Learn about cosmetic ear surgery for you or your child at Daugherty Plastic Surgery in Baton Rouge, proud to serve the Lafayette and the Northshore as well.
Can Children Have Otoplasty?
Once yours or your child’s ears are 85 to 90% of their adult size, the surgery is safe. This event typically occurs at age 5 or 6, making early childhood an ideal time for the procedure. The ear cartilage is still soft and pliable at this particular age, which can make the correction more efficient and the recovery smoother.
Early intervention offers several advantages:
- Children can avoid years of teasing or bullying related to ear appearance
- Improved self-esteem during crucial developmental years
- Easier recovery due to the flexible nature of young cartilage
- Results that grow naturally with the child
Before scheduling otoplasty for a child, it’s crucial that they understand the procedure and are cooperative with aftercare instructions. The decision should be made thoughtfully, with input from each parent and the child when appropriate.
Is There an Age That’s Too Old for Otoplasty?
The beauty of otoplasty is that there is no upper age limit. Adults who have lived their entire lives feeling self-conscious about their ears can finally resolve misshapen ears at any age. While ear cartilage becomes firmer, Dr. Daugherty’s experience allows her to work with adult cartilage with specialized techniques when needed.
Adult patients often pursue otoplasty for various reasons:
- Long-standing dissatisfaction with ear appearance
- Professional or social confidence concerns
- Injury or trauma that affected ear shape
- Desire to wear certain hairstyles without feeling self-conscious
Otoplasty for adults is commonly the same as for children, usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation and completed on an outpatient basis.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
Dr. Daugherty identifies ideal candidates that:
- Are in good overall health without conditions that impair healing
- Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit before and after surgery
- Have ears that protrude significantly from the head
- Experience asymmetry between the two ears
- Have misshapen ears due to injury or congenital conditions
She considers additional considerations for children that include emotional maturity and the ability to follow post-operative instructions.
How Does Otoplasty Improve Ear Appearance?
Otoplasty addresses various ear aesthetics such as:
- Protruding ears on one or both sides
- Overly large ears (macrotia)
- Ear asymmetry or differences in shape
- Congenital deformities present from birth
- Damage from injury or trauma
- Absence of natural ear folds
During the procedure, Dr. Daugherty performs discreet incisions behind the ears to access the cartilage. She then carefully reshapes, repositions, or removes excess cartilage for a more balanced appearance. The ears are secured closer to the head with internal sutures. The incisions are closed with minimal scarring.
What Should I Expect During Otoplasty Recovery?
Recovery from otoplasty is typically straightforward, though patients should plan for some downtime. Dr. Daugherty will apply bandages to protect the ears and maintain their new position. These should remain in place for 5 to 10 days.
Common side effects include:
- Mild discomfort managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication
- Swelling that peaks around 72 hours and gradually subsides
- Wearing a protective headband, especially during sleep
- Avoiding contact sports or strenuous activities for 4 to 6 weeks
Adult can return to work and children to school within 1 to 2 weeks. Children should avoid playground activities and contact sports for at least a month.
Why Choose Dr. Robyn Daugherty for Ear Surgery?
Dr. Robyn Daugherty is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in procedures of the face, breast, and body. Her artistic eye and meticulous attention to detail allow her to create natural-looking results that enhance her patients’ confidence without appearing overdone.
As a wife and mother of four boys, Dr. Daugherty is aware of concerns parents have about their children’s well-being and self-esteem. She also empathizes with adults who have struggled with ear-related insecurities throughout their lives. Her compassionate approach ensures her patients are heard, understood, and confident in their decision.
At Daugherty Plastic Surgery, we proudly serve patients from our Baton Rouge location and welcome individuals from Lafayette and Northshore communities including Covington, Mandeville, and Madisonville.
Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation Today
Whether you’re considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, the team at Daugherty Plastic Surgery is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process. The best age for otoplasty depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and medical considerations.
Contact Daugherty Plastic Surgery at (225) 235-3884 or complete our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Daugherty. Together, you’ll discuss your concerns, explore your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results.
Visit our before and after photo gallery to see examples of Dr. Daugherty’s otoplasty results, or learn more about our comprehensive range of facial plastic surgery procedures.