What Is Ear Shaping?
By Gregory Mantooth | Published on March 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
The shape of our ears, nose, eyes and mouth are unique and can help us stand out among our peers. Unfortunately, the uniqueness of our physical traits can also make us feel insecure and uncomfortable; and in some cases, the presence of large or projecting ears can truly detract from one’s overall sense of self-esteem.
If your protruding ears have been making you want to cringe for far too long, then you should know that a good plastic surgeon might be able to help. Dr. Gregory A. Mantooth is a board certified plastic surgeon at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Charlotte, North Carolina, and says that ear shaping procedures are becoming more common among patients.
The ear shaping process can vary significantly from person to person, as it is based on the shape of the ears in question and the shape of the patient’s face. The most common ear issue that tends to arise is the projection of the ear; some children just happen to be born with ears that naturally project forward, a condition that most plastic surgeons refer to as “prominent ears.” The ear shaping procedure generally involves shaping the cartilage in a patient’s ears and adjusting the ears so that they are closer to the scalp and head. The goal of ear shaping is to make the ears appear less prominent and obtrusive in relation to the rest of the face.
The good thing about ear shaping is that it is a procedure that can be performed on children, teens, and adults alike. This means that younger patients can avoid suffering through adolescence with bulging ears. From a physician’s standpoint, Dr. Mantooth can’t help but note that ear shaping is also a satisfying procedure to perform, as it tends to produce fantastic results for patients who choose to undergo it.
So just how big or deformed do one’s ears have to be in order to warrant this type of procedure? According to Dr. Mantooth, different patients will inevitably present varying types of deformities. When it comes to judging the condition of the ears, it’s important to account for factors such as the shape of the cartilage and the shape of the ear lobe in terms of the overall picture. There are no hard and fast rules with respect to ear shaping; what may seem like a minor issue for one patient could be enough to warrant plastic surgery in another. The key, however, is for patients to consult with their surgeons and listen to what they have to say about their ear-shaping options.
As far as the associated healing process is concerned, Dr. Mantooth is happy to report that most ear shaping recovery periods are short and not particularly difficult. The average patient can expect a few days of downtime following their procedure.
If your ears have served as your own personal source of unhappiness for as long as you can remember, then make an appointment with an experienced plastic surgeon to learn about your ear shaping options. After all, just because you were born with protruding ears doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to fix them.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
Tags: ear shaping, ear shaping procedure
Related Articles
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.