"My son was constantly the object of ridicule. I
heard the same comments growing up and was determined that my children
wouldn't have to go through that. Ear pinning was one of the best gifts
I gave my child."
—S.N. (age 34)
Who is a Candidate?
Otoplasty cosmetic surgery in Maryland from Dr. Donald Kress corrects misshapen or protruding ears, ears that stick out too far from the
side of the head, or ears with abnormal folds or creases. The procedure should not be performed before age 5 or 6, but is safe to perform for adults of any
age. Wrestlers and other athletes who have suffered ear injury should learn more about cauliflower ear surgery.
Thinking about otoplasty for you or your child? Start seeing what's possible when you view otoplasty photos from actual patients of the practice. When you're ready, request a consultation with Dr. Kress at the office of Plastic Surgery One on Opossumtown Pike in Frederick.
Otoplasty in Frederick, Maryland
This plastic surgery procedure is performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia for children or local anesthesia for adults. Incisions are made entirely behind the ears
in inconspicuous areas. Through the incision, Dr. kress removes and reshapes cartilage to recreate normal ear contours. Bandages are wrapped around the head and used for the first 3 or 4 days followed by a
headband for several weeks.
Recovery Time
Sutures are removed within 10 days. Bruising and swelling is
generally resolved within 2 weeks, but active sports should be avoided
for at least one month.
Your Result
After otoplasty with Maryland plastic surgeon Dr. Kress, patients can enjoy normal, symmetrical, balanced and less protruding ears.
Otoplasty FAQ's
- Is it possible to overcorrect the ears?
Yes. Inexpert surgery can easily be recognized by an over-correction of
the mid-portion of the ear resulting in the earlobe and the tip of the
ear both still protruding from the head, while the central portion is
pulled back against the head. This is correctable with another surgery
and is referred to as "telephone-ear" and is a very unnatural
appearance.
- My son is already a teenager and really wants to have this procedure done. Would he be able to go to school right after the procedure?
Certainly girls can, since it is very easy for them to disguise the
headband in the hair. It's a little more challenging for male children,
and it really comes down to a matter of motivation. We would recommend
planning the procedure during a school break or over summer vacation.
- My ears have bothered me all of my life. Now I'm an adult. Is it too late for me to have my ears corrected?
My oldest patient was on an eighty-one year old gentleman who decided
finally to have his ears corrected because his grandchildren started
poking fun at him. The surgery went smoothly and without difficulty. He
is extremely pleased—only a little sorry that he didn't have it done
sooner.
- Are there alternatives to the surgery?
Glue, tape, and mechanical devices are really not good alternatives
since they become highly irritating to the skin around the ear and can
interfere with a proper surgical correction. That said, there is
research being done now in only a few centers which involves using
custom plastic splints which are applied to the ears to encourage the
formation of the correct folds and creases. It is very premature to
guess the outcome of this research but it deserves careful watching.
Have a question that isn't answered here? Request a consultation with Dr. Kress or call us at 240.575.1566.
