Ear Surgery

Ears that appear to protrude outward, are asymmetrical or misshapen, or look unnaturally big can negatively impact your self-esteem, especially when young. Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to result in a proportionate, streamlined appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul S. Gill in Shenandoah, TX has helped many women, men, and children to move past their embarrassment of exposing their ears by undergoing this surgery.

Both adults and children who struggle with ears that are out of proportion, misshapen or protrude too far from the head can benefit from otoplasty (ear surgery). Dr. Gill uses this technique to work with the cartilage and tissues of the ears, remolding them and placing them closer to the head. No matter the cosmetic issue, otoplasty at The Gill Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology allows you or your child to proudly show the face at any angle with newfound confidence. If you or your child are worried about the shape or size of the ears, make an appointment with Dr. Gill to find out about your options for otoplasty.

Ear Surgery
 Before & After Photos

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Ideal Candidates

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 cosmetic surgery is safe and effective to be completed on a child.

If you, as an adult, 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. Torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes can also be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a popular procedure for both children and adults with ears that are overly large, too prominent, or misshapen in some way. In addition to normalizing your appearance and improving your self-image, otoplasty may have the added goal of preventing or putting an end to teasing one may experience.

Drs. Paul & Anita Gill

Combining the science of plastic surgery and dermatology with the art of aesthetic procedures, Dr. Paul Gill and Dr. Anita Gill use their experience and expertise to create attractive results in a comfortable, patient-centered environment.

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Drs. Paul & Anita Gill

Surgical Technique

Ear reshaping surgery is performed using anesthesia, either general or IV sedation. Surgery is usually completed under a general anesthetic for children and a local anesthetic with sedation for adults. For adults or children, ear surgery takes 2 – 3 hours to perform. To start, Dr. Gill will make an incision behind the ear through which cartilage will be sculpted or removed to achieve the desired result. He will then fold the ears closer to the head to normalize their protrusion. To close the incisions, Dr. Gill will use sutures and then cover them with a dressing and surgical tape to keep the ears in place.

What to Expect

Once the procedure is finished and you are released to leave the hospital, you will heal and rest at home. Dr. Gill or a member of his team will send you home with instructions for recovery. It’s very important to not touch or scratch the ears. Also, you should not lay on the ears and instead, sleep propped up for the first few days.

While adults may return to work about five days after surgery, Dr. Gill often recommends children wait one week before returning to school. It may be advantageous for a child to have ear surgery during a break from school. This will allow for an adequate healing time when your child’s head will be wrapped in a bandage. The stitches can be removed after a week. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the ears and how to change out the head dressings periodically. Dr. Gill recommends a follow-up appointment within 3 – 5 days. Then, Dr. Gill will take off the bandages and check you or your child’s surgical results. The outcomes are visible right away and the progression of results will continue to improve as the ears heal.

Reviews

“Hands down the best experience! I went to multiple consultations before deciding which doctor I wanted to go with for a breast augmentation, and after I visited Dr. Paul Gill, I knew he was the doctor I would choose! He is very knowledgeable and professional, and his staff is so friendly and so sweet.”

- S.K. | Google | Jul 24, 2019

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Real Patients of The Gill Center

*Real Patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the results of ear surgery last?

Normally, the ears grow faster compared to other areas of the body and face, which is the reason why ear surgery can be done on younger patients with long-term outcomes. Dr. Gill will examine the ears and then talk about what to expect along with how long the outcomes may 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 done.

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 that they can avoid teasing from their classmates. Even though a lot of ear surgery patients are young children, Dr. Gill also performs otoplasty on adults.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?

The most common problems, such as ears that are oversized or stick out, occur in both ears, which means both will need to be fixed. During ear surgery, Dr. Gill will adjust both ears to make them as symmetrical as possible. However, if just one ear has to be altered, the shape and size will be adjusted to mirror the untreated ear. When he creates your surgical plan, Dr. Gill will tell you if one 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 reconstruction a popular operation at The Gill Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. If you’re considering getting earlobe repair, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gill. He will analyze your ear and then explain what might be done in order to repair your earlobes.

Will you give us a call?

While the ears are not very big, an unusual shape, size, or position may make a significant difference in your appearance. Otoplasty (ear surgery) can also help your child avoid getting teased by classmates, or you if you have always felt unhappy with your ears. Call The Gill Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology in Shenandoah, TX to schedule a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Gill and get more information about surgical ear reshaping. Our team looks forward to being a part of your journey to achieve a look you will love for a lifetime.

*Fees include package pricing (surgeon fee, operating room, general anesthesia, follow ups, garments). We offer multiple financing options available. Refer to our website. Some 0% interest rates. $500 non-refundbale deposit secures your surgery date. Remaining balance due 2 weeks before surgery. 5% cash discount on surgeon fees (cash/check/money order)

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