Ear Surgery Seattle

Protruding, overly large ears can be the cause of teasing, bullying and harassment, not only for young children, but for adults as well. The otoplasty procedure reduces excess ear cartilage, pinning the ears back against the scalp for a more conventional and attractive appearance. Gauged or stretched out earlobes may also be improved through ear surgery in Seattle with Dr. Nadeau.

What is ear surgery?

Ear surgery is the ideal procedure for restoring confidence and self-esteem in those individuals who suffer from prominent ears that stick out. Otoplasty is effective in treating cupped ear, lop ear, shell ear, cauliflower ear, and other ear deformities and injuries. The ears will look more natural, and will blend in seamlessly with the rest of the features. Undergoing ear surgery at a young age can help reduce the possibility of emotionally traumatizing taunting or teasing, and help a young person to feel good about themselves and their image.

“I feel beyond lucky that I chose Dr. Nadeau to do my procedures. From the moment that I walked into her office, I felt completely secure that Dr. Nadeau and her team had the highest professionalism.” Patient

How is otoplasty performed?

Otoplasty in an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 1 to 3 hours to perform. If the patient is a young child, general anesthesia is recommended, while for older clients, local anesthesia with sedation can be used.

The techniques chosen by the surgeon will depend on the goals of your otoplasty procedure. Typically an incision is made within the natural folds of the ear, or behind the ear. Adjustments to the cartilage, skin and tissue can then be made in order to contour the ears into a more pleasing shape and position. The incisions are closed with sutures, and the patient is placed in the recovery suite.

Who makes a good candidate for ear surgery?

Children can undergo ear surgery after the age of 5, when the ear cartilage is stable enough to be operated upon. Just like adults, children must be in good mental and physical health, with no major or chronic medical conditions that would interfere with their treatment. If the child suffers from ear infections, surgery will need to be postponed. Lastly, a child must desire the surgery and be cooperative, since there will be a lot of instructions to follow during the process and throughout recovery.

Adults are good candidates if they are non-smokers, they are mentally and physically healthy, and they have realistic expectations for what otoplasty in Seattle can accomplish in their lives.

What are the benefits Of otoplasty?

Corrects structural and aesthetic flaws in the ears
Boosts self-confidence
Discourages teasing and bullying
Ears will be more proportionate to the rest of the face
Earlobes can be reshaped
Long-lasting outcome

What are the risks involved with ear surgery?

Like other surgical procedures, otoplasty comes with certain inherent risks. These may include negative reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infections, asymmetry, poor wound healing, scarring, temporary numbness, or problems with the sutures. Rest assured, our team does everything possible to minimize these risks so that your treatment is stress-free, rewarding and successful.

What can I expect from otoplasty recovery?

A soft dressing will be applied to the ears to help protect the healing tissue. You should avoid side-sleeping and rest on your back. Dr. Nadeau will make sure you have the proper pain medications for total comfort and ease. School-aged children will be able to return to their normal schedules after around one week, provided they are careful in the playground and do not apply any pressure to the ears.

smiling woman ticking hair behind her ear

How much does ear surgery in Seattle cost?

The degree of correction for each client’s ears will vary, so the best way to obtain a quote for yourself or your child is to undergo a discreet consultation with Dr. Nadeau, during which she can assess your anatomy and review your medical history. Our office can help provide assistance with financing, should you require it.

Why select Dr. Nadeau as my surgeon?

Dr. Nadeau is a kind and professional board certified plastic surgeon who both children and adults find easy to trust and talk to. She forms positive, supportive relationships with clients, allowing them to fully express their frustrations with their appearance so a successful solution can be reached. Dr. Nadeau believes that a well-informed and well-educated client has the best chance at favorable results, so she spends ample time answering questions.

After completing her plastic surgery training, Dr. Nadeau pursued an additional year long fellowship in Los Angeles specializing in cosmetic surgery under the guidance of Dr. W. Grant Stevens at the University of Southern California.

Prior to that, she graduated at the top of her class and was selected into the medical honor society AOA at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine in Lexington, KY. She completed her residency in plastic surgery at the Ohio State University Medical Center.. She is a top injector and trainer for Allergan, makers of BOTOX, Juvederm and Kybella. She serves on several committees for the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.