Plastic Surgery

Probably no other physical characteristic cries out for plastic surgery more than protruding ears. Even if the ears are only mildly distorted, the condition can lead to self-consciousness. Ear surgery, known as Otoplasty, can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Not only is it possible to “pin back” ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. Having the procedure at a young age is highly desirable because the cartilage is extremely pliable which permits greater ease of shaping. Adults may also benefit from this procedure, which improves self esteem with relative ease.

What can I expect from an Otoplasty?

Ear surgery will not alter hearing ability. A successful Otoplasty results in the ears being in proportion to the size and shape of the face and head.

Besides protruding ears, other undesirable characteristics can be helped with this surgery. These include a “lop ear,” when the tip seems to fold down and forward, a “cupped ear,” which is a very small ear, and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Dr. Orloff can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.

How is Otoplasty performed?

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours. The procedure is generally performed on an out-patient basis under general anesthesia. The technique utilized for the surgery will depend on the problem being corrected.

A more common technique used for this surgery is to make a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This incision is made in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Dr. Orloff will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. If needed, Dr. Orloff will remove a cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even if only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

What is the recovery like?

Soft dressings will be applied to the ears and will remain for a few days. Any mild discomfort is easily controlled with medications. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas.

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. This surgical procedure can produce changes in the appearance, structure, and function of the nose. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip, narrow the width of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. This surgical procedure can help correct birth defects, nasal injuries, and help relieve some breathing problems.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty surgery is customized for each patient. There are various techniques used, depending on the patient’s needs and the desired outcome.

Rhinoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under either general or local anesthesia. During surgery, the skin of the nose IS separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then sculpted to the desired shape. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). After the nose has been reshaped, the skin and tissue are redraped over the structure of the nose.

Incisions are generally made inside the nose, so (hat they are invisible after the surgery.

When the surgery is complete, a splint is applied outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals. Nasal packing or soft plastic splints may be used inside the nose to provide additional support.

What Is the Recovery Like?

After surgery and for a short while, your face Will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. Swelling and bruising around they eyes may increase at first, reaching a peak after a few days. A smal amount of bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. You will be instructed on how to care for your surgical wounds and receive tips on how to help reduce swelling, such as by applying cold compresses. You may be instructed not to blow your nose for a short time while the tissues heal.

Dr. Orloff will remove any surgical dressings and splints at the point during your recovery it is appropriate.