Cosmetic surgery is a very personal endeavor. Since it’s not a matter of health, the choice is all yours, but what are the right reasons and when is the right time for ear surgery?
First, let’s do away with the word “right.” What’s right for one person might feel wrong for another person, so let’s focus instead on the factors that matter when you’re deciding whether to undergo ear surgery, also called otoplasty.
At Robert A. Guida, MD, in Staten Island and New York, New York, your journey starts with a thorough and honest consultation with Dr. Guida, where you discuss all your current and past health issues, as well as your hopes and dreams for a more symmetrical, less obtrusive set of ears. He helps you navigate your options, explains the benefits and drawbacks of the procedure, and lets you know exactly what to expect.
After your consultation, you’ll feel much more informed and confident about your decision, regardless of what you choose to do. To prepare you for your meeting with Dr. Guida, here are some things to consider.
People choose otoplasty for the same reasons they choose any type of plastic surgery — they’re dissatisfied with the way they look. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Guida is highly experienced at delivering excellent results for patients who want to change a part of their anatomy, and he’s heard every reason possible.
Here are some of the most common reasons people cite for wanting otoplasty:
Whether your main complaint is on this list or not, Dr. Guida can address your concerns and help restore symmetry and balance to your facial features.
In short, there’s no right or wrong time to undergo otoplasty. However, we do have a few guidelines to help you decide when to schedule your ear surgery.
While Dr. Guida can perform otoplasty on patients of any age, he draws the line at kids under age four. That’s because little bodies are still growing into their ears, and they may catch up, effectively resolving the problem of oversized ears without surgery.
Kids aged five and above are great candidates for otoplasty, as long as they’re able to communicate well and can fully understand what’s involved. Otoplasty at a young age can often save your child from years of cruel teasing from other children.
There’s no upper-age limit for otoplasty, but if advancing age has resulted in health issues that make elective surgery risky, this may be a reason to forgo otoplasty.
Speaking of health issues, certain medications can prohibit you from undergoing otoplasty — or any surgical procedure — because they interfere with the anesthesia we use or increase your risk of excessive bleeding or slow wound healing.
Talk to Dr. Guida about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen. You may need to delay otoplasty until you can stop taking certain medications for a while.
When we talk about lifestyle choices that can preclude you from surgery, we’re usually talking about habits like smoking and consuming excess alcohol, as these choices can affect your blood pressure and your ability to heal. In these cases, the right time to schedule your otoplasty is when you’ve kicked these habits.
But when it comes to otoplasty, potentially prohibitive lifestyles may also include a job or hobby. For example, if you’re a professional athlete who wears a helmet, or you’re a welder who wears protective headgear, or you’re a news anchor who appears on television daily, now may not be the right time for otoplasty. Schedule your procedure when you can take at least a week off — two weeks would be better.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for otoplasty, and if so, when, schedule a consultation with Dr. Guida at either of our New York locations today.
