Teen & Juvenile Otoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Greater Los Angeles

Teen and juvenile otoplasty is a procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the ears by repositioning them for a more balanced appearance. This procedure is helpful for younger patients with ears that stick out or are overly large; issues that can negatively impact one’s self-image and confidence.

Dr. Michael Omidi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience helping patients achieve impactful, lasting results. He has extensive knowledge of a wide range of ear conditions and understands the complex nuances of their associated procedures.

Dr. Omidi customizes each procedure to the goals and anatomy of each patient. Under Dr. Omidi’s care, patients can enjoy natural-looking, long-lasting outcomes from their otoplasty.

Contact our Beverly Hills office online or call (310) 281-0155 to learn more about specialized teen and juvenile otoplasty.

About Teen & Juvenile Otoplasty

Protruding ears can affect one’s self-esteem; (1) many individuals with protruding ears experience bullying and/or embarrassment about their condition. This may be especially common for younger children and teenagers.

Unlike adults who have more rigid ear cartilage, younger teens and children typically have ear cartilage that has not fully developed, making the process of adjusting their ears different. Since the cartilage is more malleable, the treatment plans require different considerations compared to those adults receive.

Types of Teen & Juvenile Otoplasty

There are several types of teen and juvenile otoplasty options available for patients who are experiencing aesthetic concerns related to the ears. Dr. Omidi can often combine or adjust these procedures according to each patient’s unique needs.

Ear Pinning

If the patient has large ears that extend noticeably from the side of their head, Dr. Omidi can pin them back with specialized adjustments. Ear pinning is an effective treatment for balancing the facial features. Many patients find that pinning back their ears can help them feel more comfortable in their daily lives, allowing them to wear their hair back or in different styles.

Improving Symmetry

If the ears are asymmetrical, Dr. Omidi can reshape the underlying cartilage to balance them.

Earlobe Repair

For patients who have stretched earlobes from wearing jewelry, Dr. Omidi can remove excess tissue and place discreet stitches to refine and reshape the earlobe.

Surgery for Congenital Ear Conditions

For patients who were born with misshapen ears, due to Stahl’s ear or other congenital factors, Dr. Omidi can reshape the ears for harmonious results.

Benefits

With otoplasty, patients can enjoy several benefits, including:

  • A more balanced appearance: Patients enjoy a more proportionate and symmetrical appearance.
  • Increased confidence: Reshaping the ears can significantly improve self-esteem.
  • Minimal scarring: Dr. Omidi makes discreet incisions behind the ears that are hardly noticeable.
  • Correction of congenital deformities: Otoplasty can effectively address ear deformities present from birth.
  • Customizable procedure: Dr. Omidi can personalize the surgery to meet specific aesthetic goals.
  • Minimal downtime: Most patients can return to their daily routine after just a few days.
  • Long-lasting results: Surgical corrections will create strong, stable adjustments that allow for long-lasting results.

Candidates

Anyone who would like to improve the appearance of their ears and balance their facial features is welcome to attend a consultation about an otoplasty procedure.

Common reasons patients seek otoplasty include:

  • Prominent ears that protrude noticeably
  • Congenital ear deformities
  • Injuries that affect the ears
  • Damaged or sagging earlobes

Candidates must have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with the procedure. It is also essential for pediatric candidates to have the consent of their parents or guardians before undergoing this procedure.

Personal Consultation

During a consultation, Dr. Omidi will discuss the patient’s medical history, current medications, and aesthetic concerns. He will perform a physical examination of the ears to determine the best treatment plan. The patient must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are under 18.

Schedule a consultation today by submitting our online contact form or calling us directly at (310) 281-0155.

Preparation

To prepare for otoplasty, patients may need to:

  • Stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Arrange for time off work (or school)
  • Have the support of a parent or guardian

Procedure

Dr. Omidi will cleanse the ears, and anesthesia will be administered. Depending on the procedure, he may excise a portion of the cartilage or he may reshape it. (2) He will place sutures to support the new shape and position of the ears.

