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Plastic Surgery | Manhattan | New York City

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Face Procedures

Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Manhattan

Ear Surgery | Otoplasty | Manhattan | New York CityEar surgery typically serves two functions: setting prominent ears back closer to the head, and reducing the size of large ears. Surgery may also be helpful for "lop ear," "cupped ear" and "shell ear," large or stretched earlobes, and lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons are also able to construct new ears for patients who are missing them from injury or other causes.

Although surgery for adults is available, the operation is most often performed on children aged four to 14 -- ears are almost fully grown by age four, and early surgery can prevent a child from being teased in school.

Otoplasty lasts from two to three hours and may be performed in a hospital, office-based facility or an outpatient surgery center. General anesthesia is recommended for very young patients, while local anesthesia and a sedative are used for older children and adults.

During surgery, a small incision is made behind the ear, revealing the cartilage which is then sculpted, bent into its new position and stitched into place. In some types of otoplasty, skin is removed but the cartilage is left in one piece and merely bent back on itself for a smaller-looking ear. A bandage is wrapped around the head to ensure the new positioning. To achieve better balance, both ears may be operated on even if only one has a problem.

Chin Enhancement (Mentoplasty) in Manhattan

Chin Enhancement (Mentoplasty) Manhattan | New York CityMentoplasty is a term for a cosmetic surgery meant to improve the facial profile and harmony of its features. Although human beauty and attractiveness are generally subjective, there are some rules that dictate whether contours are aesthetic or not. In regards to the chin, these rules revolve around the positioning and prominence of the chin relative to the base of the nose. Therefore, it is not uncommon for a plastic surgeon to suggest supplementing a rhinoplasty with mentoplasty in order to ensure that an aesthetic balance is maintained.

The new chin is developed by either reducing or augmenting its current position. Incisions are usually made inside the mouth or along the natural crease line beneath the chin to significantly reduce the visibility of scars. If the surgeon’s goal is to reduce the chin, then a bone burr or drill is used to reshape and sculpt it to a natural, but more petite look. If augmentation is needed, the surgeon may either affix an implant inside the soft tissue or advance the bone by actually separating part of the chin and moving it forward, holding its position with screws and specialized bone plates.

Immediately after the surgery, the chin can feel tender and stretched due to both the swelling and different skin shaping needed. This tight feeling of the skin will dissipate in about one week, while the swelling may take up to six weeks to fully subside. Additionally, the doctor may suggest a liquid and soft food diet for a few days (for up to a week) after surgery. Any other post-operation discomfort can be controlled through prescribed medication.

As with any plastic surgery, there are risks involved with the procedure that should be taken into account. Although they do not occur often, infections can develop in the chin or lip area depending on where the incision was made, for which antibiotics are prescribed. Patient dissatisfaction is also uncommon so long as the patient maintains realistic expectations throughout.

 

If you are interested in learning more about any of our Face Procedures, call 212-570-6080 today to schedule an appointment.

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