Ear Surgery

Cosmetic surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce protrusion of the ear away from the head.  Dr. Scott Sattler frequently performs cosmetic ear surgery on children in his Seattle area ambulatory surgery center. 

Ears that “stick out” are often the source of teasing and ridicule in young children.  This teasing can have a devastating effect on the child’s psyche.

Otoplasty is not limited to children and may also be performed on older patients.  Cosmetic procedures are available for those individuals with large ears and for those with congenital (birth) irregularities that detract from their appearance.  Additionally, an individual’s ears may exhibit abnormal traits due to their genetic make-up or an accidental injury, such as losing an ear or part of an ear.  Otoplasty is used successfully for each of these situations.  Regardless of the procedure, patients have been pleased with the long-lasting improvements to their appearance offered by ear surgery.

Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery:

• Bring proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much.
• Correct folded ear tips (lop ear).
• Reshape long or offset earlobes.
• Enhance very small ears or other congenital defects.
• Remedy an accidental injury, including the loss of an ear.

Otoplasty Procedure by Dr. Scott Sattler

Dr. Scott Sattler performs otoplasty and ear surgery for both children and adult patients in his Seattle area plastic surgery practice. Ear surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia for children and 'twlight' anesthesia for adults.  The standard otoplasty procedure brings the ears closer to the head.  Dr. Sattler's otoplasty technique uses an incision concealed behind the ear.  Through this hidden incision, Dr. Sattler reshapes and moves the ears position relative to the patient's facial planes, creating a more normal ear.   The ear surgery procedure takes approximately one to two hours, depending upon the extent of surgery.

Dr. Sattler is an experienced cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgeon who uses specialized otoplasty techniques, in addition to some of the classic otoplasty techniques that create long lasting results for his Seattle area patients.

Otoplasty and Ear Surgery Recovery Process

After the surgery is completed, large bandages will be wrapped around the head. The bandages are removed within a week and replaced with smaller dressings. Patients can generally return to school or work just a few days after ear surgery. Post operative pain can be treated effectively with oral medication.

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