Choosing an Otoplasty (Ear) Surgeon

Making the decision to undergo ear surgery can be a difficult choice. Having the right ear surgeon can make a significant, positive impact on the outcome of the procedure, and patients should consider their choice of doctor carefully. Some patients worry about needing an otoplasty specialist, and what kind of questions they should ask during a consultation. Below is information to help guide your search for a qualified ear surgeon.

What to Look for in an Ear Surgeon

The four most important qualities to look for in an ear surgeon are experience, results, hospital privileges, and personal attention. When patients meet with a doctor, they should feel confident that he or she is attentive to their individual needs. There should be a sense of trust and mutual respect that makes the patient feel at ease with the decision to undergo surgery. Additionally, patients should leave the initial consult with realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

When an ear surgeon has hospital privileges it displays that they have a good reputation in the medical community and are capable of handling a wide range of surgical needs. Some doctors have privileges at multiple hospitals, while others have privileges at just one – the amount of locations usually has more to do with the number of available hospitals in the area than it does the abilities of the surgeon.

Finally, results and experience tend to go hand-in-hand. Experience can refer to both the number of otoplasty surgeries performed and the amount of time in practice. A longer established surgeon might have less otoplasty experience than a younger physician who has a high volume of ear pinning patients. Being able to see the results of the surgeon’s work, especially those from cases similar to yours, provides an opportunity to evaluate the ear surgeon’s ability to give you the look you want.

Is It Necessary to Find an Otoplasty Specialist?

It is not necessary to find a surgeon whose entire practice focuses on otoplasty. However, a specialist might be the right choice for patients with severe ear deformities or injury, or those who feel more comfortable with an otoplasty specialist. There are many cosmetic surgeons who might offer ear pinning, but that does not mean they are experts in the type of otoplasty surgery your case requires. Physicians who specialize in facial plastic surgery are more likely to perform otoplasty on a regular basis and have specific training in craniofacial procedures. Ultimately, patients must meet the ear surgeon in person to truly know whether he or she is the best choice.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

The following are examples of questions to ask your ear surgeon or otoplasty specialist during an initial consultation:

• How often do you perform otoplasty?
• How many otoplasty surgeries have you performed?
• Do you perform otoplasty on children? If yes, how frequently?
• Are you board certified? If no, why not?
• Do you have before-and-after pictures of your otoplasty patients that I can see?
• Do you offer complimentary surgical revision should the need arise?
• Do you have any additional training or specialization in otolaryngology?

If you are seeking an ear surgeon to perform otoplasty for your son or daughter, it is essential that doctor and child feel comfortable with each other. Trusting a stranger with a scary thing like surgery can be difficult, especially for young children. An experienced ear surgeon knows how to interact with kids, explain the procedure clearly, and will take extra steps to help them feel safe and secure.

Use DocShop to Find a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

To find an otoplasty specialist or ear surgeon near you, search DocShop’s directory of facial plastic surgeons in your area. With a comprehensive listing of doctors organized by community and state, locating an expert physician is easier than ever.