When you look at someone’s face, you often see their prominent features, which typically include the eyes, nose, and mouth. But often, smaller features or features in the background will be what someone thinks are the most noticeable about themselves. Many people often feel this way with their ears. How a person’s ears look can affect their confidence. While it’s true that overly prominent ears can be easily hidden with a specific hairstyle, the remedy is only temporary. Cosmetic ear surgery can offer a more natural proportional look and bring balance to your features. Otoplasty procedures, like ear pinning surgery, change the shape, size, proportion, or position of the ears.

Aside from cosmetic purposes, there are many other reasons why a person may want to get ear, or otoplasty, surgery.

• Overly large ears, called macrotia
• Small ears or poorly formed ears, called microtia
• Ears that stick out too much, called protruding ears 
• Ears that are not proportionate with the size of the head 
• An injury that altered the shape of the ears permanently 
• Dissatisfaction with results of a previous surgery

Each patient is different, so your reasons for getting the surgery can vary from other patients. No matter what your goal is, it’s important to remember this surgery only balances your ears with your other features. It can’t change the location of your hearing appendage or repair a hearing loss.

Do you wish your ears were closer to your head? Do you want to feel freer to wear your hair off your face? Consider the benefits of what a minor correction will have on your appearance and self-esteem. Ear surgery can balance the proportion between ears and face for a more natural, renewed look. Having an ear surgery, or any surgery, is a highly individualized decision. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history and expectations for your ear surgery at the initial complimentary consultation. Your goal for surgery should be to satisfy your desires, not any other person’s requests or perceived wishes.

Good candidates for ear surgery are non-smokers who don’t have a condition that makes healing more difficult. It also helps to have a positive outlook and reasonable expectations. Finding out how suitable you are for ear surgery will depend on information specific to you. Your surgeon will discuss your medical history and expectations for the procedure at the initial complimentary consultation.

To learn whether ear surgery can help you, the first step is to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Massiha. At the consult, the surgeon will talk about the procedure, your goals, other options, and the potential risks. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and expectations for the surgery. Ask your surgeon to see ear surgery before and after images. This is the time to get your questions answered.

If you decide to continue care after the consultation, Dr. Massiha and your healthcare team will start developing your unique treatment plan. They need to get the best idea of your health to ensure your safety for the procedure. During this evaluation period, you will continue talking with your surgeon and undergo physical exams. Tests, images, and x-rays may be ordered according to your age, health, and other individual needs.

Once the evaluation is complete, your surgeon will recommend a unique comprehensive surgical treatment plan tailored to achieve your goals. Dr. Massiha performs ear surgery alone or in combination with a wide range of comprehensive cosmetic and rejuvenation services.

Make sure to ask any questions you have. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts with your surgeon and healthcare team. If you do not understand something, tell your healthcare team, so they can find another way to explain it. If you are unsure of what questions to ask, see this checklist recommended by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It can help guide you during conversations with your surgeon.

Decisions about your procedure will be made during your consultation. You will be administered local anesthesia so that you are comfortable during surgery. Your surgeon will use a surgical technique according to your specific goals and medical history. Incisions are generally made on front of the ear. But Dr. Massiha’s methods allow him to make incisions within the natural fold of the ear and therefore there is minimal visible scarring. Internal, permanent sutures, which cannot be removed, are generally used to create and secure newly shaped cartilage and skin in place. External stitching used to close incisions is an individualized technique unique for every patient.

Some discomfort and itching immediately following ear surgery is normal. You will need to keep bandages intact after surgery. Your healthcare team will provide instructions for cleaning and protecting your ears during healing and follow-up care. Dr. Massiha’s dedication to patient care doesn’t end with the surgery. He and his team provide comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up visits to ensure your smooth recovery and optimal results.

Generally, significant improvement is evident within two weeks and continues as post-surgical swelling improves. Most of the swelling subsides by week 6. You’ll see your surgery’s final result after swelling is fully healed, which can take up to six months. Most otoplasty procedures are permanent, and ear surgery can be repeated if needed.

The cost of ear surgery will depend on the type of surgery you get and your surgeon’s experience and reputation. It is also influenced by other specifics including how complex the procedure is and what fees are required, like anesthesia and facility fees. Many of these choices are made according to your medical history and your expectations. You and your surgeon will talk about these choices during your consultation and discussions before surgery. Dr. Massiha will be able to provide a price quote with your treatment plan so you can budget the cost of your procedure.

Dr. Massiha’s extensive experience and expertise in plastic surgery set him apart. He is not only a leading plastic and cosmetic surgeon in the Metairie and New Orleans area, Dr. Massiha also enjoys national and international reputations for innovation and excellence. He has performed thousands of facial surgeries and taught his techniques to plastic surgeons in the region as well as other states and countries.

Committed to using the latest techniques and innovations in plastic surgery to ensure the highest level of safety and efficacy, Dr. Massiha regularly attends and participates in the industry’s top professional meetings. His essence as an artist and sculptor pervades his unique attention to detail and meticulous approach to each patient’s features. He will take the time to explain your procedure, discuss your expectations, and provide personalized recommendations based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome.

Dr. Hamid Massiha offers a wide range of comprehensive cosmetic and facial surgeries to achieve your aesthetic goals. A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Massiha has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals through his personalized approach to care. His natural results will enhance your beauty and leave you feeling confident and happy.

Let Dr. Massiha’s expertise, artistry, and patient-centric approach help you achieve the natural, refreshed appearance you desire. Book an appointment today and discover how Dr. Massiha can transform your look and boost your confidence.