Otoplasty - ABC News Special
- ABC News Feature
Otoplasty is performed to pin back ears that stick too far out from the side of the head. This news feature profiles a college girl who had this procedure done in South Florida. After thorough evaluation of her ears, the procedure was customized to her ears and face in order to achieve the best and most natural looking result. Cosmetic ear surgery is performed to enhance facial appearance and harmony. This can boost self esteem and prevent unwarranted teasing especially in children.
Video Transcript:
Reporter - Most everyone has a physical feature they don't really like, for Stephanie it's her ears.
Stephanie - They just stick out so bad, I mean it's pretty distinct.
Reporter - Throughout her childhood she did everything she could to hide them.
Stephanie - I would try everything. I mean when I was younger I would use tape, to try and tape down my ears, I mean glue. Headbands, trying to just cover them and wear hats.
Reporter - Now in her twenties, Stephanie decided it was time for a permanent solution. She discovered Delray Beach plastic surgeon Jacob Steiger was working with a new, more effective technique to deal with protruding ears.
Dr. Steiger - We're actually treating the problem at it's very cause.
Reporter - Dr. Steiger says about 50% of his patient with protruding ears are effected by two factors: over development of the inner ear cartilage and under development of the outer ear cartilage.
Dr. Steiger -So for example in Stephanie's case she had on one ear no fold, and on the other ear a little bit of a fold. So her ears in the beginning were a little asymmetric.
Reporter - Beyond the traditional approach of just pinning those ears back with stitches the Doctor also reconstructs the inner ear cartilage. He's able to remove the overgrown portion of the ear along with excess skin without damaging the ear canal.
Dr. Steiger - It's also even simpler to do than the traditional approach and works better in the sense that it's guaranteed to stay that way, it will never change.
Reporter - Stephanie is now looking forward finally, to being able to pull her hair back or wear it up with confidence.
Stephanie - Just little things that before I was like no way.
Reporter - Now the cost of this dual procedure is about $3,000, but it isn't necessary in all the cases. It's important to find a surgeon who's experienced though in the dual technique to avoid complications that could effect your hearing.