Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) New York City
Introduction to Otoplasty
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, can correct a number of aesthetic issues relating to the ears. NYC double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. William Lao has performed numerous ear surgeries throughout his career and places emphasis on ensuring the ears have a natural, proportional, and symmetrical appearance. He has the skills and artistic abilities needed to provide excellent results.
What is Otoplasty?
At our world-class facility in New York City, otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, can correct a number of aesthetic issues relating to the ears. Most people tend to not think about the appearance of their ears because they naturally blend into their appearance. Unfortunately, for some people, the ears stick out rather than blend in. When ears are noticeably large, protrude significantly from the head, or have a noticeable malformation, their appearance can be difficult to ignore, which can cause significant self-esteem issues.
Who are the Best Candidates for Otoplasty?
During a consultation, Dr. Lao will go over your medical history and current health to ensure you are in good condition to undergo surgery. Generally speaking, anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their ears and would like to surgically correct their ear issues is a potential candidate for ear surgery. The issues that ear surgery can correct include oversized ears, protruding ears, birth defects, and damage to the ear caused by accident or injury. Most of these issues are present from birth, which can cause issues with the child’s self-esteem and be a source of ridicule from other children. Otoplasty can be performed on children, but it is best to wait until after the ears are fully developed in order to avoid jeopardizing the results. Most children can undergo ear surgery at around age five or six.
What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
Over the years of performing Otoplasty, Dr. Lao has noticed his patients benefit from Otoplasty in the following ways:
- Improvement in the appearance of congenital ear abnormalities
- Reduction in the prominence of excessively large ears
- Repositions the ears so they lay flatter against the sides of your head
What’s the First Step?
The first step to getting otoplasty in New York with Dr. Lao is to get in touch. By filling out a contact form on our appointment page, a member of our team will get in touch with you to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, you’ll be able to meet one-on-one with Dr. William Lao.
Dr. Lao will complete a thorough evaluation of your ears, provide his expert recommendations, and answer any questions you have. You should be as open and honest with Dr. Lao about your aesthetic desires, as great communication always leads to optimal results. Dr. Lao has been featured in numerous publications about his surgical techniques. If you’re happy with Dr. Lao’s recommendations, surgery will be booked.
Once the surgery is booked, our expert surgical team will provide pre and postoperative instructions. These guidelines are created to ensure patient safety and the best possible surgical outcome.
What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty
Ear surgery typically takes around two hours to perform, depending on the amount of work needed. Incisions are required, but they are made along the back of the ear and within the natural creases of the ear so that they are visually undetectable. Dissolvable sutures are typically used to retain the new ear shape during the recovery. The whole surgery will take approximately 2 hours.
Earlobe Repair
In some cases, the earlobe has become stretched or has completely ripped, which can be very painful and can ruin the appearance of the ear. Plugs and gauges can leave large holes in the ear with dangling earlobes. Frequently wearing large heavy earrings can also stretch out the ears. In some cases, an earring may catch onto something while the wearer is in motion, which can tear the lobe completely. This may also occur if too large a plug or gauge is used. In any of these instances, earlobe surgery can be performed to repair the damaged lobe and restore its normal appearance.
PROCEDURE SCHEDULE
Surgery
Time: 1-2 hours
General Anesthesia or Local Anesthesia
Recovery
Ambulate the night of surgery
Shower 2 days after surgery
May return to work next day
Restriction
None
Otoplasty Recovery
Bandages will need to be worn for several days. Swelling, discoloration, and itching are to be expected and should dissipate over time. You will need to avoid sleeping directly on the ears during recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Lao?
Dr. William Lao is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is proud to have attended Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Lao has over a decade of experience and has been listed as a Top Doc in the aesthetic magazine, New Beauty. Dr. Lao prides himself on patient safety and his ability to connect with his patients.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in New York City?
The cost of Otoplasty in New York City will vary on a number of factors. During your consultation with Dr. Lao, he’ll be able to provide his recommendations and go over all associated costs. We offer financing options, to help manage the payments for our patients.
FAQs
Is Otoplasty painful?
The surgery itself isn’t painful as you will be administered general anesthesia. You may feel some discomfort during your initial recovery since your ears will be bandaged to reduce the swelling and preserve healing.
Can I combine Otoplasty with other procedures?
What are the risks associated with Otoplasty?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Negative reactions to the anesthesia
- Scarring
Schedule Your Consultation
If you or your child are in need of ear surgery in NYC to correct ear size, shape, or appearance, please contact our Manhattan office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lao. He is dedicated to providing our patients with the exceptional care they deserve.
