Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Questions and Answers

Question:

Thanks for your immediate response. We have tried everything (i.e.Laser, Liquid Nitrogen, Aldara Cream, and Scraping) and nothing has worked. I am ready to go to the next level. Plastic Surgery. I want my face back. Please help!

Answer:

Dear Auntjuan, In my hands, I find that laser is the most effective treatment for these lesions. Surgery tends to cause their spread and, as you have noted, they are difficult to erradicate. I would suggest repeated treatments with either a KTP or FPTD (flashlamp pulsed tunable dye laser). Hope this is helpful to you.

Question:

I am individual with AIDS and presently suffering with MELUSCUM. Because of the damage it has caused to my face, I am strongly considering plastic surgery. Would I be wasting my time and money? What is your recommendation? Thanks.

Answer:

Dear Auntjuan, Moluscum contagiosum is a viral caused skin eruption with little severe long-term effects. I would suggest that you seek treatment. You may heal a little slower but the treatment is very benign.

Question:

Dear Sir: I want to schedule rhinoplasty this summer. I also want to go scuba diving this summer. Will the rhinoplasty effect my ability to scuba dive? How long after the procedure will I be able to schedule my trip? Thank you. Malissa Shirkey malissas@cre8.co m

Answer:

Dear Malissa, The answer to that is dependent upon the type of rhinoplasty and exactly what is being done. In an augmentation rhinoplasty, using an implant, you could likely go diving within two weeks of the procedure. If a major reduction is being performed with infracture (breaking the bones of the nose), I would suggest that one month wait would be better. If a septoplasty is being performed (straightening the cartilage inside of the nose), because of the dryness involved with diving, I would suggest at least one month before diving. Increased pressure at depth would affect the surgery in a very limited manner.

Question:

What are the actual risk factors of any given cosmetic surgery?

Answer 1:

Dear Danni, Risk factors generally include bleeding, infection (both uncommon)but perhaps the greatest risk is that you will not be as happy as you want to be. You should review all potential risks with a board certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Korman

Answer 2:

Dear Danni, The risk factors depend upon what is being performed, where and on whom. Any surgery has the risk of bleeding and infection but there are specific risks for each given procedure. Also, some individuals are at higher risk than others for a given procedure. I would discuss the specific procedure and any health problems frankly with a plastic surgeon.

Question:

On April 9,2001 I was at work and a burning torch that I was using blew up in my face.I suffere from 2nd degree burns on my face neck and chin.Since then I have developed some blisters and as of right now I feel like there will be some scars left behind and some skin discoloration as well. Before this I had no scars in my face and I was quite proud of that but now I will bare scars so I want them removed. Can you give me any advise?

Answer:

Dear Aretha, You should visit with a burn surgeon who will be able to tell you at this point if there is any permanent scarring. If there is, there are a great many things that can be done from surgery through to laser treatments in order to make the scars better.

Question:

Hello, I am a 34years old female. I would like to do plastic surgery or liposuction. I do not know the difference of this. Kindly explain this. How much the cost take this surgery. I want to do hip & stomach portion. thanks.

Answer:

Dear Meena, Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery. I think that what you are asking is if you need liposuction or a tummy tuck. The factors which enter into that decision are the amount of fat present, the condition of your skin and the condition of the muscle supporting the abdomen. You should visit with a plastic surgeon in order to determine if liposuction is a good procedure for you or if you need the more extensive surgery. Liposuction costs about $2000 per paired area of the body (like the outer thighs) and a tummy tuck can cost from $4000 to $8000 depending upon what is required to be performed.

Question:

I am nearsighted and over forty. I am going to have LASIK surgery on one eye only to preserve my ability to read without glasses. I have worn a contact occasionally, but always put it in the right eye. Today I was told that my left eye is dominant. Should it be the one operated on for nearsightedness, or should I stick with the right eye?

Answer 1:

Although monovision is most commonly performed with the dominant eye for distance, many people actually prefer it the other way. You should test it both ways with your contact lenses before making a choice, and then choose whichever feels more visually comfortable to you. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly Hills, CA www.castervision.com

Robert Joseph, MD
Danville, KY

Answer 2:

Donna, Recent studies have determined that eye dominance is not as big of a factor for choosing an eye for monovision. My gut instinct would lead me to suggest that you should choose your right eye as this is the eye you have used for distance in the past, but you may want to try a contact on the otherr eye to see if you prefer it the other way. David Cano, M.D. Jupiter, W. Palm Beach, Boca Raton, FL

Marc Kayem, MD
West Hollywood, CA

Question:

What is the youngest age that sergions do breast implants on? What are the age limits for getting breast implants? Is there a limit?

Answer:

Dear Jordan, Although I have heard of the procedure being done during puberty, I would suggest waiting until about 18 to 20 years of age so that the development of the breasts is complete and not interfered with by the surgery. Breasts may also grow and change shape during that time and it may be that the procedure could be avoided altogether. I have performed this procedure on women well into their 70's and, although a lift is usually necessary, the results have been very gratifying. Given good health, there is no contraindication to the surgery even at advanced age.

Question:

I am considering some cosmetic surgery: probably a face lift and some liposuction, and perhaps laser resurfacing. How can I find out how to get prices and compare? Also, how do I find the most reputable cosmetic surgeons in my area? Is there a physician's referral service available? Thank you

Answer:

Dear Mary Ann, I would suggest that you visit either the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons') web site first. From that point you should seek advice from several in your area. You may chose to have the different procedures performed by different surgeons. I would also suggest that once you decide on your surgeon, make certain that he/she has privileges to perform the procedures that you desire done at a local hospital - they check credentials and save you the trouble.

Question:

after removal of a melanoma, the surgery area will not heal. one month has past and the incission is still open at the end. why is it not healing?

Answer:

Dear Sharon, I would suggest that you visit with the surgeon that treated you. It must be made certain that all of the melanoma has been removed locally and that your general condition is sufficient for good wound healing. The initial closure may simply have been too tight and requires a revision.

Next Step

• Learn about Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in the Articles Section
• Ready for a consultation? See qualified Facial Plastic Surgery doctors in your area

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