EARLOBE CORRECTION SURGERY & OTOPLASTY By Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS in New York City
Model image of a woman’s ear. Not an actual patient.
Introduction to Earlobe Correction Surgery & Otoplasty
Dr. Zuckerman performs plastic surgery procedures of the ear including cosmetic earlobe surgery, otoplasty to reduce the prominence of the ears, and earlobe reconstruction after cancer. He can safely and effectively correct aesthetic issues of the earlobes including stretched earring holes, split or ripped earlobes from long-term earring wear, or previously gauged earring holes. Dr. Zuckerman can also reduce the size of natural overly large earlobes. Earlobe reconstruction after cancer can effectively recreate the natural shape of the earlobe after malignant tissue has been excised. Dr. Zuckerman can also perform otoplasty, or ear correction surgery, on adults and children, and this procedure can dramatically improve both overall facial appearance, balance, and the patient’s self-esteem. Ear correction surgery is a common, safe, and effective procedure often performed on pedriatic patients. Dr. Zuckerman trained at some of the most elite institutions in the world including Brown University and New York University.
Cosmetic earlobe surgery can be performed on both adults and children but is more often done on adults due to long-term earring wear or aging. Pedriatic patients may require earlobe surgery due to accident or injury. Good candidate patients are those who pass medical clearance to undergo general anesthesia. Candidates for earlobe reconstruction are often those who have already undergone excision by a dermatologic, or Moh’s, surgon, who specializes in removing skin cancer from various parts of the body.
Candidate Patients for Otoplasty
For pediatric patients, otoplasty is generally performed after the child reaches five years of age. However, anatomically the procedure should be performed once ear cartilage is mature and after the ear dimensions reach a significant percentage of the full adult ear. Most physicians including Dr. Zuckerman are proponents of delaying the procedure until an age at which the child is able to be involved in the decision. There is no such restriction for adults who wish to undergo otoplasty.
Cosmetic earlobe surgery to address a stretched out or split earlobe involves a small wedge excision of tissue from the affected area. Then, Dr. Zuckerman performs an intricate procedure that is known medically as a z-plasty along the bottom of the earlobe. This creates a small zig zag shaped scar on the bottom of the earlobe, which is rarely visible. This non-linear scar helps ensure that after healing, the shape of the earlobe will remain unaffected. Dr. Zuckerman performs most procedures of this type in an office setting under local anesthesia. The procedure to reduce overly large earlobes is slightly different and involves excision of a crescent of tissue along the rim of the earlobe.
Ear Reconstruction Procedures
Ear reconstruction can be a complex endeavour, and Dr. Zuckerman’s techniques will depend on the extent of the earlobe defect after the excision of malignant tissue. Your procedure may vary from a simple twenty minute in-office procedure to a multi-hour and multi-stage full earlobe reconstruction performed in the operating room. Dr. Zuckerman will advise you as to the specifics of your best-suited procedure after examining you.
Ear Correction Surgery (Otoplasty) Procedure
Dr. Zuckerman performs ear correction surgery by shaping the cartilage, usually through incisions on the back of the ear. Then, to decrease the protrusion of the ears, the back of the ear may be sutured to the head. Some stitches are permanent, and some may be dissolvable. Most otoplasty procedures can be completed in two hours of less under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia plus sedation.
Most cosmetic plastic surgery of the ear, including otoplasty, requires little downtime. Typically, stitches are removed one week after the procedure. Patients may experience some amount of bruising and swelling, and if needed, Dr. Zuckerman will prescribe medication to manage any postoperative discomfort. For otoplasty, Dr. Zuckerman typically removes bandages after one week, and a special headband is then worn for approximately two weeks to ensure the ears heal into the proper position. Patients may resume their normal routines after approximately one week but must use care to avoid stress or harm to the ears before healing is complete.
Dr. Zuckerman publishes many of his previous earlobe correction surgery & otoplasty results with patient consent. The before and after image gallery has pairs of high resolution images from three to four angles for each patient. Many prospective patients enjoy finding a similar case to their own that Dr. Zuckerman has performed in the past. Take a look through the gallery by clicking on the button below.
Most cosmetic plastic surgery of the ear is minor and at low-risk for complications. However, healing issues or infection may occur. For ear reconstruction after cancer, Dr. Zuckerman may advise you of other potential complications depending on the extent of your procedure. For any plastic surgery of the ear, Dr. Zuckerman and his team take the utmost care to ensure patient safety, operative success, and to minimize risks and discomfort.
Below are the answers to some questions Dr. Zuckerman most frequently receives from prospective patients. If you don’t see your question below, feel free to contact Dr. Zuckerman’s office, and a member of his staff will be glad to reach out to you.
How soon after earlobe surgery can the ear be repierced?
Dr. Zuckerman will repierce your ear(s) three months after the initial procedure as part of the treatment if you desire. He will request that you obtain a stainless steel or fourteen carat gold post earring to use.
Can cosmetic earlobe surgery be combined with other surgical procedures?
Yes, it is easy to combine this procedure wither another surgical operation as it is relatively minor.
Are you ready for your earlobe correction surgery & otoplasty consultation with Dr. Zuckerman? He will perform a thorough evaluation of your desired outcome and needs based on your anatomy and medical history. Dr. Zuckerman will also address any questions or concerns you may have about the surgery and discuss with you the details of his approach: incision location(s), procedure length and techniques, likely operative outcome, etc. Contact his office by clicking the button below or by calling 212-231-9897. Dr. Zuckerman also offers consultations via Skype and a process for out-of-town patients to visit New York City to have surgery with him.
OTHER LINKS
Dr. Zuckerman has been selected as a SuperDoctor and profiled in The New York Times Magazine SuperDoctors issue three years in a row.
Dr. Zuckerman was quoted on the use of Kybella to eliminate submental, under the chin, fat. He also opined on how an angular jaw line is essential to societal classical perceptions of facial beauty.
Dr. Zuckerman appeared on an episode of The Doctors TV show on CBS for a preoperative evaluation of a severe burn victim who requires a complex plastic surgery reconstruction.
A mother and daughter pair of Dr. Zuckerman’s patients were interviewed by the New York Post about how much they enjoy their experience at Dr. Zuckerman’s office, undergoing cosmetic Botox and Juvederm treatments.
Dr. Zuckerman opined on the trend of “Trophy Husbands” where men undergo plastic surgery for Fox5 News.
Dr. Zuckerman was interviewed on nipple piercings, their implications for breastfeeding, and why plastic surgery intervention may be required to remove them.
Dr. Zuckerman was selected as a SuperDoctor for New York state for plastic surgery. This selection is Dr. Zuckerman’s third year in a row and recognizes him as one of the best plastic surgeons in New York.
Dr. Zuckerman discussed the fact that liposuction is not a shortcut to weight loss. It is a sculpturing tool best used to shape and contour targeted problem areas with excess, stubborn fat.
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