Feel Confident to Showcase Your Ears with Ear Contouring

Our ears often go unnoticed – unless there is a physical trait that makes them stand out in your appearance. Having overly large or protruding ears can be a physical trait that you are born with; being involved in an accident or having a medical condition can also lead to misshapen ears.

Regardless of the cause, ears that look different can lead to bullying and low self-esteem. Dr. Nickodem has helped patients bring more balance and proportion to their faces through ear contouring surgery (otoplasty). This procedure can be performed on patients as young as 5 years old as long as the ear cartilage is stable.

Reasons for Ear Contouring

• Ears that stick out
• Large ears
• Sagging earlobes
• Asymmetrical ears

What to Expect with Ear Contouring

• General or local anesthesia or sedatives are administered.
• One or more subtle incisions are typically made behind the ears. These incisions allow Dr. Nickodem to reshape ear cartilage and remove excess skin if necessary.
• Sagging earlobes can be reshaped and excess skin removed as well.
• Skin glue or sutures are used to close the incisions and a protective bandage is applied. Pain medication will ease discomfort, swelling and bruising as the incisions heal.

Ear Contouring Recovery

During the 2-week recovery period, you should wear a headband to keep the ears in a stable position. It will be important to avoid side sleeping avoiding any unnecessary pressure placed on the ears. It is important to halt participation in strenuous activities until you are fully healed. Smoking during your recovery period is also highly discouraged because this can lead to serious complications and slow healing.

It may take several months for the full results of your ear contouring to be achieved.

Ear Contouring Risks

Dr. Nickodem will provide explicit instructions for your recovery and will expect to see you at follow-up appointments. This is to ensure that your incisions are healing and there are no complications. Dr. Nickodem takes every precaution to minimize the risks after ear contouring; however, you should be aware that there is a risk of: 

• Asymmetry
• Scarring
• Swelling/bruising
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing

To learn more about ear surgery in Annadale, VA, and to find out if you are a good candidate for this life-changing procedure, contact us to schedule a Cosmetic Consultation.