ear cartilage that cause it to gain projection and loose definition. Ear surgery removes some of the excess cartilage and uses internal sutures to mold its shape.
Although not present in every patient, large ears may also be caused by a large or protruding ear lobe. Otoplasty reduces the protrusion and excess earlobe skin.
OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE
Dr. Rueda performs ear surgery with a combination of cartilage contouring, removal, and molding with sutures to create a natural result. Patients may require some or all of these methods to achieve the ideal outcome. Dr. Rueda performs all of these procedures using a single hidden incision behind the ear.
Incisions
Behind the Ear.
Areas Corrected
Earlobe, Helical Rim (Ear Rim), Concha (Ear Concavity).
Recovery and Downtime
This is an ambulatory procedure, where you get to go home the same day. There is swelling and bruising for first 5-7 days after surgery. A compressive bandage is worn for 5-7 days and is removed. The patient avoids sleeping on the affected ear for 2-3 weeks while the ear settles to its new molded shape. For split earlobe surgery, no bandage is worn, but antibiotic ointment is applied for 5-7 days.
Most patients generally return to work in 1 week. Exercise is not allowed until 3 weeks after the surgery.
The cost of a ear surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the type of technique needed, anesthesia time, and surgical time. At Precision, we make sure we provide you with an accurate personalized price that will cover all costs needed for you to obtain a fantastic result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Patients with protruding ears, large ears, or split earlobes are good candidates for the procedure. Dr. Rueda will review your case and recommend the most appropriate procedure.
Ear surgery requires the cartilage of the ear to be malleable and moldable and is possible to perform at any age if the cartilage remains in this form. However, most procedure are done on patients ages 9-25; these ages reflect increased social pressure from peers, friends, or coworkers.
If the molding is not disrupted the results of ear surgery can be permanent. Dr. Rueda maximizes the durability of the molding by relying on cartilage carving and not only sutures.
Your ear surgery will be performed in Precision Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach by Dr. Steven Rueda in our office operating room. In very selected cases, the surgery may be performed at a local hospital or ambulatory surgery center in Palm Beach.
Yes! In fact, ear surgery is very common in children.
Dr. Rueda prefers to wait about 4-6 weeks for piercing after split earlobe surgery is done. This allows enough time for the tissue to heal and be able to support the new piercing or jewelry.