Indianapolis Plastic Surgery | Breast Augmentation

Ear & Nose Sculpting

Rhinoplasty & Otoplasty

Our board certified plastic surgeons, maintain a philosophy for nose & ear contouring with allowing function to be improved and delicately improve placement of inner structures.  The rhinoplasty procedure should procedure a nose that appears natural, functions properly with improving breathing, and is in balance and harmony with the remaining facial structures.  The ear pinning procedure referred to as otoplasty should be symmetrical and complement the remaining facial structures.  Both of  these procedures allow patients  a new, renewed self confidence and improved self esteem with social interactions and inner growth. For any structural improvements in nasal contouring surgery and reconstructive nasal surgery, there are some limitations related to the final outcome and the proportions requested by the patient. Some of the limiting factors are related to skin texture, skin thickness, previous fractures of the nose, variations in healing and individual facial contours and proportions with delivery of the final outcome.

When Should I Consider Nose Surgery?

• An abnormal appearance to the nose as a result of trauma or injury to the nose.
• Breathing difficulties; obstruction of airflow.
• Repeated sinus infections
• Loss of proportions of the nose in relation to the face; dorsal hump or large, pointed tip.

Anticipated Results:

• Improvement in breathing and airflow through nostrils.
• Improved proportions of the nose; less bulbous tip and straighter slope of nose.

A small incision is made of the column of skin between the nostrils on the underneath surface of the nose to utilize an open rhinoplasty technique.  Through this incision, the tip can be reshaped with permanent sutures using cartilage grafts as needed, the cartilages can be fractured and re-positioned as needed, a hump can be reduced, and the turbinates can be reduced to improve breathing. If the base of the nose is too wide, our surgeons can perform a Weir’s Excision in addition by making incisions in the creases on both sides of the nostril creases to decrease the base width of the nostrils.  The resulting scars are hidden in the creases. We will place nasal packing to the nostrils for the first 24-36 hours, and a nasal splint is placed and is removed after 7 days.  Our doctors will recommend wearing the splint at night for 2-4 weeks.  The recovery period is typically 7-10 days. There will be swelling and bruising for the first 2 weeks and lifting restrictions are required for the first 2 weeks. We also recommend taping the nose for additional support and to reduce the swelling for the first 4-6 weeks and restricting any glasses for 4-6 weeks also.

When Should I Consider Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) or Earlobe Reduction Surgery?

• Ears that protrude (stick out) and are out of proportion.
• Earlobes are too large; either congenitally or due to stretching the earlobes.
• Earlobe opening stretched or torn; Inability to wear earrings.

Anticipated Results:

• Ears that are closer in position to the head; more proportional.
• Improved earlobe size and shape; correction of stretched earlobe opening.
• Repair of torn or enlarged opening; Ability to re-pierce the earlobe.

For an otoplasty or ear pinning surgery: the incision is placed behind the ear and is very well concealed.  By placement of permanent sutures in the cartilage, the bending of the cartilage is performed to pin the ear back and reshape the contour of the ear as needed.   This procedure is commonly performed on children, teenagers, and adults.  Following a otoplasty, light dressings are placed for the first 1-2 days and then a compression device is placed over the ears to promote gentle pressure to ensure adequate molding and healing, and maintain the correction ear placement. The procedure is performed under anesthesia  and the recovery period is 7-10 days.

For a torn or injured earlobe or stretched earlobe or a desire in reduction of the earlobe; a incision is made to excise the excess tissue or to remove the earlobe opening.  The edges of the earlobe are then brought back together and secured together with sutures located on the front and back of the earlobe.  The sutures are removed after 7-10 days and steri-strips are placed for 6 weeks to ensure adequate healing and pressure to the incision.  Light earlobe massage is recommend after 2 weeks to reduce the swelling and any firmness.  The earlobe may be re-pierced after 6-12 weeks, any signs of firmness must be resolved.  The procedure is performed under local anesthetic and the recovery period is minimal.  The patient may shower after 3 days and return to work the next day if desired.

Planning the Surgery:

Time off Work:

7-10 days for Rhinoplasty; 7-10 days for Otoplasty; Earlobe Repair/Reduction: 1-2 days.

Caretaker:

After Rhinoplasty or Otoplasty surgery; you will need a caregiver for the first 2-3 days.  A driver is required for the first post operative appointments.

The Day of Surgery:

Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty surgery:  performed on an outpatient basis under general or monitored anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 2.5-3.5 hours. Earlobe Repair/Earlobe Reduction: performed under local anesthetic.

After Surgery:

After a Rhinoplasty or Otoplasty surgery; you will be required to return to the office the day following surgery for removal dressings and to be given further instructions.

Note:It is important to address any concerns with The Gillian Institute at the time of your consultation. There is some risk, as with any surgical procedure. To prevent post-operative complications with this technique, no smoking is a requirement prior to surgery. Our doctors can explain the procedure and potential complications to you in detail, and she can assist you in determining if a rhinoplasty, or ear contouring surgery is right for you.