Otoplasty in Northwest Indiana

If you or your child were born with large or protruding ears, there is a relatively simple procedure you can have at our Indiana plastic surgery offices that can reduce the size of the ears or set the ears closer to the head so they don't stick out too far. Ear surgery, or otoplasty, can be performed on patients as young as 6. The ears are usually fully developed by this age, and unless there are medical reasons to perform surgery before the ear is fully formed, Dr. Galante only recommends surgery after the ear is wholly developed. At both our Schererville and Valparaiso, Indiana, plastic surgery offices, Dr. Galante performs most otoplasty procedures on patients between the ages of 6 and 14, though many older patients have the procedure without any additional risk or discomfort.

Ear surgery is performed at either of the surgicenters used by our Indiana plastic surgery offices on an out patient basis under general anesthesia. This means you or your child will sleep through the procedure, which can take one to three hours, and you will be able to return home the same day.

During your consultation with Indiana plastic surgeon, Dr. Gus Galante, he will examine the ears and discuss the procedure in-depth. For young children, it is important that they have an interest in reducing the size of their ears. Young children who are compelled to have the procedure by a parent tend to have a harder recovery. Dr. Galante will encourage you to discuss your goals openly and to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and his technique.

The procedure requires a small incision along the back of the ear. Depending on the type of procedure, Dr. Galante may remove a small amount of cartilage and reshape the ear with permanent sutures. Another technique does not require removal of cartilage but may require removing some skin and stitching the cartilage to create a natural fold to the ear. In either case, there will be a slight permanent scar on the back of each ear.

The ears will be bandaged thoroughly, and you will be given bathing instructions before you return home. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort with special attention given to the age and weight of the child so the correct dosage is given.

Bandages will be removed within a few days and the stitches will be removed about a week after surgery. Most adults are able to return to work within five days and children can return to school after a week. The hardest part of recovery for children is avoiding ball sports or other activities where the ears might be bent, hit or pulled for at least a month. Children who are eager to have the procedure are more likely to understand this restriction than children who are not.

Not everyone is a candidate for ear surgery in Indiana. Having realistic expectations about the impact surgery will have on your life or your child's life is important, and other factors like skin tone and cartilage structure can influence the results. Dr. Galante will discuss your expectations and evaluate your case during your consultation.

Ear surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and will not be covered by insurance, so fees and expenses are solely the responsibility of the patient or the parent or gaurdian. For your convenience, we offer links to patient financing online.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Galante at either his Schererville or Valparaiso, Indiana, plastic surgery centers, please call 800-721-3244 or contact us online to begin your journey to the confidence no body can resist.