Hurvitz Plastic Surgery
Otoplasty
Conveniently located to serve Long Beach, Los Alamitos and the South Bay
Conveniently located to serve long beach, los alamitos, and torrance
Otoplasty in Long Beach is a cosmetic surgical procedure that reshapes or reforms ears. Ears come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them balance well with a person’s other facial features. Most commonly, the otoplasty, or ear pinning, procedure is performed to correct prominent ears by setting them back closer to the head. However, otoplasty can also refer to the correction of a number of different ear deformities.
Anesthesia Type: Local or general
Facility Type: In-office surgical suite for local anesthesia, outpatient surgical center for general anesthesia
Recovery Time: 3-5 days (must wear a headband for approx. 3 days starting the day after surgery). Swelling will take longer to fully go away.
What to Expect During Recovery: Swelling, redness, discomfort, itching along incision site.
Deciding to Have Otoplasty
If you are considering ear surgery for yourself or a child, review the information provided in this section so you are informed about the procedure and what to expect, followed by calling our office for a private consultation with Dr. Hurvitz at his Long Beach, CA. office.
During your visit, let Dr. Hurvitz know what your goals and expectations are from otoplasty. This will help him understand your motives and expected outcome, as well as determine if your expectations are realistic. Dr. Hurvitz will evaluate your ears and medical history to determine if you are a good candidate.
Lastly, Dr. Hurvitz will discuss the risks associated with otoplasty surgery, as well as the healing time and what to expect during recovery. His staff will provide you with a detailed surgery quote outlining the cost. Price varies from case to case.
“Thank you so much for the work you did for my “ear-pinning”. I am completely satisfied with how it came out, and it was wonderful getting my first haircut yesterday since the procedure and not being embarrassed because of my ears! Thank you – you do wonderful work and are a wonderful doctor, both to my mom and me.”
About Otoplasty Surgery (Ear Pinning)
Otoplasty can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can also correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by an injury.
Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefit for one’s self esteem and appearance. Protruding or disfigured ears often cause embarrassment, inability to wear hats, and insecurities about appearance. Otoplasty is a good option for improving all of these issues.
Otoplasty surgery is frequently performed on children and teenagers. However, Dr. Hurvitz also treats adults at his Long Beach practice.
Children who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
- Healthy, without a life-threatening illness or untreated chronic ear infections
- Generally 5 years old, or when a child’s ear cartilage is stable enough for correction
- Cooperative and follow instructions well
- Able to communicate their feelings and do not voice objections when surgery is discussed
Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for ear surgery are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery
Your Otoplasty Consultation
During an otoplasty consultation, Dr. Hurvitz will ask about the patient’s appearance goals and complete medical history. If the patient is under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian should be present to discuss these details or provide consent.
The patient may need to take lab tests to confirm eligibility for this procedure. Once the patient’s eligibility is confirmed, Dr. Hurvitz will provide special instructions on how to prepare for an otoplasty.
How to Prepare for an Otoplasty
As with many surgical procedures, otoplasty patients must arrange in advance for secure transportation home afterwards. Having a companion to aid with recovery is recommended.
An otoplasty patient must gather enough pillows to provide proper support in the resting area. This will be necessary during recovery because when sleeping, the patient will need to lie down on their back and must avoid putting pressure on the ears. The patient’s head should be supported by pillows and elevated to prevent excessive swelling and bruising.
Patients must prepare meals in advance that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This will help them recover more effectively.
On the night before the procedure, taking a bath and washing one’s hair is advised to prevent risking infection after the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, patients must wear a button-down top for easy changing of clothes.
Adult otoplasty patients should quit smoking 4-6 weeks before and after the procedure and avoid drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours before and after the procedure.
Otoplasty Procedure
An otoplasty procedure begins with administering anesthesia. Depending on the amount of work needed and the recommendation of Dr. Hurvitz, local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used for the otoplasty.
Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Hurvitz will begin making cosmetic adjustments to the ear. The surgical techniques will correspond to the concerns discussed during the consultation. It may involve incisions and removal of tissue, along with sutures to secure the ear’s position.
Set Up Your Consultation
The best way to get started with otoplasty in Long Beach is by setting up a consultation. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Keith Hurvitz, contact our office today.