There are certain proportions required to make a face aesthetically pleasing. When one feature of your face works to outweigh the remainder of your features, you may end up with a face that looks less than ideal. The good news is that solving facial balance issues may be as simple as addressing the way your ears reside on your head with ear surgery, also known as otoplasty.
A Tenuous Balance of Facial Features
“Big ears” are one of the most prominent problems that patients seeking cosmetic surgery tend to face. They may think that they look like elephants or cartoon characters when they look in the mirror. They can exacerbate other minor imperfections with the nose or lips, which can throw the balance of the face off even more. This negative view can have numerous negative effects on everything from self-esteem to employment opportunities.
Despite the way this condition is termed, the ears are rarely too big for a person’s face. They merely push too far outward. This makes them appear as if they were too large. The steady hands and the expertise of a cosmetic surgeon can help shift how the ears present themselves upon a patient’s head. This can force them to angle back towards the back of the head, which allows their presence to become more agreeable with the rest of the face.
How Does Otoplasty Work?
Otoplasty begins by having a surgeon inspect the patient’s ear and the fold where it connects to the head. The cartilage and surrounding structures are evaluated to discern the best way to achieve the desired facial balance.
The procedure itself begins with an incision just behind the ear. The surgeon then trims and reshapes the surrounding structures until they form the desired shape. If the ear is too far forward, it may be pulled back. A pin may be attached to the ear using permanent sutures to provide a place for the reshaped ear to attach. This is not needed in all otoplasty procedures, but it is needed in some.
The procedure takes around two weeks for the restructured ear to become permanent. Patients may be required to wear a headband to maximize the success of an otoplasty procedure.
Discomfort from this procedure will generally subside within one to three days after it has been performed. Patients are generally advised to refrain from placing pressure upon their ears or head to prevent damage or further discomfort.
Can Otoplasty Restore the Balance of Your Face?
Otoplasty can solve some of the issues that people face when they lack facial balance. It can make the ears appear less prominent, which in turn allows other features like the eyes and lips to be a center focus, which in turn can provide stunning results.
The only way to confirm if otoplasty is right for you is to consult with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. At the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas, we provide many other cosmetic procedures to get you the look you want. Dr. Jeneby can answer any questions or concerns you might have about otoplasty. Every feature of your face must be evaluated before the first incision is made to ensure that you can acquire the results you desire. Feel free to contact us to schedule a consultation today.
