Are you looking for an experienced surgeon in Cincinnati to help reduce the appearance of your prominent ears? Look no further than Dr. Donath Alexander! An expert in otoplasty surgery, Dr. Alexander has performed thousands of successful surgeries with minimal risk of blood clots or other complications.
Otoplasty Benefits: Enhanced Ear Aesthetics
Otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure to reduce the prominence of ears. It can help balance out facial features, restoring self confidence and giving patients a more proportionate appearance. Here are more benefits of getting otoplasty:
What is an Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or surgery of the ears, is a plastic surgery procedure that can improve the appearance of large or protruding ears. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, and a graduate of Ohio University, a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Donath can perform these procedures with expertise. During surgery, the ears can be pinned back, reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. The goal of otoplasty is to correct the shape and position of the ears so that they are in proportion to the size and shape of the head and face in the patient’s care.
Otoplasty Ideal Candidates
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that requires minimal recovery time, making it a great option for those who want to improve the appearance of their ears. Ideal candidates for otoplasty surgery are healthy adults or children who are at least 5 years old and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Additionally, potential patients should provide their medical history to Dr. Donath Alexander in Cincinnati to make sure they are suitable candidates for ear surgery.
Otoplasty Initial Consultation
At the initial consultation for otoplasty, Dr. Donath Alexander will evaluate your ears and discuss your cosmetic goals in detail. He will then explain the corrective surgery options available and provide a detailed plan for the procedure. Additionally, he will discuss the risks and benefits of otoplasty, as well as what to expect during recovery. This initial consultation is an important step that helps ensure the patient receives safe and effective care that meets their individual needs. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you can expect to return home shortly after your appointment with Dr. Donath Alexander in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati, OHOtoplasty Cost
The average cost of otoplasty depends on a variety of factors, including the type of surgical technique used and the extent of correction needed. Generally, the procedure can range between $3,000 – $4,500. During your initial consultation with Dr. Donath Alexander in Cincinnati, OH, you will receive an estimate based on your individual needs. Additionally, he may provide financing options to help cover the cost of otoplasty surgery if desired.
Otoplasty Potential Risks
Otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure, but there are still a few potential risks that patients should be aware of. The most common risk associated with otoplasty surgery is the possibility of a negative impact on the appearance of the ears after surgery. After surgery, patients may need to wear a head band to keep their ears in place while they heal. This can often lead to discomfort and could potentially cause scarring or asymmetry. Additionally, some people may experience minor bleeding or swelling after the procedure which should subside shortly after surgery. Contact your surgeon immediately if there is a prolonged and abnormal swelling or other unusual symptoms. It’s important to discuss any concerns you have with the specialist before undergoing otoplasty so that you can understand all potential risks and make an informed decision about the procedure.
Otoplasty Before & Afters
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
The Otoplasty Procedure
General anesthesia is commonly used for ear surgery when the patient is a child. Adults and older children may receive a local anesthetic and a mild sedative. The surgeon, Dr. Donath, will begin the otoplasty procedure by making an incision just behind the ear within the natural fold where the ear and head meet. Working through the incisions, certain amounts of cartilage and skin may be removed, and the ear will be reshaped into a more desirable form for injury correction. Permanent sutures may be used to pin back the cartilage. In some cases, cartilage may not be removed but simply reshaped and held in place with stitches. Both ears are typically treated even when only one ear appears to protrude. In most cases, ear surgery takes about two hours to complete.
Otoplasty Recovery
Any dressings applied to the ears after surgery will be removed within a few days. Some discomfort may occur which can be controlled with prescription medication. Sleep may be disrupted for a week or so for those used to sleeping on their sides. A headband may need to be worn to hold the ears in position for about two weeks. Stitches are usually removed or dissolved on their own within about a week. The location of the incisions within a crease on the back of the ear allows the resulting scars to be imperceptible. Most patients are able to return to work or school within five to seven days after otoplasty, though rigorous activities and contact sports will be prohibited for a month or more, all under the doctor’s care.
Why choose Dr. Donath — Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Internationally renowned facial plastic surgeon–has lectured around the world and is published in leading medical journals.
- Patients travel from across the US and internationally for Dr. Donath’s expertise.
