The ongoing pandemic has had a surprising effect on the types of cosmetic treatments being requested. As mask wearing has become essential, it has drawn attention to parts of the body you would not typically worry about. One area that patients are becoming more aware of since they started wearing a mask, is the ears.
There are several cosmetic treatments that can impact how the ears look. The most effective is ear reshaping. Here, you’ll discover more about the ear reshaping procedure and how it can improve your quality of life.
What is ear reshaping?
Ear reshaping aims to adjust the shape of the ears for an enhanced aesthetic effect. There are two different techniques that can be used, and the procedure takes between one to two hours to complete.
One technique includes pinning the ears into place with sutures. The other technique removes pieces of skin and cartilage to reshape the ears. The surgeon will discuss which one would be better for you during the initial consultation. There are pros and cons to both methods so it’s important to understand them before deciding which one to go with.
The procedure can be carried out on both adults and children, as long as the cartilage has fully developed. Adults undergoing ear reshaping will generally be put under local anaesthetic. Children on the other hand are usually treated under general anaesthetic.
What are the benefits?
The main benefit of ear reshaping is that it can greatly improve confidence. When the ears are prominent, they are typically the first thing people see when they look at you. By reshaping them, it brings more balance into the facial aesthetics, improving your confidence.
While there is a very small chance that you may need to undergo a repeat surgery, mostly ear reshaping results last a lifetime. It is known to be a safe treatment too, with thousands of procedures carried out each year in the UK.
Patients who undergo ear reshaping often report significant improvements in their quality of life.
Recovery after surgery
You will be able to leave the hospital on the same day. A check-up will be carried out a week after the procedure. You will need to wear a bandage around the head until this check-up appointment in order to let the ears heal.
You may experience some discomfort, though this should largely disappear after a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for up to six weeks, while light activities can resume within one to two weeks.
Ear reshaping is a popular procedure that can be carried out on adults and children alike. As mask wearing continues to drive people’s insecurities over their ears, the procedure can help to boost confidence and quality of life.
If you are considering ear reshaping surgery, book a consultation with Mr Horlock so that he can answer all your questions, and you can discuss a treatment that would be right for you.
