Cosmetic Ear Surgery: Is it Good For Your Child? By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

We all know the school yard can be a difficult place to be, especially for those who are "different" in ways that may make them easy targets for taunting. Though there's no end to the reasons a child can be singled out for ridicule-freckles, red hair, protruding teeth, physical disabilities, you name it, some can be "corrected" or changed if desired to draw less teasing.

Though differences are what make us unique, some can also cause emotional pain and self esteem issues, which is why otoplasty, the cosmetic ear surgery, is very common among children. It is a fairly simple procedure that can change the size, shape or position of the ears so they draw less attention, and in turn, less taunting.

Though most cosmetic surgeries are recommended only for adults, the majority of cosmetic ear surgery patients are between the ages of 4 and 14. The cartilage in kids is more pliable than in adults, making them good candidates for the operation. The procedure is also popular among children to help them avoid emotional distress due to taunting.

The most common issue corrected by this surgery is excessive protrusion from the head, though others include those that are "cupped", meaning the outer portion is unusually small; those with no ridges in the cartilage; disproportionate size; those where the tip is bent noticeably downward.

Deciding whether a child is a good candidate for the operation can be difficult. Because it is often performed on children who are too young to make the decision to undergo it themselves, it's essential the parents have the child's best interest at heart when seeking the operation.

Children who understand and want the procedure tend to be less afraid and make more co-operative patients than those who do not. It should also be remembered that though cosmetic issues of any kind can make childhood difficult, numerous successful people have lived with noticeably protruding ears.

Both President Obama and actor Will Smith have been known to poke fun at their distinctively noticeable ears-and neither seems to suffer from self-esteem issues. And though the operation is a fairly simple one, it should be remembered that there are risks involved-as with any surgical procedure, including infection, scarring, numbness, and dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result.

Otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia combined with a sedative, though in small kids, general anesthesia is often used to ease the child's fears. When performed to correct protrusion issues, the operation generally takes approximately 45 minutes.

During the cosmetic ear surgery, an incision is made inconspicuously. The cartilage is reshaped, and in some cases, a portion is removed to create the appropriate look, then the ear is sutured into position. After the procedure, bandages are applied that need to remain for a few days.

Most patients go home the same day itself, though young children may spend a night in the hospital for observation. The patient may experience some soreness and is recommended to be careful to avoid any activity which may bend the ears for at least a week. If the patient sleeps on his or her side, sleeping may be disrupted until healing is complete.

Though otoplasty is not the right answer for everyone, it is a fairly simple and satisfactory option for many. Kids who undergo it often benefit from increased self-esteem and improved satisfaction with their appearance. If you are considering a cosmetic ear surgery for your son/daughter, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon for more thorough details about otoplasty and to determine if your child is a good candidate.

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