Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Dr. Richard A. Pecunia offers Ear Surgery to patients in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Lamar County and surrounding areas.
What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of large ears or brings protruding ears closer to the head. Often performed on children, ear surgery can correct the following problems:
- Protruding ears due to excessive cartilage
- Large or deformed earlobes
- "Lop ear" (ear tip bends down and forward)
- "Cupped" or "shell ear" (very tiny ear or ear without natural creases)
As one of the top plastic surgeons in Mississippi, Dr. Richard A. Pecunia specializes in providing otoplasty to residents of Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Lamar County and beyond. He often performs ear surgery on children between the ages of 4 to 14, as their cartilage is not fully formed and therefore more pliable. Perhaps the biggest benefit of the procedure is avoiding ridicule and unnecessary stares from other children due to large, protruding or malformed ears.
How is Ear Surgery Performed?
Before your ear surgery, Dr. Pecunia will examine your ear to determine the best otoplasty technique. One common method involves making a small incision in the back of the ear and sculpting the exposed cartilage before re-positioning it closer to the head. Non-removable stitches are used to keep the cartilage in place. Another technique removes the skin and folds the cartilage back, rather than removing it. Non-removable stitches are also used in this procedure to maintain the position of the cartilage. Total ear reconstruction involves a more extensive procedure, which includes developing a framework from the ribs and skin grafting. Dr. Pecunia will discuss all of these options when you meet with him for your initial consultation at his Hattiesburg office.
Am I a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
If you're unhappy with your large, protruding or abnormally shaped ears, ear surgery with Dr. Pecunia in Hattiesburg may be the right choice for you. Although otoplasty can be performed on anyone, the best candidates are typically children. This is because a child's ear has extremely pliable cartilage, which makes it easier to shape. Also, if done at an early age, the child can avoid the ridicule associated with having abnormal ears for the rest of his or her life.
As with most cosmetic procedures, it's also important to be in relatively good health. If you have high blood pressure, thyroid problems or diabetes, consult with your doctor before undergoing our ear surgery in Hattiesburg.
What Kind of Post-Operative Ear Surgery Care Can I Expect?
Following the procedure, patients will be given a bandage to wrap around their head. This will be replaced within a few days for a lighter bandage, and Dr. Pecunia will give you a list of post-operative instructions to follow.
As you are healing from your Hattiesburg ear surgery, you may experience swelling, discomfort, numbness or headaches, which should subside in a few days. Young patients are advised to refrain from normal activity for at least a week, while adults can resume activity after three days. Both adults and children should refrain from bending their ears for at least a month.
What are the Typical Results of Ear Surgery?
Otoplasty patients are often very happy with the results of this procedure, as it eliminates the embarrassment and self-consciousness associated with large or protruding ears. Our gallery of Hattiesburg ear surgery before and after photos will give you an idea of the dramatic results you can expect.
What are Hattiesburg Ear Surgery Costs?
Average Hattiesburg ear surgery prices vary based on the extent of the procedure. To discuss pricing, or any other aspect of the surgery, call our office today to set up a consultation.
Dr. Pecunia is a highly skilled surgeon who puts his patients' needs above all else. He's proud to offer ear surgery in Hattiesburg, Forrest County, Lamar County and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Richard Pecunia
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