Ear Surgery in Chicago, IL

Ears that appear to protrude outward, are asymmetrical or misshapen, or look unnaturally large can negatively impact your self-esteem, especially in your formative years. Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to obtain a more normal appearance. Dr. Saeed Chowdhry is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Oak Lawn, IL who has helped many women, men, and children to move past the embarrassment they feel about their ears by undergoing this surgery. No matter the cosmetic issue, otoplasty at SAC Plastic Surgery allows a patient to proudly show their face at any angle with a newfound confidence. If you or your child are worried about the shape or size of the ears, make an appointment with Dr. Chowdhry to find out about your options for cosmetic ear surgery.

Ear reshaping surgery can be performed at any age; however, it is often most common among children and is recommended before the start of elementary school. By six years of age, this surgery is safe and effective to be completed on a child. If you feel embarrassed by the shape and size of your ears because they are misshapen or protrude outward, otoplasty can be considered to attain a normal appearance. Sufferers of a torn, stretched, or damaged earlobe may also be candidates for cosmetic ear surgery.

Ear reshaping surgery is performed using anesthesia, either general or IV sedation. Most often, the incision is placed around the back portion of the ear or within the inner folds. During this procedure, cartilage will be manipulated to create a new contour and natural-looking appearance. It's generally common for each ear to be addressed during otoplasty to ensure that they appear symmetrical. After the procedure, the incisions are safely stitched together with sutures and wrapped so they are protected.

Once the procedure is finished and you are released to leave the hospital, you will begin your recovery period at home. Dr. Chowdhry or a member of his team will send you home with instructions for recovery. It's very important to not touch, pick at, or scratch the ears. Also, you should not lay on your ears and instead, sleep propped up for the first few days. Dr. Chowdhry prefers to see his otoplasty patients back within 3 – 5 days of their surgery— at this time, he will remove the bandages and check you or your child's surgical results. The outcomes are visible right away and the progression of the results will continue to improve as the ears heal.

How much does ear surgery cost?
Costs for ear surgery will be based on what technique is employed and which portion of the ear is being addressed (ear pinning, shaping, earlobe repair, or a combination of these). Once Dr. Chowdhry understands your concerns and goals, he will create your treatment plan and estimate your cost. So that you can concentrate on your outcomes instead of the price, SAC Plastic Surgery accepts several payment methods and can help you obtain low-interest financing.

Will the results of ear surgery last?
Normally, the ears grow faster when compared to other parts of the body and face, which is the reason ear surgery is often performed on younger patients, yielding long-term outcomes. Dr. Chowdhry will examine the ears and then discuss what to expect, as well as how long the results will last. While the body and face can change dramatically from gravity and age, the impact on the ears is usually minimal. In the event there are significant modifications to your ears because of an injury, another surgery could be performed.

How old should my child be to consider otoplasty?
Typically, kids about 5 – 6 years old are perfect candidates for ear surgery. Although the ear is generally fully grown, the tissue and cartilage are still malleable, which makes it easy to change. This age is also great as it's before they begin school or early in their schooling so they can avoid teasing from their classmates. Even though a lot of ear surgery patients are young children, Dr. Chowdhry also performs otoplasty on adults.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?
Typically, patients complain that both ears are oversized or stick out, which means that both will need to be fixed. During ear surgery, Dr. Chowdhry will adjust both ears to make them as symmetrical as possible. However, if just one ear needs to be altered, the shape and size will be adjusted to mirror the untreated ear. When he creates your surgical plan, Dr. Chowdhry will let you know if or both ears need to be corrected.

What about fixing stretched or torn earlobes?
The trend of ear gauges and big earrings are making earlobe reconstructions a more popular procedure at our practice. If you're considering undergoing earlobe reconstruction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chowdhry. He will assess your ears and explain what might need to be done in order to repair your earlobes.

While the ears are not considered a large body part, an unusual shape, position, or size may make a significant difference in your appearance. Otoplasty (ear surgery) may help your child avoid being teased by classmates, or bring you confidence if you have always felt unhappy with your ears. Call SAC Plastic Surgery in Oak Lawn, IL to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chowdhry if you would like to learn more about surgical ear reshaping. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve a look you will love, as well as the confidence to show it off.