- Graduated summa cum laude (highest honors) from Ohio University where he was a scholarship recipient and was inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa national honor society.
- He then completed medical school at the University of Cincinnati, widely recognized as one of the top medical centers in the country, where he was President of the school’s American Medical Student Association.
- Completing a rigorous five-year residency training program in all aspects of Head and Neck Surgery at St. Louis University.
- He additionally spent time studying at Harvard Medical School.
- He has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years — more than a decade.
- Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma (Dysport®, Restylane®) and Allergan (Botox®, Juvederm®), and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.
Thank you for my new ears. I wore my hair up on the very first day of school. It felt great! I’ve never worn my hair down since then. My ears haven’t even been bothering me. Thank you for changing my life!
Otoplasty FAQs
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears, making them more proportionate to the size and shape of the head and face. The surgery can pin back the ears, reshape them, reduce their size, or make them more symmetrical under the care of a skilled surgeon in the Cincinnati area.
Is otoplasty right for me?
Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears and are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and residing in the Cincinnati area may be good candidates for otoplasty. The surgery may be performed on children as young as five to six years of age, and it is often recommended that it take place at an early age under the guidance of an experienced doctor. Adults are also candidates for otoplasty, though the firmer cartilage of fully developed ears is not as pliable as in younger patients. There are various reasons one might consider otoplasties, such as birth deformities, asymmetry, or discomfort from pressure in certain situations. Dr. Donath, a skilled plastic surgeon, is happy to meet with you for a consultation to determine if you or your child is a suitable candidate for otoplasty and provide detailed instructions on the procedure.
At what age can otoplasty be performed?
Otoplasty may be performed as early as five to six years of age to address any deformities or imbalances present since birth.
What happens at the consultation for otoplasty?
During the consultation at Donath Facial Plastic Surgery for an otoplasty, Dr. Donath will meet with you to examine your ears, discuss your goals for achieving balance and symmetry, and take a thorough medical history. He will also take other factors into consideration such as age, skin type, and attitude toward surgery to help determine if otoplasty is right for you. The technique, including the anesthesia and the surgical facility, along with the risks and the costs involved, will be discussed with the plastic surgeon, and any questions or concerns that you have will be addressed.
What anesthesia is otoplasty performed with?
Otoplasty is most commonly performed with general anesthesia when the patient is a child or with local anesthesia and mild sedation when the patient is an older child or adult. This allows for better control of pain and minimizes the risk of complications.
How is the surgery for otoplasty performed?
Dr. Donath begins the ear surgery by making incisions behind the ear where the ear and head meet. He may utilize different techniques to achieve the desired look. For instance, he may remove some cartilage and skin, reshape the ear into a more desirable shape, and then use permanent sutures to pin back the cartilage. In other cases, he may not remove any cartilage but rather reshape the cartilage using stitches to hold the new shape in place.
How long is the surgical time for otoplasty?
Otoplasty takes an average of about two hours to perform, depending on the complexity of the deformities being corrected and the extent of reshaping required to achieve a balanced appearance.
Where are the otoplasty incisions made?
The incisions for otoplasty are made behind the ear within the crease where the ear meets the head. This placement ensures that any scars resulting from the procedure will be discreetly hidden.
Will I have scars after ear surgery?
By making the incisions behind the ear within a skin crease, the resultant scar is very well-concealed and often not noticeable to the casual observer.
Does otoplasty involve much pain?
Some discomfort can be expected, though prescription medication can help to manage this and ensure that pain is kept to a minimum during the recovery process.
What is the recovery from otoplasty like?
Patients may experience some temporary discomfort which can include throbbing and aching of the ears. This can be controlled with prescription medication. Dressings are removed within a few days after surgery, while stitches are removed or dissolve in them within about a week. Patients may be required to wear a headband for about two weeks to provide support and maintain the reshaped ears in their new position.
When will I be able to resume work after my ear surgery?
Work and school can usually be resumed within five to seven days after the otoplasty procedure, allowing time for any initial swelling or discomfort to subside.
When will the stitches be removed after my otoplasty procedure?
Stitches are typically removed or dissolved on their own within seven days after the ear surgery, as directed by the plastic surgeon’s instructions.
What otoplasty office is near me?
If you live in the states of Ohio or Kentucky, Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgery offers otoplasty among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
