What Is the Ideal Age for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty | The Office of Dr. Vincent Hung
3 Min Read
Each cosmetic surgery has a specific age range. Some, such as a facelift or blepharoplasty, are designed for men and women over the age of 40 or 50, breast procedures like breast augmentation or breast lift must be performed after women are over the age of 18 or 22. And while these numbers vary, the one similarity between the ages of cosmetic surgery patients is that they are all adults. This fact separates otoplasty from the rest of the pack. Otoplasty is unique in that it is successfully and safely performed on both adults and children.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a short outpatient procedure that repositions prominent ears so that they sit closer to the head. During this operation, an incision is made on the back surface of the ear through which a small strip of skin is removed so that ears are moved closer to the scalp or resized. Incisions are closed and a short recovery period begins. Otoplasty is also one of the few procedures that offers permanent results without the need for touch-up procedures.
Benefits of Otoplasty for Children
Our ears are almost fully grown by the time that we reach four or five years old. Otoplasty can be performed as soon as this occurs, and the benefits of performing otoplasty at this age are extensive. For starters, a child’s ear cartilage is softer and more pliable than an adult’s ear cartilage. This makes it easier to reposition and mold the ear, and it also allows the ear to heal quicker and more comfortably.
The other reason is for emotional well-being. We all remember being children and seeing someone teased or mocked because of their ears. Maybe that person was you, perhaps it was a friend, or maybe it was a classmate; no matter who it was, we have all witnessed it. It is an unfortunate fact that many children are made fun of because of their ears, and ridicule as a child often leads to self-esteem and confidence issues down the line. By performing otoplasty at a young age, children can adjust the appearance of their ears before anyone has the chance to make fun of them.
Benefits of Otoplasty for Adults
While many individuals undergo ear pinning when they are young, otoplasty is still useful for adults. Otoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure; however, it is still surgery, and it needs to be approached the same way as other forms of surgery. One of the significant drawbacks of performing otoplasty on a child is that it is often the parent’s choice, and the child may not understand why they are being asked to undergo surgery. When otoplasty is performed on an adult, you know that the patient understands and is choosing the procedure for him or herself.
No matter the age in which you undergo the procedure, otoplasty is sure to enhance your confidence. To learn more about the procedure, or to set up a consultation, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032, his Newport Beach office at (949) 574-8292, or by filling out his online contact form.
