Otoplasty Specialist
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Vida Bela Plastic Surgery: Chelsea Snider, MD & Abby Culver, MD
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons located in Plano, TX
Nearly one-third of children are born with misshapen ears, which may range from simple ear tags to no ear present at all. Chelsea Snider, MD, at Vida Bela Plastic Surgery in Plano, Texas, is an experienced pediatric reconstructive surgeon who specializes in otoplasty, which is the surgical reshaping of the ear. She also offers infant ear molding, which is a nonsurgical treatment for ear deformities in newborns. To schedule a consultation, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Otoplasty Q & A
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a type of surgery focused on changing the shape, size, or positioning of the ear. It’s generally performed after your ears have reached their full size, which typically occurs around age 5. However, Dr. Snider may perform otoplasty on younger children, if needed.
Dr. Snider recommends scheduling a consultation to discuss treatment options for an ear deformity as early as possible. Noninvasive therapies may be an option for congenital ear deformities when they’re treated within the first few weeks of your baby’s life.
What conditions benefit from otoplasty?
Dr. Snider offers otoplasty as a treatment option for many ear anatomy issues. Some of the conditions that benefit from otoplasty include:
Microtia
Some children are born with microtia, which is when the outer ear fails to fully form during the first trimester of pregnancy. Dr. Snider performs otoplasty to sculpt a completely new ear using your child’s own natural tissue.
For children with only one affected ear, she uses innovative techniques to create a mirror image of the fully formed ear in order to design a beautiful new ear for your child.
Anotia
Like microtia, anotia is a congenital deformity, but in this case, children are born without an ear. Dr. Snider performs otoplasty using rib cartilage to create a new ear for your child.
Prominent ears
If your child’s ears protrude more than 2 centimeters from their head and are too stiff for ear molding, Dr. Snider recommends otoplasty, also called ear pinning. The outpatient procedure can be performed at any age, requires minimal aftercare, and provides significant and lasting results.
Earlobe split
An earlobe split is a common ear injury. Dr. Snider repairs an earlobe split with great care to minimize scarring and allow you to wear earrings again.
What is infant ear molding?
Babies born with congenital ear abnormalities may not need otoplasty to correct the deformity. In the first few weeks of life, your child has high levels of estrogen, which keeps the cartilage in your child’s ear soft and moldable.
For ear molding, Dr. Snider uses EarWell®, which is a painless, nonsurgical procedure that often eliminates more extensive ear surgery in the future.
In order for your child to get the most benefits, Dr. Snider recommends starting ear molding within 1-2 weeks of birth. Your child may require 4-8 weeks of treatment, depending on the severity of the deformity.
To provide natural contours that last a lifetime, Dr. Snider uses the EarWell® system and soft silicone materials to reshape your child’s ear.
To learn more about otoplasty and other treatment options for your child’s ear deformity, call Vida Bela Plastic Surgery or use the online booking tool today.
