Ear Pinning in Miami, FL

Overly large ears, a condition called macrotia, can be treated with an innovative plastic surgery called otoplasty. This surgery by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso, is a safe and effective remedy the shape, size, position, or proportion of the ear(s) in patients 5-years-of-age and older. No matter if the defect is present at birth or if the patient has had a trauma to the ear, Dr. LaGrasso's meticulous skill with ear surgery will reform misshapen ears to a normal, symmetrical appearance regardless if the defect is hereditary, or occurs as a result from childbirth, or traumatic injury. 

The most common correction is among children to reshape ‘cup ears’ (ears that appears large and protruding) or ‘hidden ears’ (those that are underdeveloped and appear flattened to the skull). The surgery reshapes the ear cartilage with splints in the cases of younger children. This surgery is recommended for children before the start of elementary school to avoid emotional distress that teasing can cause from a visible physical deformity. Other common corrections involve:
Other common corrections are:

• Overly large ears
• Protruding ears on one or both sides
• Adult dissatisfaction with a previous ear surgeon (requesting a revision otoplasty)

During a private consultation in his Miami, FL office, Dr. LaGrasso will discuss with you in detail what can realistically done with plastic surgery to achieve you or your child's aesthetic goals. Please call and schedule a consultation today.

If you're displeased by the size or shape of your ears, a custom ear surgery in Miami, FL at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. might help you or your child reach a higher level of self-confidence with advantages like:

• Targeting a broad assortment of ear issues
• Scaling down the prominence of overly big ears
• Moving ears that jut out to lay more evenly against the head
• Addressing damage from a serious injury
• Fixing congenital ear malformations
• Improving self-assurance
• Achieving more natural-looking ears
• Ear surgery is typically harmless and effective
• Can be carried out on people as young as 5 — 7

As a highly individualized procedure, you should have otoplasty for yourself, and not to fulfill someone else's desires, or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. 
Children

• Are at least 5-years-of-age or older
• Healthy, without a life-threatening illness
• Do not suffer from untreated, chronic ear infections
• Is able to cooperate and follow instructions well
• Able to communicate their feelings well
• Do not voice an objection to surgery when it is discussed with surgeon and parents

Teens & Adults

• Healthy, without a life-threatening illness
• Do not have an illness or medical condition that impairs healing
• Non-smokers
• Have a positive outlook on the surgery, and have specific aesthetic goals in mind for ear surgery

In the cases of protruding ears, the cartilages are reformed and sometimes supported by splints. Soft tissues may also be trimmed away. The incisions are made behind the ear to reveal the ear’s confines. The ears will be repositioned by tightening the skin and then sutured. In cases of hidden ears, when cartilages are not fully developed, manipulations may include reshaping the cartilages by pulling or repositioning while splints are placed as supports. Sometimes, tissue grafting is also necessary to render volume.

Otoplasties are performed with general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. It takes 1 – 2 hours to complete, and the patient will be sent home for recovery. The ear will be bandaged to keep the new position and shape in place. This also helps so that children cannot touch or play with their ears, which may complicate healing. Activities must be limited, especially within the first week. Scars will remain hidden behind the ears or within the natural folds if the incisions are made in front of the ear.

Ear surgery may also involve a torn earlobe. This can occur with heavy earrings or through other trauma. The surgical repair of a torn earlobe is generally straightforward. The skin cleft between the two sides of the tear is removed, and using either a skin graft or donated cartilage, a new lobe is reconstructed. Sutures are used that are placed in both the front and back of the ear and will remain intact for several weeks. Several post-operative visits may be required so that the sutures can be removed in several phases to ensure the lobe is strong and aesthetically appealing. 

Usually, the condition is symmetrical to both ears. The final shape that the surgery will aim for will depend on the initial structure of the ear, and how cartilages are placed. If the procedure is only for one ear, the shape will be patterned after the normally formed ear.  

The ears typically mature faster than any other part of the body, therefore, at an appropriate age and time when surgical adjustments are made, the results are generally long lasting. Even as the body changes due to age and gravity, the changes to the ear will be minimal and a secondary otoplasty is usually not needed.

The cost for ear surgery will depend on what's being done (ear shaping, pinning, earlobe repair, or a combination). Once Dr. LaGrasso understands your issues and goals, he can make your surgical plan and estimate costs. In order for you to concentrate on getting the outcomes you want rather than prices, Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. accepts many payments, and a member of our team can help you find low-interest medical financing.

The trend of oversized earrings and ear gauges has made earlobe reconstruction a popular operation at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. If you're interested in having earlobe reconstruction, schedule an appointment with Dr. LaGrasso. He will analyze the damage and then explain what could be done in order to restore your earlobes.

On average, 5 – 6 year olds are ideal candidates for otoplasty as the ear will be already developed and the cartilage and tissues will still be soft, making it easy to reshape. This age is also recommended as it is a time before any schooling, which helps to avoid teasing.

The likelihood of recurrence following otoplasty is quite low, though it can happen, especially if the ears suffer trauma shortly after the procedure. Therefore, following Dr. LaGrasso's recovery instructions and steering clear of any ear trauma for at least a month is crucial. Should any recurrence arise, it can be effectively remedied.

While the ears are small, the wrong size, shape, or position can make a significant difference in your appearance. Ear surgery (otoplasty) may help your child avoid getting teased by classmates or help you if you've always felt uncomfortable about your ears. Call Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. in Miami, FL, to schedule a consultation with our team and get more information about cosmetic ear reshaping surgery. Dr. LaGrasso looks forward to helping you gain a look you will be proud of, as well as the confidence to flaunt it.