Some cosmetic procedures require you to be in a specific age range. There are many reasons why this requirement is in place. For example, a facelift is designed for men and women over the age of 40 and 50, and breast augmentations or breast lifts are performed on women over 18. And while these ages may vary, the one similarity between them is that these procedures require a patient to be an adult. For an otoplasty or ear surgery, this procedure can be performed on adults and children.
At Zochowski Plastic Surgery in Columbus, OH, Dr. Christopher Zochowski performs otoplasty on both children and adults to help proportion, position, and reshape the ear for a better aesthetic.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a relatively short outpatient procedure that repositions prominent ears to no longer protrude away from the head and lay closer to the head. During this operation, an incision is made on the back surface of the ear. Then, a small strip of skin is carefully removed from this incision to reposition the ears closer to the scalp, improving its shape.
Otoplasty For Children
A common question is whether parents should pursue having an otoplasty done on their children around the age of 4-5. There are many benefits to having your child undergo otoplasty at this age. For starters, a child’s cartilage is much softer and more pliable than an adult’s, making it easier to mold and reposition the ear into the desired location. Having the surgery done at an early age helps the ear heal quicker and more comfortably.
The other reason, and possibly the most important, is the child’s emotional well-being. We all remember being a kid and being teased about something or other on the playground at school. Protruding ears could cause a child to be severely mocked, bullied, and distressed. It’s unfortunate that kids are made fun of for their appearance at all. Fortunately, the lowered self-esteem and confidence issues resulting from this bullying can be avoided. By performing otoplasty at a young age, children can adjust to the appearance of their ears before anyone has a chance to bully them.
Otoplasty For Adults
While many people undergo otoplasty as a child, it can still be helpful for an adult. Otoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery period. Having an otoplasty as a child is primarily the parent’s decision. However, for an adult, the patient understands the procedure and chooses to have the otoplasty for themself.
Otoplasty in Columbus, OH
Whether it’s your child who has protruding ears or you’ve grown up with them, an otoplasty is excellent for all ages to help enhance self-confidence. To learn more about otoplasty in Columbus, OH, set up a consultation with Dr. Christopher Zochowski by calling (614) 490-7500 or contacting us through our website. We look forward to meeting you or your child soon!