Surgeons must be Board Certified to do an otoplasty procedure or and ENT doctor. They must also have experience and log books of experience work should be available.
Many plastic surgeons prefer to use absorbable sutures when performing an otoplasty in order to minimize the risk of disturbing the shape of the ear by removing stitches later.
Some surgeons consider opposition on the child's part to be a contraindication for surgery, as well as unrealistic expectations on the part of the parents.
As of 2003, there is some debate among plastic surgeons concerning the best age for performing a setback otoplasty. Many recommend the operation when the child is between five and seven years old.
To correct the appearance of protruding or prominent ears. This procedure is also known as setback otoplasty or pinback otoplasty.
This technique reshapes the ear without the need to remove cartilage; it is sometimes called a cartilage-sparing otoplasty.
Molds are not typically used in adult otoplasty. In adult otoplasty, the cartilage is reshaped surgically to correct the position or shape of the ears. Molds are more commonly used in non-surgical ear molding for infants with congenital ear deformities.
An otoplasty, which is the medical term for plastic surgery for ears can be done by any plastic surgeon. You can call your insurance company to find plastic surgeons in your area.
Some qualifications a plastic surgeon needs before they are able to operate are six years of plastic surgery training on top of their general training. Also all plastic surgeons registered to preform surgery are on the General Medical Council's (GMC) specialist plastic surgery register.
Formation of abnormal scar tissue. This complication can usually be corrected later; plastic surgeons advise waiting at least six months for revision surgery.
Plastic surgeons strongly urge adult patients to quit smoking before the surgery, because smoking delays and complicates the healing process.
On the other hand, some surgeons have reported performing setback otoplasties on children as young as nine months with no disturbances in the growth of the ear or recurrence of the problem.
Overcorrection during an otoplasty procedure may lead to an unnatural appearance, asymmetry, or other aesthetic concerns such as prominent ears. It is important for surgeons to carefully assess and plan the extent of correction needed to achieve a balanced and natural outcome.