Ear Surgery

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho

Otoplasty

Ear surgery (otoplasty) can correct the appearance of your ears, from minor flaws in shape to highly visible deformities and earlobe abnormalities. I recommend otoplasty for adults who have lived with misshapen ears all of their lives and want to improve their self-esteem and feel comfortable showing their ears, as well as for children who may severely suffer emotionally from teasing and low self-esteem as they mature.

Goals of Ear Surgery

Protruding ears are the most common problem for which people seek correction, however, the ear can be misshapen in many ways. Any deformity of the ear can be a source of ridicule and embarrassment, especially for children. Deformities of the ear that can be corrected with surgery include:

• Protruding ears
• Misshapen ears (too small, too large, partially hidden, abnormally shaped)
• Earlobe deformities
• Traumatic ear deformities
• Skin cancer reconstruction

Prominent or Protruding Ears

While excessively protruding ears are not a physical health risk, they are frequently psychologically traumatic as they can cause tremendous embarrassment and self-esteem issues in both adults and children. The ear cartilage may be abnormally large or not positioned or molded correctly. This develops early in life and can affect one or both ears. Surgery is relatively easy and effectively corrects this emotionally distressing affliction.

Children and Ear Surgery

Correcting ear deformities in a child can be a gift that changes his or her life forever. Children with ear deformities often suffer ridicule and ostracization throughout childhood and their teenage years, making problems associated with their ears their dominant memory. This may erode their self-esteem, and it often causes social distress that can last well into adulthood.

Fortunately, ear reshaping can be performed before a child reaches school age, and is actually an easier procedure when the child is young and the ear is still soft and pliable.

Earlobe Surgery

Some patients have torn or stretched earlobe earring holes, or they complain that gravity has made their earlobes hang down lower. In addition, some patients have lobes that are too large or stick out at an abnormal angle. Most of the time, these problems can be easily corrected with a small surgical procedure.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your ear surgery consultation.

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