Although typical plastic surgery patients are adults who want to enhance their appearance, one significant exception is ear surgery (otoplasty). In Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Holmdel, children and teens often are the ones who most benefit from this procedure, which corrects ears that protrude, are too large, or have other qualities that detract from their appearance. To help children as young as 6, as well as teens and adults, Dr. Cutolo has specialized techniques and experience that result in beautifully proportioned ears.
Take the first step – for you or for your child – to a more attractive appearance. Request a consultation online, or call us today at
(718) 720-9400 to schedule a visit.
A board-certified plastic surgeon in Staten Island, Dr. Louis Cutolo, Jr. is an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the... read on
Typically performed using general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia for adults, ear surgery procedures are customized based on the results desired. For example, if the desired outcome is to position ears closer to the head, Dr. Cutolo hides the incision in the crease behind the ear. He then reshapes the cartilage in that area. During your consultation, Dr. Cutolo will discuss your aesthetic goals and recommend a surgical plan based on those goals. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Torn earlobe repairs can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Recovery is quick and you can have your ears pierced again soon after the wounds have healed.
Recovery After Ear Surgery
After your surgery, Dr. Cutolo will wrap bandages around your head to help the healing process. He removes them in about a week, replacing them with smaller bandages. You will need to rest and limit your movement to enhance your healing. Some patients experience minor pain, which can be alleviated with mild medication.
For earlobe repairs, the area that was repaired is simply covered with a steri-strip and you can shower within 24 hours. Sutures are removed approximately one week later. The ears can be pierced again as soon as the scar has gained strength – usually in 3 to 6 weeks.
Ear Surgery Results and Benefits
Whether you are age 6, 16, or 60-plus, ear surgery can transform your life in many ways. Children and teens who were teased by their peers often say that they feel more confident socially, while adults typically are very pleased with their well-proportioned and positioned ears and improved options for hairstyles. The benefits are immediate – and enduring.