Ear Surgery Conveniently located to serve Houston, The Woodlands and Sugar Land
Questions and Answers About Otoplasty
Widely considered by his patients as one of the top facial plastic surgeons in Houston, Dr. Bressler has a vast array of experience with ear surgery. At our practice in Houston, ear surgery is a very common procedure. Below, there are several questions and answers about the surgery. If you’d like more information or want to schedule a consultation, please contact our office to meet with Dr. Bressler.
Why are my ears so prominent?
Prominent ears are typically caused by a cartilage framework that is oriented in a way that causes the ear to protrude. Frequently, there is a lack of certain folds that bring the ear in closer to the side of the head. Other times, there may be excess cartilage pushing the ear out away from the head. These cartilaginous features are actually inherited genetically and can be passed from either parent.
Protruding or prominent ears can have a significant psychological impact on both the child and adult. Children, especially boys who have shorter hair, may become self-aware of this issue upon introduction to school. They may be teased by their peers, which sometimes leads to issues of insecurity and low self-esteem.
What can be done for prominent ears?
Otoplasty is a procedure performed to correct protruding and prominent ears. Typically, an incision is made behind the ear that is well camouflaged and the cartilage is reshaped using suturing techniques and sculpting maneuvers. Older patients may need to have the “memory” removed from the cartilage so that it does not warp back to its previous position. Children’s cartilage is quite pliable and malleable and typically remains in place after reshaping.
Why should I have my otoplasty performed by a facial plastic surgeon?
Dr. Fred Bresser is a board certified Otolaryngologist or ENT and therefore has extensive training in ear surgery. In addition to being an ENT, he is a facial plastic surgeon and understands the complexity of the ear, its anatomy, proportions, and aesthetic features. Combining these two levels of training (ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery) makes him extremely qualified to be performing otoplasty.
At what age can my child have his/her ears corrected?
Eighty-five percent of the child’s ear has grown by three years of age. The majority of the ears’ growth is complete by six years of age. Otoplasty is applicable and safe in children at age five. They are beginning to have self-awareness at this stage and are entering a critical stage in their life with peer interaction at school.
What is the recovery time for otoplasty?
The procedure itself takes approximately two hours and the patient is able to go home the same day with a turban-like dressing. That dressing is removed the following day and the head is redraped lightly for one to three days. A headband is worn for two weeks and then only at night for an additional two weeks.
Your Otoplasty will be performed at Dr. Bressler’s office located in Houston, TX.
How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in Houston?
The cost of the surgery can vary. As an experienced Houston ear surgeon, Dr. Bressler will meet with you in his office to discuss all options and pricing.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bressler strives to deliver the best ear surgery Houston residents can depend on. You can also call us at 713.441.3223 to schedule an appointment.
Houston Methodist Facial Plastic Surgery Associates
Smith Tower, Suite 1703, 6550 Fannin Street
Houston, TX 77030
