Ear Surgery

orthopedics-la-peer-surgeryAt La Peer Health Systems, our team of expert facial plastic surgeons in Los Angeles can provide you or your child with optimal results pertaining to ear surgery. Most commonly, our expert surgeons perform otoplasty as a result of large or uneven ears, and also perform microtia ear reconstruction surgery as a result of misshapen ears at birth. Whatever your reason is for seeking an experienced facial plastic surgeon to perform otoplasty, our doctors want you to know that you couldn’t be in better hands.

To best determine whether or not you or your child is a candidate to undergo microtia surgery or another form of reconstructive ear surgery, it’s a good idea to schedule your initial consultation with an experienced otoplasty surgeon in Los Angeles where your every question and concern will be addressed.

What Is Microtia?

Microtia occurs when a child is born with a deformed ear or ears as the result of a developmental issue while the child is still in the womb. The actual reason for the occurrence of the condition is unknown, though the condition is believed to occur both inherently and spontaneously. In almost all cases, microtia appears to look worse than it actually is. In fact, most children with the disorder have a perfectly normal inner ear, which means they hear quite well.

Microtia is classified into four different categorizations:

  • Grade 1 Microtia: An extremely mild form of the disorder, grade 1 microtia involves an outer ear that is much smaller than normal but still has all of the same parts as a fully developed ear.
  • Grade 2 Microtia: A more under developed ear is seen in grade 2 microtia, as many of the normal features of the outer ear are not apparent.
  • Grade 3 Microtia: Also known as the most common form of microtia, grade 3 microtia usually consists of a small appendage of cartilage and skin, and does not have an external auditory canal present.
  • Anotia: The most serious type of microtia is known as anotia. In anotia, one or both of the outer ears may be completely absent. Though this type of microtia appears the worst physically, in many cases the inner ear is fully developed.

If you’re child was born with microtia, most parents seek a treatment known as otoplasty, as growing up with deformed ears can be very hard socially, especially at such a young age. Microtia can be corrected through ear reconstruction surgery performed at La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles by expert microtia surgeon Carlo Honrado, MD, FACS. Microtia ear reconstruction is not limited to only those suffering from the condition, but can also be performed when an ear is completely absent as a result of a birth defect or an accident.

What Is Otoplasty?

Also known as ear surgery, otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure performed to help children and adults alike overcome several different conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Large Ears
  • Misshapen/Uneven Ears
  • Trauma

Otoplasty can help improve the ear structure from deformities at birth, correct injury from trauma later in life, and provide an even ear structure when when ears appear too large or out of balance,also known as ‘pinning’ the ears back. Dr. Honrado and our team of expert facial plastic surgeons at La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles perform otoplasty by bringing proportion from the ears to the face. The best candidates for otoplasty surgery includes healthy adults or children who are at least five years of age, as this is an appropriate age where ear cartilage is strong enough to be corrected.

Following otoplasty surgery, the patient is expected to feel better after the first week. After your procedure, it’s important to follow the post-operative care guidelines from your facial plastic surgeon which often include wearing a compression garment for the first couple of days.

Ear Surgery FAQ

Our surgeons understand that you probably have a number of questions relating to both otoplasty and microtia. Listed below are some of the most common concerns that our surgeons hear often. If you have additional questions regarding the condition or procedure, we welcome you to contact our surgical center today to learn more.

Q: What is the difference between microtia and otoplasty?

A: Microtia is a deformity of the ears at birth, and otoplasty is a type of ear surgery commonly performed to pin ears back. Otoplasty is also performed to correct large, uneven ears, or ears that have been injured as a result of trauma. Otoplasty can be completely tailored to meet the patients individual needs and goals.

Q: What are the signs of microtia?

A: The signs of microtia are very simple—in all cases, the child will be born with a deformed outer ear. This can occur in one or both ears.

Q: Is otoplasty permanent?

A: Otoplasty is a permanent solution to correcting your child’s deformed ear or ears. Our facial plastic surgeons have an extreme knowledge of providing children with the ability to lead a socially normal life through otoplasty procedure.

Q: How common is microtia?

A: Based upon recent statistics, microtia occurs in about 1 in 6,000 new births.

Q: Does microtia affect hearing?

A: Though it would appear that the affected ear may have hearing damage, on average, only 40% of the hearing is affected, meaning your child still has a fantastic chance at normal hearing.

Contact An Experienced Otoplasty Surgeon Today

La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles is home to world-renowned surgeons who are dedicated to providing children and adults alike excellent surgical outcomes to lead an improved quality of life. If you’d like to schedule an initial appointment to better understand the procedure, please contact our Beverly Hills medical center today by calling (855) 310-9119. Alongside Dr. Honrado, our expert facial plastic surgeons have the necessary skill and knowledge required to bring you or your loved ones the best otoplasty results possible.

Our Ear Surgery Center of Excellence at La Peer contains more detailed information about the procedures we offer. Please visit EarSurgeryMD.com for an extensive list of our treatment options.

Next, read about Eyelid Surgery.