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Many people assume cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty, is only for children. While it can be helpful for children of a younger age to minimize their risk for bullying and insecurity, otoplasty can also be beneficial for adults.
Adults who have dealt with large or protruding ears, or have experienced damage or injury to the ears, may want to consider otoplasty to improve their appearance and overall comfort.
Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of otoplasty for both adults and children, along with financing options for those interested in this helpful procedure.
What Is Cosmetic Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. It can help those with congenital ear defects or those who’ve experienced an injury.
While otoplasty addresses various concerns associated with the ears’ appearance, this surgery often pins the ears closer to the scalp, making them less prominent.
Many parents consider otoplasty for children as young as five years old. These parents seek cosmetic surgery for children with large, asymmetrical, or protruding ears to limit their exposure to bullying or teasing in school and increase their child’s confidence. In addition, the younger you are, the softer and more pliable your cartilage is, meaning the easier your surgery is.
That being said, there is no age limit to otoplasty.
What Otoplasty Can Do:
- Pin back ears that protrude
- Correct folded ear tips
- Reshape earlobes
- Bring proportion to small ears
- Fix an accidental injury to the ear
What Is the Difference Between Adult and Pediatric Otoplasty?
In truth, adult otoplasty has few differences from ear surgery performed on young children. Children will be put under general anesthesia, while adults can often be put under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Patients of any age experience minimal scarring as the incision is typically placed behind the ear to limit visibility. Recovery time takes roughly six weeks, depending on the technique used and the patient’s specific needs, and patients usually only report minor post-operative pain.
The most significant difference between adult and pediatric otoplasty has nothing to do with the actual procedure. In fact, it is more often emotional than technical. Adults might feel more insecure about their ears before surgery than young children and are certainly more worried about the cost!
Cost of Otoplasty for Adults
Each cosmetic procedure varies from patient to patient. The final cost of otoplasty depends on the skill required for the procedure, the surgeon’s level of expertise, the nature of the surgery, the type of facility it is performed, if additional supplies are needed (compression garments, for example), or medications prescribed.
The best action is to schedule a consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon. This way, you and your surgeon can assess which process is best for you and what your procedure might look like.
Dr. Bridges of Bridges to Beauty proudly offers many payment options, including CareCredit® financing for all his cosmetic and aesthetic procedures — otoplasty included.
For adults who have waited years to feel good about themselves and the appearance of their ears, the cost of otoplasty shouldn’t be a deterrent. That is why Dr. Bridges offers multiple payment options and a minimal consultation fee to better serve his patients and get them the aesthetic care they deserve.
This commitment to his patients and passion for cosmetic surgery has made Dr. Bridges and Bridges to Beauty maintain an outstanding reputation through patient testimonials.
Interested in Otoplasty in Shreveport, LA?
If you would like to learn more about otoplasty for adults or children, give Bridges to Beauty a call at (318) 219-8555 or fill out our online contact form today. We look forward to hearing from you.