Our otoplasty in Boston is a procedure designed to “pin-back” prominent ears. Protruding ears have been given many different names (“bat ears,” “lop ears,” “cup ears,” and others) to differentiate between several more unusual anatomic conditions.
The goal of otoplasty surgery is to reshape the ear cartilage in a customized surgical procedure to produce a normal looking ear of the correct size and shape for a natural look.
Dr. Fechner is known for his delicate surgical approach, attention to detail, and the care with which he performs complex facial surgery. As a skilled plastic surgeon with extensive experience, he is often called upon to correct overly-prominent ears in a customized surgery. The care with which the ear pinning in Boston is performed can mean well-hidden incisions, permanent results and faster healing.
As both a surgeon and educator, his level of experience, along with his compassionate, patient-centered approach, has made Dr. Fechner one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the Boston area.
Patients or parents who have been bothered by protruding ears can achieve a natural, lovely pair of ears with a tailored surgical procedure. In fact, a person’s ears are typically not even noticed when one looks at the face, unless they are overlarge, protruding, or oddly-shaped.
To have the ear structure look natural, it should not appear “plastered down” as the ears will appear strange – and when placed too close to the head, can be difficult to correct.
Various aesthetic issues affecting ear appearance can lead a person to seek a plastic surgeon in the Boston area, for themselves or a child. Candidates should be in good general health.
The various aesthetic problems that can be resolved with our Worcester otoplasty (ear surgery) include:
Ear appearance will be determined by the natural shape of the ear cartilage. This cartilage is very soft in newborns and becomes stiffer as the years pass. The ear has a complex shape made of folds and bends of cartilage. Although no one ear matches exactly the next, two main reasons are commonly responsible for ears that protrude.
The first is the absence or flattening of a main ear fold called antihelix and second, a “bowl” that is too large. Dr. Fechner’s experience has revealed approximately 60 percent of patients have variable combination of both abnormalities and 40 percent have a flat anti-helix only. A large ear bowls (called a concha or cavum conchae) as an isolated problem without abnormalities of the antihelix, and is exceedingly rare.
Conservative preservation of the ear cartilage characterizes the up-to-date otoplasty technique favored by Dr. Fechner. Rather than removing cartilage in ear surgery, Dr. Fechner performs some of the best results in ear pinning Worcester has to offer by reshaping the ear with the help of internal sutures to achieve the desired normal-looking shape. In your initial consultation, Dr. Fechner will thoroughly examine your ear structure and take important measurements. Following this examination and evaluation, he will discuss the customized surgical plan with the patient or parents of a child suffering with this condition. The incisions are concealed in the natural fold behind the ear to avoid any visible scars.
Otoplasty is commonly performed in young children before school age, as well as teenagers and young adults. In mature patients, this procedure can effectively and safely be performed in the office under local anesthesia with a sedative. Numbing the ear area for surgery typically requires only a single injection of lidocaine. The ear area is fully numbed for about two hours – the time it requires to perform ear plastic surgery.
The first step is to sterilize the area with a special surgical scrub solution. Dr. Fechner performs otoplasty surgery through relatively small incisions hidden within the crease behind the ears. The back of the ear cartilage is isolated for accurate sculpting of the ear. The normal location of the antihelical (the visible ear structure) fold is determined and sutures are used to fold the cartilage. Careful observation and adjustments during this process is a vital step in achieving a natural outcome.
If a large concha (the hollow of the external ear) contributes to ear protrusion, an appropriate amount of excess cartilage can be removed carefully so as not to leave sharp, unsightly edges. Lastly, the ear lobe is adjusted. Dr. Fechner uses key sutures to convince the earlobe to be balanced and in harmony with the new ear position. After the ear has been moved closer to the head, any excess skin is identified and trimmed. The incision is sutured with a melt-away stitch and a protective bandage is put in place.
Otoplasty can be safely performed in an outpatient setting. Recovery time ranges from seven to ten days. The first dressing must remain in place for 24 to 36 hours. Children will require observation and encouragement from mom and dad to ensure that this important bandage will stay in place for the first night. Ear soreness is normal for a few days, but can be managed with pain medication.
Dr. Fechner will examine the patient after the first dressing is removed ensuring that the healing progress is moving forward as it should. When the bandages are removed, the ears show their new position and shape. The ear skin will appear puffy and may still be bruised. After the bandages are removed, you (or your child) will be able to take a shower. Dr. Fechner finds a soft sports sweatband helpful to protect the ears and hold them in the new position. The sports band should be worn for the next 5 to 7 days. After this time, it is recommended to wear the headband during sleeping hours.
When a child is between four and six years of age, his or her ears have grown sufficiently and otoplasty surgery is now safe and predictable. For young children, the ear cartilage, which determines the ear’s shape, is pliable enough to undergo corrective surgery. Parents commonly consider correction of protruding ears before the child enters school. For arguably the best otoplasty Boston has to offer, contact Dr. Fechner.
Because prominent ears may run as a trait within families, relatives may have a deep personal understanding of the psychological trauma caused by teasing and ridicule from their peers. In children younger than 12, the procedure is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure, with the child in twilight sleep. In smaller children (4 to 8 years), a general anesthetic may be most appropriate.
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428 Shrewsbury Street, Worcester, MA 01604
On behalf of the entire team at Fechner MD Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, we would like to take a moment to say thank you again for your loyalty and support during this unprecedented time. The past several months have been unlike anything we've ever experienced, and we're working hard to evolve so that we can continue to provide you with the patient experience you have come to expect from our practice.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, Fechner MD Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa has taken extreme precautionary measures, in addition to following the most up to date CDC recommendations and state guidelines to maximize the health and safety of our patients, staff and facility. Our surgical center and medical spa remain committed to providing the best patient care, and we are actively working to take all necessary precautions as we plan to safely re-open our practice. Please help us continue to protect the health and well-being of our patients and workplace by cooperating with all of our precautionary measures and protocols against COVID-19 at your next appointment, or as you plan for your surgery.
As a fully accredited surgical facility, Fechner MD has always observed the highest level of safety and sanitation. In fact, as a surgeon, Dr. Fechner is an expert in infection control. We want to ensure that we are doing everything possible for our patients to safely return for surgical and medical spa treatments alike.
The upgraded work flow and safety protocols we have implemented at Fechner MD far exceed those being recommended by any government agency.
Fechner MD will adhere to all local, state, and government mandates. We expect to cautiously resume medical spa and injectable treatments during Phase 2 of the Massachusetts phased reopening. We are awaiting a definitive date from Governor Baker. Cosmetic surgery is expected to resume during Phase 3 of Governor Baker’s plan. We ask for your patience and understanding as our staff is working diligently to reschedule all surgeries and procedures affected by our closure. Please understand that in order to open and adhere to Massachusetts guidelines, we will need to limit the number of staff and patients we have in our building and extend the time between patient appointments in order to sanitize rooms. This means we will have fewer available openings for procedures. In order to maximize our provider appointments, we will continue to hold consultations virtually rather than in person, with a few exceptions (body contouring, Instalift, vein treatments).
We thank you in advance for your patience throughout this time, and we look forward to seeing you here again as we begin to resume business operations. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Fechner MD Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa at (508) 754-4000 and our team will gladly assist you. Thank you!