Otoplasty Procedure In Toronto

Otoplasty is a wide-ranging term that encompasses a variety of cosmetic and medical surgical procedures related to correcting structural issues with the outer ear. These procedures include otopexy (also known as ear pinning, pinback otoplasty, or setback otoplasty), ear reconstruction, ear reshaping, or ear reduction. For the most part, these procedures are elective unless there’s serious injury, damage, infection, or illness involved in which case a minor or extensive otoplasty surgery in Toronto may be necessary.

At Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery, our resident expert facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Gantous, dedicates his time to ensuring that each patient is adequately accommodated and well-informed about all of the intricate stipulations involved in their specific procedure. He’ll also take the time to thoroughly explain all of your surgical options to you, answer all of your questions, and address all of your concerns.

Why Do People Undergo Otoplasty Procedures?

There are numerous reasons that people opt for various types of ear surgery procedures in Toronto. Some patients have expressed that their protruding ears have been a source of embarrassment and made them feel self conscious all of their lives; others have suffered grave illnesses or injuries to the ear that have severely altered the external shape, functionality, construction, and appearance of their ears; some were born with congenital defects. No matter the reason, ear surgery procedures in Ontario are a viable solution for a lot of adults and young children as long as they maintain reasonable expectations regarding the end results. Ear surgery isn’t an infallible procedure and there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the nature of this type of plastic surgery that must be dispelled during the initial consultation.

Three Major Types Of Otoplasty Procedures

The following are the three major types of otoplasty procedures that are performed in Ontario:

Ear Augmentation: This is meant for patients who are born with congenital defects such as microtia or anotia. Patients with these congenital defects require partial constructive otoplasty to fill in the gaps in their external ear tissue and cartilage or require reconstructive surgery.
Ear Reduction: As the name illustrates, the point of ear reduction surgery is to reduce the size of a patient’s ears by reforming the external structures of the ears and making them more symmetrical. In some cases, the results can appear to be more drastic than others; this depends on the individual patient.
Ear Pinback: Also known as otopexy, ear pinning is one of the most common forms of otoplasty. Traditionally, it involves creating small incisions in the back of the ear, removing small to moderate amounts of cartilage, and then applying sutures to seal and conceal the scars behind the ear. In recent years, however, a newer, safer, and less invasive form of this procedure known as incisionless otoplasty has emerged and become more prominent in the GTA. Dr. Gantous at Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery is one of the most renowned advocates of this procedure and he’s been doing it for many years.

Preparing For Surgery

If you’re considering undergoing otoplasty surgery in Ontario, then there are a few important steps you should take in preparation prior to making your decision. First and foremost, you need to carefully research the different types of otoplasty. Make sure you fully understand all of the stipulations involved, the different types of procedures available, as well as the costs associated with otoplasty procedures in Toronto. You should also work on determining your reason for wanting to have this procedure done in the first place and prove that you’re of sound mind to do so. Here are a few steps you’ll have to take to prepare yourself for the surgery:

Preliminary Surgical Consultation

Before your surgeon can begin operating, they need to meet with you for a one-on-one initial consultation for a variety of reasons. During this initial consultation, your surgeon will do the following:

Examine the condition of your ears
Determine and explain your surgical options
Ask you a few questions regarding your condition
Try to gain an understanding of your reasoning for wanting to undergo otoplasty
Make sure that your expectations are entirely realistic
Answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns in-depth.

You should only proceed with the procedure once you can confirm that you feel completely comfortable with your surgeon and the clinic in which it’ll be done. Keep in mind that most otoplasty procedures are usually done on an outpatient basis, unless they’re extremely complex.

The Day Before Surgery

Your surgeon might also want to briefly meet with you the day before the scheduled surgery in order to provide you with a specific set of instructions to follow in preparation for the next day. This includes strict prohibitions regarding meal times (they might tell you not to eat or drink anything after a certain time) as well as certain medications and habits to avoid prior to the procedure. You should avoid taking all anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aspirin and try to refrain from smoking approximately two weeks before the surgery.

The Day Of The Surgery

Your doctor should also outline exactly what to expect on the day of the surgery. They’ll most likely advise that you bring a reliable individual with you to drive you home afterward as you’ll be heavily sedated from the anesthesia. Most surgeons recommend wearing a button-down shirt or one with a zipper, so you don’t have to maneuver clothing over your head. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the procedure could take anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours.

Recovery And Aftercare

As with any other type of surgical procedure, the recovery time for otoplasty can vary from one patient to another. That said, most facial plastic surgery experts recommend that adults allow themselves anywhere from five to seven days for rest and respite following the surgery. You’ll also have to wear a protective headband while you sleep to keep your ears in the correct position and prevent them from being prodded or pulled in the opposite direction, which could undo the effects of the surgery. Throughout the recovery period, children and adults will have to forgo regular physical activities and will have to miss a few days of school and work.

Consult With Dr. Gantous Regarding Otoplasty Surgery

Dr. Gantous is a world renowned and highly acclaimed facial plastic surgeon who’s served as the keynote speaker at countless topical conferences worldwide. He’s been practicing the art of facial reconstruction surgery at Toronto Facial Plastic Surgery for over 20 years and is always ready and willing to speak with patients. To discuss your surgical options with Dr. Gantous, please contact us.