After your procedure, Dr. Omidi will carefully apply bandages to the treatment area to protect the ears and help them heal correctly. Patients can typically return home after a monitoring period to rest and recover. The procedure typically takes between one and three hours, but procedure times may vary depending on the extent of the procedure.

Recovery

Although recovery from otoplasty is typically straightforward, there are several steps patients and their guardian or parent(s) should take to ensure proper healing. Patients will need to take approximately 1 week off work or school, and they may sleep on their back with the head elevated with a pillow to prevent putting pressure on the ears. Dr. Omidi may also recommend wearing a special headband for several days to protect and support the ears.

During recovery, patients may experience some swelling and pain around the ears. Dr. Omidi will provide personalized instructions for how to enhance patient comfort during this time.

Patients will need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks; Dr. Omidi will let patients and their guardian or parent(s) know when they can return to exercise or play sports again. After 7-10 days, patients will need to attend a follow-up appointment so that Dr. Omidi can remove the sutures. If the patient receives dissolvable sutures, this may not be necessary.

Results

After ear surgery, patients can enjoy an improved ear shape with natural-looking results. Many patients also enjoy more symmetrical ears, which can help them feel more comfortable in their day-to-day lives. Patients can expect noticeable improvements in the shape of their ears about six weeks following surgery when the swelling subsides entirely. Patients enjoy long-lasting results because Dr. Omidi permanently adjusts the underlying cartilage and tissue to restructure the ears.

Patients frequently report enhanced confidence and satisfaction with their new look!

Cost of Teen & Juvenile Otoplasty in Beverly Hills

The cost of ear surgery will depend on the specific treatment plan. We can provide an all-inclusive quote during a consultation. Our practice also offers financing options to help make treatments more affordable.

Contact our Beverly Hills office online or call (310) 281-0155 to learn more about our otoplasty options and the associated costs.

FAQ

Is otoplasty painful?

During otoplasty, we use anesthesia to enhance patient comfort. While it is common to experience discomfort around the ears afterward, this is temporary and will subside as the ears heal. Dr. Omidi will provide specific instructions to support ear healing and comfort after surgery.

Can you correct one protruding ear with otoplasty?

Yes, Dr. Omidi can perform otoplasty on one ear if only one ear is protruding or causing asymmetry. Since the procedure is customizable, we can adjust it for each patient’s specific needs.

Can otoplasty correct sagging earlobes caused by gauges?

Yes, earlobe repair is a type of ear surgery that can help reshape the earlobes. This procedure is especially helpful for patients whose earlobes are sagging or damaged because of jewelry.

When can I return to normal activities after my otoplasty?

Most patients resume daily activities within a week, but must avoid high-impact sports and/or vigorous activities for several weeks. The recovery timeline may look different from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the procedure and other factors.

Will I have scars after otoplasty?

Scarring is an inevitable factor of most surgical procedures. However, your surgeon will take care to make discreet incisions to minimize visible scarring after the procedure. He will hide them along the natural curves and contours of the ears.

What corrections does the surgeon make during an otoplasty procedure?

The corrections made during an otoplasty procedure depend on each patient’s unique circumstances. The surgeon may suture the ears back to be more flush with the head, he may remove excess tissue, he may graft cartilage, and more. During your consultation, we will discuss all the techniques that will be employed in your procedure. Will otoplasty impact my hearing at all? No. Since otoplasty only manipulates the external portion of the ear, the procedure has no impact on hearing. The procedure is designed to address aesthetic concerns, not functional problems related to hearing.

Why do my ears stick out so much?

Prominent ears are a common concern among both adolescents and adults. Oftentimes, these traits are present from birth due to improper formation of the ear cartilage. Specific congenital conditions, such as Stahl’s ear causes a pointed, misshapen appearance.

References

  1. Naumann A. Otoplasty – techniques, characteristics, and risks. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc04. Accessed December 31, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199845/
  2. Nazarian R, Eshraghi AA. Otoplasty for the Protruded Ear. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2011;25(4):288-294. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1288921