Otoplasty Fort Worth

Conveniently located to serve Fort Worth

OtoplastyNothing affects the way we feel about ourselves quite as much as what others think and say about our appearance.  People with prominent ears, or ears that stick out further from the head than what is considered normal, are often the target of teasing and ridicule and often have low self-esteem and marked self- consciousness. Prominent ear surgery is one of the most successful of all plastic surgeries. By making a small incision behind the ear, the surgeon is able to reshape the ear cartilage helping them to sit closer to the head. 

View Prominent Ears/Otoplasty Gallery

In an ideal situation, this surgery is done when a child is around 5 years of age before starting school.  We usually don’t do this surgery before 5 years of age because a child’s ear is still growing.  This can be done later in life as well.  So, if it was not done when you were five, it is never too late.  The cartilage does get a little more firm, and can be a little more difficult to shape, as you get older.

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

The best candidates for an otoplasty are healthy individuals who want to correct the size, shape, and position of the ears. This procedure can be performed for candidates as young as five years old but can also be an option later in life during adulthood.

An otoplasty procedure will not affect the hearing ability of the patient. The procedure is purely cosmetic and is permanent. The best candidates must set realistic goals and understand that boosting confidence does not depend on the procedure alone.

How to Prepare for an Otoplasty

Otoplasty patients must secure transportation home from the surgery in advance. It is recommended to bring a companion to get assistance after the procedure.

A resting area with enough pillows to elevate the head will help promote a quick and smooth recovery. Lie on your back when sleeping to make sure there will be no pressure on the ears.

Quit smoking for at least 4 to 6 weeks before and after the procedure. Avoid drinking alcohol at least 48 hours before and after the procedure. This will prevent excessive bruising and swelling and ensure a more comfortable recovery process.

Your Otoplasty Consultation

An otoplasty consultation will involve a detailed conversation about your appearance goals and complete medical history. Be ready to discuss this information with Dr. Lovelace to help plan a safe procedure with excellent results. Your ears will be examined, and the procedure will be explained in great detail.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How much pain will I have?

    Mild to Moderate

  • How much will it cost?

    A price quote detailing fees for the facility, anesthesia and surgeon will be given at the consultation.

  • What is the hospital/surgery center time?

    Surgery will be approximately 2-3 hours as determined on a case by case basis.  Typically this is done as an outpatient procedure.

  • What medications should I take or avoid with my surgery?

    You should not take any blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications for a week before your procedure, and you should hold all over the counter supplements a week before surgery.  This will help reduce the risk of bleeding intraoperatively, and help reduce the risk of postoperative hematoma (collection of blood).  If blood thinners are prescribed for you by your cardiologist or primary care physician, you should get clearance from them to hold these medications before they are discontinued.  You should hold all hormones 6 weeks before surgery.  Birth control pills should be held 6 weeks before surgery as well.  Of course you should make sure to use alternative forms of birth control during and after this time.  Hormones and birth control pills put you at a higher risk of blood clots.  These clots can go to your lungs and cause serious illness or even death.  We call this a pulmonary embolus.  Steroids should be weaned off at least a month before your surgery, and this weaning process should be set up and cleared by your prescribing physician.  Dr. Lovelace and the staff will go through your list of medication, and let you know what exactly you need to do with those medications preoperatively.  Make sure that you bring all of your medications with you to your consultation.  You will usually be given your prescriptions for your postoperative medication on your preoperative visit so that they can be filled and at your house when you get home from surgery.

  • Will I need clearances from any other physicians?

    Depending on your age and medical issues, Dr. Lovelace and her staff may set you up with your primary care physician, cardiologist, etc. for clearance prior to your surgery.  At that time any necessary labs, EKGs, or chest x-rays will be done.

  • What is the recovery?

    Sutures are typically dissolvable and do not need to be removed.  You will typically have a head wrap that will stay in place till your first follow up visit with Dr. Lovelace.  She will then ask that you wear a soft head band for a couple of weeks.  Most people return to light duty work or school a week after surgery.  No swimming until 4 weeks after surgery.  Scars will flatten and fade between 3 months and 2 years after surgery, and are usually not even noticeable behind the ears.

  • What are the risks?

    The risks of otoplasty include bleeding, infection, scarring, hematoma, seroma, cauliflower ear deformity, suture visibility/palpability/breakage, relaxation over time, recurrence of prominent ears, dehiscence, numbness/hypersensation, skin necrosis, asymmetry, poor cosmesis, need for further intervention, cardiac/pulmonary/stroke/DVT/PE events, death, etc.

Contact Us to Learn More

For more information about otoplasty in Fort Worth, contact New Leaf Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and schedule a consultation. Dr. Lovelace will be available to assess your eligibility for the procedure and perform an otoplasty that meets your appearance goals.