The goal of cosmetic or reconstructive ear surgery is to re-establish normal placement of the ear in relationship to the head. The ear has reached 90 to 95 percent of full size by age six. Prominent ear reconstruction (Otoplasty techniques) is very rewarding for both the patient and plastic and reconstructive surgeon because restoring the normal placement of the ear results in greatly improved self-esteem and body image.
Most common techniques to correct prominent ears include suture, excisional, and cartilage molding techniques. In most cases I utilize a combination of techniques to achieve the most natural and anatomically correct ear positioning.
Patients that I see most frequently are adolescents and young adults; however, adults bothered since childhood (and called “Wing Nut” and “Dumbo”) by one or both ears been more prominent. The optimal age for both parents and their child is usually between age six and nine as the ear has reached near or full adult size. This is an important time in life as the child is entering school and kids with prominent ears are unfortunately subjected to sometimes severe ridicule by their peers.
As always I perform a comprehensive approach during consultation to educate and inform the parents and reassure the child, young adult or adult that achieving a normal look without the “pinned back” appearance is possible. Symmetry and proper projection from the head must be appreciated while maintaining the relationship to the facial features as the ears and placement need to be viewed as a whole.
Academically fully duel trained as both a professional figurative sculptor and plastic and reconstructive surgeon allows me a rarified surgical advantage/perspective. In order to obtain a Master of Fine Arts in figurative Sculpturing (MFA) additional years of training are required at the graduate level. I obtained my MFA at the University of Chicago in addition to completing my Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at UCLA (only three general surgeons are chosen and trained per year). This fusion of fields is apparent to my patients because it makes sense. My work as a figurative sculptor informs my aesthetic and reconstructive surgical efforts and visa versa.
The above-mentioned techniques improve the protrusion, symmetry, and form of the ear by addressing the poorly developed or absent antihelical fold and commonly present large concha. Consistently excellent aesthetic and long-term results in both children and adults are fully possible and exciting for me personally as a sculptor and plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
For additional information on my unique extensive training including the completion of an Accredited Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship by the Aesthetic Surgery Foundation please visit www.davidfellowsmd.com .
For more information, please contact David Fellows, MD, MFA at 661-273-6666 or 877-303-2843 to arrange a free consultation. After business hours, please contact the answering service at 818-332-1441. Offices are located in Palmdale at 41230 11th Street West, Suite D or Valencia at 23501 Cinema Drive, Suite 100.