Otoplasty Results

Ultimately, the most important part of receiving otoplasty is the final result of the surgery. Patients often have numerous questions for their surgeon about how long it will take before they can reveal their new look, how different their appearance will be, whether anyone will be able to tell that they’ve had cosmetic ear surgery, and so on. The physical and psychological benefits of otoplasty are contingent upon the outcome experienced by the patient. Following is a brief discussion on the short- and long-term results of cosmetic ear surgery.

When Will I Be Able to See Results?

One of the first questions otoplasty patients ask their surgeon concerns how long they will have to wait before seeing their “new” ears. Fortunately, otoplasty has one of the shortest recovery times of all plastic surgery procedures, and most patients do not have to wait more than a week for the bandages to be removed. However, during the first five to seven days following otoplasty it is crucial that patients do not even attempt to peek at their ears. Tampering with the post-operative pressure dressing increases the risk of infection, and can even affect the appearance of the results.

Once the patient is ready to have the bandages removed, and a medical professional has unwrapped the dressing, results will be immediately visible. Although some residual swelling may cause minor distortions in the actual size of the ear, patients are almost always encouraged and excited by the first glimpse at their new look.

Long-Term Otoplasty Results

In the majority of patients, the results of otoplasty are permanent. Because the ears are primarily composed of cartilage, a naturally elastic tissue, some patients do experience a small amount of “springing back” over the years. Many facial plastic surgeons take this into account during the initial procedure by overcorrecting slightly, thereby leaving room for the ears to keep a natural shape in the long-term. Some patients choose to have otoplasty revision surgery several years after their first surgery to maintain the look they desire. However, studies have shown that approximately 85 percent of otoplasty patients are very satisfied with the long-term results of surgery.

Consult a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

The results of otoplasty are directly related to the level of experience and skill possessed by the performing physician. A private consultation with a facial plastic surgeon is the best way to determine what kind of results you can expect from cosmetic ear surgery. DocShop’s directory of doctors can help you locate a plastic surgeon in your area today.