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Vancouver Otoplasty
Most people pay very little attention to their ears. But the fact is that many children and adults are bothered by the appearance of ears that seem to "stick out" too far from the head. Unfortunately, when the ears look like this they can be a source of teasing and ridicule. In Vancouver, otoplasty (also known as cosmetic ear surgery) from Dr. Buonassisi can pull the ears closer to the head to create a more "natural" appearance and improve self-image. Ear surgery is also performed to repair damage resulting from injury or ear piercing.
Successful facial plastic surgery is a result of good rapport between the patient and Dr. Buonassisi. Dr. Buonassisi and his staff of caring professionals are committed to providing a relaxing and educational experience for their patients. Dr. Buonassisi performs computer imaging of the patient's photos, answers their specific questions and provides them with all the information they required to make an informed decision.
About Dr. Buonassisi
Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
A caring surgeon with a realistic view of his patients' goals,
Dr. Buonassisi has the skill to achieve cosmetic excellence.
To learn more about ear surgery, request a consultation with facial plastic surgeon Dr. Buonassisi. His facial cosmetic surgery practice is located in a private location bordering the South Granville and Kitsilano areas of Vancouver, on West 8th Avenue.
Otoplasty from Dr. Buonassisi
There are several reasons why ears may appear to "stick out" too far from the head. A part of the ear anatomy known as the "anti-helical fold' determines how close the ear rests to the head. For patients considering otoplasty, the anti-helical fold is underdeveloped in many cases, causing the ear to appear more prominent. In other cases, there may be an excess amount of cartilage in the area where the ear connects to the head, pushing the ear forward and outward. Still other patients have a combination of these conditions.
Dr. Buonassisi helps people considering otoplasty by creating or enhancing the anti-helical fold by making a small incision behind the ear and drawing the ear closer to the head. He may also need to remove excess cartilage during the procedure. His goal is to create a lasting improvement to the ear appearance.
Dr. Buonassisi is one of the few surgeons in the Vancouver area to be board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and is also Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He received his M.D. degree from The University of British Columbia after completing his undergraduate studies at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
In addition to running his busy facial cosmetic surgery practice in Vancouver, Dr. Buonassisi serves as a clinical instructor at the University of British Columbia and staff surgeon at Lions Gate Hospital. Dr. Buonassisi is passionate about providing outstanding care and working with patients to identify a treatment plan that is appropriate and effective. Through computer imaging, he is able to help patients evaluate different surgical options before they commit to surgery.
Click here to read more about Dr. Buonassisi.
Ear Surgery
Most people pay very little attention to their ears. It is not uncommon for children and adults to be bothered by ears that seem to "stick out" too far from the head. Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Buonassisi can pull the ears closer to the head to create a more "natural" appearance.
Is Ear Surgery Right for You?
Otoplasty may be appropriate if a person is unhappy with the shape, size, or prominence of their ears. In many cases this procedure is performed for children between the ages of 4 and 14. The procedure must be delayed until the ears have fully developed. In addition, a child having ear surgery must be comfortable with the procedure. Children who understand the objectives of the procedure and make the choice for themselves are much more likely to be better patients. Dr. Buonassisi is happy to talk in more detail with patients who are considering otoplasty for their child to avoid taunting and ridicule by classmates.
For people who would like to see more clearly how ear surgery can improve their appearance, Dr. Buonassisi offers computer imaging during the initial visit. The ears may be a small part of our anatomy, but they can play a significant role in a person's self-image and self-confidence.
Preparing for Your Procedure
Most people have to do very little to prepare for their otoplasty. Preparation generally requires planning for your post-surgical needs. Because patients will have a bandage wrapped around their head for a few days, it is usually a good idea to plan for a couple days away from the office or school. If ear surgery is being performed for a child, it is important to help the child feel comfortable about what will happen during surgery and address any fears or concerns they may have. Dr. Buonassisi is happy to help parents find ways of discussing surgery with their child.
Earlobe repairs generally require little to no preparation and patients can resume their normal activities right away.
Having Vancouver Otoplasty
During an ear surgery procedure, Dr. Buonassisi makes an incision behind the ear to trim away excess skin and cartilage. Using carefully placed stitches, he is able to create folds and make small adjustments to give the ear a more streamlined appearance. Surgical incisions are quite small and scarring should not be a concern as any scars are almost entirely unnoticeable once fully healed. The procedure itself takes about 2 hours to perform.
Dr. Buonassisi also performs earlobe repair, which usually requires only local anaesthesia. Most patients who have ear surgery or earlobe repair have very little discomfort, with only slight tenderness that may last for a few weeks in some cases.
Recovering from Ear Surgery
Some discoloration and swelling around the ears is normal following otoplasty. The specialized dressing you need to wear for a few days after surgery holds the ears in place. After it is removed, you will wear a headband during sleep for the next 2 weeks. You can resume most normal activities except for strenuous exercise almost immediately after the procedure, but some patients are self-conscious about the surgical dressing and wait to go out in public until this is removed.
Your Results
The results of otoplasty are simple: an improved ear appearance and a boost to self-esteem. Dr. Buonassisi is happy to have been able to help many children and adults make this small change that in many cases has a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
Next Steps
You can view real patient results in our before & after photo gallery. When you're ready to talk with board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Buonassisi in person, please request a consultation online or call 604-733-1669. We offer convenient appointment times and help our patients through all aspects of their procedure, including securing cosmetic surgery financing if desired. Dr. Buonassisi looks forward to meeting with you and helping you look and feel your very best.
