San Diego / La Jolla Office
8929 University Center Lane
Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92122
858-450-4199
Toll Free: 866-BEST IMAGE (866-237-8462)
Temecula Office
40963 Winchester Road
Temecula, CA 92591
951-695-9934
San Diego Ear Surgery – La Jolla, Temecula, Inland Empire
Dr. Stuart Kincaid
Ear surgery is a long-used technique designed to correct protruding ears or ear deformities in children and adults. Most ear protrusions occur because of abnormalities in the development of the cartilage. In some cases, there is an imbalance in the shape and size of one person's ears or peculiar shaping of the ear. Because ears are fully formed by about the age of four, this procedure is safe for children.
Procedure
Ear surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthetic and sedation and takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete. A small incision is made in the back of the ear where the ear meets the head. The surgeon then removes excess skin and cartilage and may further sculpt the cartilage to reshape the ear. The cartilage is secured to the head with permanent sutures to keep the ear pinned back. In some cases, the surgeon uses temporary sutures to hold the ear in place while it heals. The incision is closed with sutures.
Recovery
Following the surgery, the patient's head may be wrapped in heavy dressing to aid in healing. After a few days, this will be replaced with a lighter dressing or headband, which may be required for up to 2 weeks following the surgery. Stitches are removed or will dissolve in about one week. Most patients are back to normal activity within one week, although care must be taken to avoid any activity that might bend the ear for an additional few weeks. A small scar will remain behind the ear, but is usually not visible.
Dr. Kincaid is proud of his reputation as a top La Jolla plastic surgeon and a leading South Orange County plastic surgeon. His impeccable surgical record, in conjunction with his attentive patient care, also attracts many plastic surgery Laguna Beach and Rancho Santa Margarita patients every year.
For more information visit The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).