Plastic Surgeon Serving North Andover, Boston, Haverhill, MA - Nashua, Salem, Manchester, NH & Nearby Areas
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a facial plastic surgery procedure in which your ear size, shape, and position can be brought into proportion with your head.
If you live in or around Andover, Massachusetts or Nashua, New Hampshire and are concerned with your ear deformity or imperfection, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. George P. Chatson can perform custom otoplasty to balance your ears with your other facial features.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Ear Surgery?
Many people are born with ears that are too large, misshapen, or protrude unbecomingly from their head. This can be both an embarrassing condition and a source of teasing and schoolyard bullying. Otoplasty improves overall facial balance.
Ear surgery can be performed on patients as young as 6 years old. In fact, it is commonly performed on younger children to help reduce teasing and to restore self-confidence.
Ideal candidates for ear surgery should be in generally good health and be prepared for a surgical procedure. They should also be prepared to follow Dr. Chatson's post-surgical advice. Recovery from ear surgery is relatively quick, but steps taken during the recovery period can impact final results. When this procedure is performed on children, proper aftercare requires the use of headbands to protect the healing ear tissues.
The Benefits of Ear Surgery
This safe procedure can correct a wide variety of aesthetic issues with the ears, including:
- Disproportionate size
- Downward or forward pointing tips
- Protruding ears
- Cauliflower ears
With the use of precise internal sutures that reshape ear cartilage, Dr. Chatson can provide you with balanced and natural-looking results that complement your other facial features.
Ear surgery brings your ears into alignment with your head, restores self-esteem, puts an end to teasing, and lets you regain your confidence.
How Long Does Recovery Take From an Otoplasty?
While results may be visible within one to two weeks, it may take around six for your ears to fully heal. During this time, some limitations may be placed on activities to help reduce the risk of unsatisfactory results and ensure the most positive healing response. During your follow-up visits, Dr. Chatson will provide individual instructions and help you determine when it is safe to resume specific activities.
What Results Should I Expect After My Surgery?
Following otoplasty, your ears will be ideally sized for the shape of your head and complementary to surrounding facial features. This procedure reshapes and resizes the ears, making them less obtrusive and more uniform, and helping to create a comfortable and natural-looking aesthetic.
Are There Any Side Effects of Ear Surgery?
Risks specific to otoplasty include overcorrection and unsatisfactory results. These risks can be reduced by choosing to work with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Chatson, who takes all the time necessary to plan and perform the procedure.
Does Scarring Occur After Surgery?
Incisions leave scars. This is an unavoidable aspect of surgery. However, the incisions for otoplasty are both incredibly small and carefully hidden in the natural folds of the ears, making them all but invisible following recovery.
You can help prevent thick and visible scars through proper incision care, avoiding nicotine and blood thinners, and carefully following all of the pre and postoperative advice provided by our office.
Hear What Dr. Chatson's Patients Have to Say
"I would recommend Dr. Chatson to anyone considering a cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. I am extremely happy with my results and even more pleased with the service and professionalism I received. Thank you Dr. Chatson."
"Dr.Chatson is an amazing plastic surgeon. I’m so happy with my results. The staff is so kind and professional. Overall wonderful experience from start to finish."
"Very happy with my decision to go to Dr. Chatson for my explant surgery. He has compassion for his patients which goes a long way when making the decision to have a difficult surgery. His office staff is awesome and everyone is personable and friendly. I would highly recommend Dr. Chatson to anyone."
Does Ear Surgery Alter Your Hearing?
Otoplasty adjusts the size and shape of the ears to bring them into ideal contours with surrounding facial features. It does not impact the hearing canal and will neither improve nor diminish your ability to hear.
How to Prepare for Ear Surgery
In preparation for any surgical procedure, you will need to stop using tobacco products, certain herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory medications, blood thinners, and alcohol. These can complicate otoplasty recovery, result in infection, and increase the risk of thick and visible scars.
There may be specific steps required for your ear surgery preparation based on factors unique to your needs. These will be discussed in detail during your time in our care to help ensure the most rewarding experience possible.
Ready To Take The Next Step? Contact Us!
Dr. George P. Chatson maintains two convenient offices in Andover, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire. If you live in Lowell or another Massachusetts community, please call 978-687-1151 to arrange an initial consultation. Patients in Manchester, Salem, and other areas of New Hampshire are encouraged to call 603-882-2103 .
