Otoplasty in Cincinnati, OH
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.
Individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of large or protruding ears may be good candidates for otoplasty in the Cincinnati area. The surgery may be performed on children as young as five to six years of age. Having the surgery at a young age is often recommended because the cartilage of the ears is more pliable and because the procedure can help to spare children the teasing commonly associated with large ears. While otoplasty can also be performed on adults, they must understand that the cartilage of fully-developed ears is firmer and not as pliable as in younger children. As with other forms of cosmetic surgery, good health, realistic expectations, and working with an experienced doctor are essential. During the consultation, Dr. Donath will help you to decide if otoplasty is right for you or your child, ensuring the best possible results.
Otoplasty Before and After
*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.
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Otoplasty FAQs
Why choose Dr. Donath — Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Graduated summa cum laude 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 with the Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
- Has been nominated as a Top Doctor in Cincinnati Magazine and by Castle Connolly for many consecutive years.
- Is a national trainer of other physicians for both Galderma and Allergan, and is a frequent guest on multiple media outlets to present the public with the most recent facial aesthetic techniques.
Related procedures: Blepharoplasty, Facelift, Brow lift, Mini Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty