Ear Surgery in Dallas, TX

Ears that protrude or are misshapen and uneven can affect your self-confidence, especially during childhood. Otoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgical procedure that corrects the shape, size, and position of the ears to create a more natural look. Dr. George A. Toledo is the premier plastic surgeon in Dallas; he is double board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. His unique and extensive plastic and reconstructive surgery training enables Dr. Toledo to provide excellent surgical results, especially for those seeking cosmetic ear surgery.

In addition to having exceptional surgical skills, Dr. Toledo has a caring, compassionate nature that helps his ear surgery patients feel at ease. Many otoplasty patients who Dr. Toledo treats in Dallas, Texas are under the age of ten and may have experienced teasing or bullying due to the appearance of their ears. Dr. Toledo understands this unique situation and provides the comforting care that these patients require. In fact, he has traveled throughout the United States, Latin America, and the Philippines providing plastic and reconstructive surgeries to children in need. Regardless of the physical irregularity, ear surgery with Dr. Toledo at the Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas, Texas allows an individual to show their face from any angle with confidence, as well as overcome any anxiety and embarrassment that they may have.

Otoplasty is a unique plastic surgery procedure that is commonly performed on children beginning at age five and is recommended during the elementary school age; however, it is also frequently performed on adults. If you are self-conscious about the look and shape of your ears because they protrude, are asymmetric, or are too large, an otoplasty can help you improve your appearance.

Otoplasty is performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation at our state licensed ambulatory surgical center. For most patients, the incision is made behind the ear, hidden in the ear’s crease. During surgery, the ear’s cartilage will be reshaped to create the patient’s desired appearance. It is common to operate on both ears to ensure they look close to symmetrical. The incisions are then secured with sutures and carefully bandaged so they stay safeguarded as they heal. The entire procedure is typically completed in approximately two hours.

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure at the Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center. You will go home with a head wrap bandage, which you will leave dry and intact, to protect the ears for two to three days. After the bandage is removed, you will keep your ears dry until the sutures are removed at 5-6 days after surgery. The results are immediate—despite the fact that there will be some swelling and bruising. It is imperative to protect the ears after surgery as the delicate sutures holding the new shape of the cartilage can break.

Dr. Toledo and the staff of the Highland Park Plastic Surgery in Dallas, Texas will provide you with detailed written and verbal instructions on aftercare and will be available to address any questions or concerns that may arise.

Will the results of ear surgery last?
The ears typically mature faster than other parts of the face and body, which is why an otoplasty can be performed on younger patients with long-lasting results. Dr. Toledo will assess the ears and then talk to you about realistic expectations and how long the results should last. Even as the rest of the face and body can change due to age and gravity, the affect of aging on the ears should be minimal. If an otoplasty is performed properly and you avoid trauma, the results can last a lifetime. If there are dramatic changes to the ears due to an injury, a second otoplasty may be performed.

How old should my child be to consider otoplasty?
On average, children about 5 to 6 years of age are ideal candidates for an otoplasty, since the ears are usually fully developed by then. This age is ideal because it occurs either before the child starts school or early in their education, which may help minimize being teased by classmates. Although many otoplasty patients are children, Dr. Toledo often performs ear surgery on adults as well.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?
Frequently, ears are asymmetric, and, even though one appears “better” than the other, both may need to be corrected. During the surgery, Dr. Toledo will shape both ears so they appear as equal as possible. However, if only one ear needs to be changed, the size and shape will be altered in attempts to match the other ear. When he develops your treatment plan, Dr. Toledo will let you know whether one or both ears will be addressed.

What about fixing stretched or torn earlobes?
The popularity of large, heavy earrings and ear gauges have made earlobe repair a popular surgery at the Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center. If you are interested in having earlobe repair or reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Toledo. He will examine the damage and let you know what may be done to restore your earlobes.

The wrong size, shape, or position of the ears can make a big difference in your appearance. Ear surgery can help your child avoid teasing at school or improve your self-esteem if you have always felt self-conscious about your ears. Contact the Highland Park Plastic Surgery Center in Dallas, Texas to schedule your appointment with plastic surgeon Dr. George A. Toledo and learn more about otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery.