OtoplastyConveniently located to serve St. Petersburg and Tampa
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, provides a way to correct the appearance of protruding or large ears that draw unwanted attention. Large or protruding ears can lead to a lot of teasing. This is especially true for children who must face their classmates every day and face seemingly endless torment. Children often have no sense of how much harm their comments may make and therefore seem to have a bottomless capacity for cruelty. Though schools, teachers, and others are becoming increasingly aware of the seriousness of teasing and bullying, it often cannot be stopped. Worse, the damage may not be able to be undone. Although many children suffer no lasting harm from teasing, others may never feel comfortable with their ears.
Whether you are an adult who endured teasing for your large or protruding ears as a child, or a parent concerned about your child’s psychological well being, otoplasty (ear surgery) may be the answer to your concerns. To learn more about this procedure, please schedule a consultation with Tampa area plastic surgeon, Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso today.
Ear Development and Teasing
One of the main reasons why children can have such large-seeming ears is that the ears are one of the first parts of the body to reach its mature size. Many people’s ears reach full size by age 5 or 6, even though the rest of their head and body is child-sized. This makes slightly oversized or protruding ears seem disproportionately huge or misshapen. In the playground environment, children are eager to fit in and one of the first techniques they learn is to isolate anyone who is different so their own differences are not noticed. Large-seeming ears make children an easy target for teasing, which sometimes rises to physical bullying.
Unfortunately, though a child may grow into their ears, they may never outgrow the psychological scars of early teasing. Children who internalize a self-image of being unattractive carry that image with them for life and may have self-confidence issues later in life. Teasing about appearance can lead to anything from social withdrawal to anorexia to suicide. However, not every child takes the teasing so seriously, and many recover with no lasting harm.
Is Plastic Surgery the Answer?
Not for everyone. It’s important for you to gauge your child’s situation based on their school environment, their personality, and changes you notice in their behavior or self-image. Talk to your child’s teachers and school counselors to get a fuller sense of your child’s problem. Finally, talk to your child to find out their wishes before making a decision. Help them understand the risks and benefits as best they can.
Although you can use your own potential experience as a reference in making your decision, make sure you’re not just doing something to them but for you.
Your Otoplasty at Gayoso Plastic Surgery will be performed by Dr. Gayoso in St. Petersburg, FL
Recovering from Otoplasty
In general, otoplasty is well-tolerated by both adults and children. Most patients experience little pain and discomfort throughout their recovery. Medication can help to manage any pain that may occur. Dr. Gayoso will provide you with post-surgical instructions that will help guide you through the recovery process.
The Cost of Otoplasty
Otoplasty is a highly personalized surgical procedure. Different techniques and approaches are required to both address the patient’s specific concerns and provide them with their desired results. During your consultation, our team can let you know what the cost of your otoplasty in St. Petersburg will be. Financing options are available
Why Dr. Gayoso for Your Otoplasty
With any surgical procedure, it’s important that you work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has training and experience in safely reshaping tissue to get an aesthetic result. It’s also important to work with a surgeon who can help your child feel at ease.
Dr. Antonio J. Gayoso is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped thousands of patients in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area and from across Florida. He can help you and your child understand the procedure’s risks and benefits before making a decision.
Schedule a Consultation Today
To learn more, call us 727-895-1515, or email Gayoso Plastic Surgery today to schedule an otoplasty consultation. Helping patient throughout Florida including Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater.