Posted December 07, 2021 in Otoplasty
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If your child has abnormally large, protruding ears, they can suffer several insecurities. For instance, bullies can tease them and give them nicknames such as “big ears” or “Dumbo.”
Therefore, this is an issue that can haunt your child every day, and consequently, hurt their self-confidence. The good news is that there is a solution for this issue: otoplasty — a cosmetic surgical procedure meant to correct the shape and the size of the ears.
As a concerned parent, you might be wondering if your child is ready for the procedure and whether they even qualify for it in the first place.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Generally, the procedure can be performed on children aged between four and fifteen. More specifically, your child might qualify for otoplasty if:
- They want to correct the shape, size, or position of overly large or misshapen ears
- Their expectations from the procedure are realistic
- They understand what the procedure entails and the risks involved
- Their ears are fully grown
- They are in a good physical and mental health condition
How Can You Prepare Your Child for Otoplasty?
Of course, the idea of undergoing surgery can scare a child, and therefore, you might have to do a lot to help your child get more comfortable with it. For instance, you need to take them to meet the surgeon in person and get them to stay in the surgeon’s office throughout the consultation session.
During the consultation, it is imperative for both of you to be attentive to understand what the procedure entails and get to know the risks involved. If your child seems apprehensive about the procedure, then it is wise for you to postpone until they are fully prepared.
What to Expect After Otoplasty
After otoplasty, your child will obviously have bandages covering the surgical sites. A cold compress can go a long way in helping them manage discomfort and minimize swelling.
They are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. As the surgical wounds heal, the results will gradually become noticeable.
Most children are usually happy with the results, but they will need a week or two to recover before going back to normal activities. As such, you should schedule the procedure during a school break.
Are You Interested in Otoplasty for Yourself or Your Child?
If your child’s ears look bigger than usual, otoplasty is an option you can consider to improve their appearance and prevent unwanted teasing or confidence damage. However, you need to ensure that your child is willing and ready to undergo the procedure.
If you are curious about what ear surgery looks like, visit our otoplasty before and after gallery to learn more.
Consult Dr. Messa at 954-659-7760 or by filling out our online contact form for more information about otoplasty.