Many people are born with prominent ears and would like to have their ears made less prominent. The procedure in which the ear is reshaped and made to lie closer to the head is known as “otoplasty”. The otoplasty procedure can be extremely rewarding for patients and can make a world of difference in self esteem and confidence.
Dr. Bresnick has a large experience with ear reshaping. He enjoys cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery and has performed hundreds of procedures on both children and adults. Dr. Bresnick has experience in all aspects of external ear surgery, ranging from otoplasty to actually creating ears for children born without external ears.
The otoplasty procedure involves reshaping the prominent portions of the ear and helping them look less noticeable. Most prominent ears have a poorly shaped upper ear fold and an overdeveloped cartilage portion in the middle region of the ear. Dr. Bresnick examines each patient carefully and designs a customized plan for ear reshaping. Generally, most patients benefit from a cosmetic reshaping in which the upper ear fold is recreated and the overdeveloped middle portion of the ear is set back or reduced. The majority of the surgery is done from the back of the ear and no visible scars can be seen on the front of the ear.
Dr. Bresnick’s philosophy is to maintain a natural look to the ears. Beautiful, natural ears have a defined shape and are approximately 1 inch from the head. To wear sunglasses, there has to be room for the glasses to fit on the top and behind the ears. Dr. Bresnick is careful to reshape the ear with these measurements and concepts in mind.
The procedure can be performed on both children (over age 5), and adults. Children do best with a light general anesthetic, while adults can have the surgery with either local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, or a general anesthetic if desired.
What to Expect
The otoplasty procedure is performed in Dr. Bresnick’s fully accredited surgical center, Encino Surgicenter. Following the procedure, patients will relax in the recovery room for a short period of time. There is little discomfort with ear reshaping. Dr. Bresnick is able to numb the ear area after surgery so that for many hours there is little to no discomfort. For the first night after ear reshaping surgery, patients will sleep with their head elevated. A sterile dressing will be protecting the ears. The doctor will examine you and change your dressings the day after surgery. Patients are able to wash their hair by the third day after surgery. Most patients may return to school or work after about five days.
14 year old boy 3 months following otoplasty
