How Long Will My Otoplasty Results Last?

Otoplasty, often called ear pinning, is a surgical procedure that corrects the appearance of your ears. You can use otoplasty to resolve issues like ears sticking outward or appearing asymmetrical. The procedure creates a new appearance that makes the ears more proportionate while also adding a boost to your self-esteem.

The surgery to set back protuberant ears is one of Dr. Cuzalina's favorite procedures because it has a nice artist component and the results are immediate and often life changing. Dr. Angelo Cuzalina and his team at Tulsa Surgical Arts are proud to provide otoplasty services to our patients in Tulsa, OK. But before we start, you should be aware of how the otoplasty works and how long you can expect the results to last.

How an otoplasty works

Otoplasty entails a doctor making an incision usually behind the ear to help keep scarring from being visible. Some specific areas of excess cartilage are removed from behind the ear while other areas are gently weakened to allow precise folding back of the cartilage using internal sutures. New folds are created to match on each side as best possible and to allow both a new attractive shape as well as an ear that is now set back to an ideal position related to the side of the head. Both ears are usually treated in this process to ensure everything looks balanced. We also use dissolvable sutures to close the incisions behind the ear, and bandages go over the tissues to keep them safe during the recovery process.

How long will it take to see results?

You’ll see the results of otoplasty the very next day after the procedure when the initial head wrap is removed. You will likely experience minimal bruising in the area but some mild swelling of the ear that can take a few weeks to subside. This procedure often has very little pain for younger patients (6-17 years of age) while adults tend to have more moderate discomfort for a few days that may require some pain medicine briefly.

How long will the results last?

The results of otoplasty are long-term and rarely ever need a 'redo'. Most patients have it done and enjoy a lifetime of better-postioned ears that change very little at all. However, in an isolated few cases, minor revisions may be necessary after a few many months to a year for small adjustments in final position or symmetry, but they are typically an easy adjustment. The chances of your ears going back to their previous shape are minimal.

What you can expect from an otoplasty

Otoplasty will help correct your ears to get the desired look you are after. We can also fix certain situations where the ear lobes appear too large or the ears look uneven. Torn earlobes from heavy earrings or enlarged lobes from 'gauging' practices are also both relatively easy fixes.

Ear reshaping surgery is suitable for adults and kids alike, as the ear tissues will not shift back as a child ages and grows. Ideally, Dr. Cuzalina recommends that children be at least 6 years old for otoplasty. Rare exceptions are for missing ears or severely traumatized ears. During your consultation with Dr. Cuzalina, we can analyze your needs and hear your concerns so we can find a customized treatment process that works for you.

Contact our Tulsa, OK practice today to learn more about how otoplasty results can change your life

Otoplasty is a simple cosmetic procedure that doesn’t cause much pain and produces results that usually last a lifetime. Contact us at Tulsa Surgical Arts to learn more about how cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelo Cuzalina and the rest of the team can support your cosmetic needs. We are open on weekdays and are conveniently located near the Creek Turnpike and US-64 in southeast Tulsa, OK.