Can Otoplasty Be Combined with Other Procedures?
It is possible to combine otoplasty with other procedures, and doing so may be an option for you if you wish to address multiple concerns. Although you can combine any plastic surgeries so long as your surgeon feels it is safe to do so, otoplasty is usually combined with other facial procedures as part of a comprehensive enhancement plan. This type of plan allows you to maintain or create facial harmony and balance for a natural, cohesive look.
Benefits of Combining Otoplasty with Other Procedures
Combining your otoplasty with other procedures provides several benefits, including enhanced self-confidence. If perceived facial flaws bother you, fixing them all in a once-and-done surgery can greatly improve your spunk as you walk through the world. Other benefits of combining otoplasty with other procedures include:
- Ensuring a balanced and harmonious appearance
- Minimizing overall downtime
- Reducing costs such as anesthesia and surgical facility fees
- Eliminating the need to schedule multiple recovery periods
Complementary Procedures for Otoplasty
The procedure(s) you choose to combine with your otoplasty depends on your unique desires and goals. There are no blueprints or standard packages. Instead, you return to the spirit of the Choose Your Own Adventure books of your childhood and find your own path.
Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)
Especially helpful for patients seeking a proportional profile, rhinoplasty reshapes the nose and, if desired, can decrease its size. The recovery timelines for both procedures are similar and align well with each other, allowing you to combine surgeries without significantly extending healing time. Adding a rhinoplasty to your otoplasty is an excellent way to keep your ears and nose in balance with each other.
Chin Augmentation (Liposuction or Implants)
Chin augmentation complements otoplasty by creating a streamlined lower face that will blend well with flatter ears. What chin augmentation consists of depends on your needs. Usually, it involves chin liposuction to enhance the jawline and get rid of a double chin. Although done much more rarely, a chin augmentation sometimes requires placing chin implants to correct a weak chin and enhance projection.
Jawline Contouring (Dermal Fillers)
Often of particular concern for men is the lack of a strong jawline. A weak jaw can become more pronounced after an otoplasty, which tucks the ears closer to the head and streamlines the top portion of the face. Dermal fillers can correct this issue by adding bulk where you need it to make your jawline stronger and more defined. Dermal fillers are a temporary, non-surgical option that pairs well with an otoplasty.
Facelift or Mini Facelift
If you’re bothered by signs of aging creeping into your face, consider adding a facelift or mini facelift to your otoplasty procedure. Facelifts correct wrinkles and sagging skin to restore a more youthful appearance to the face. Often chosen by older patients, a facelift enhances the refined look otoplasty can provide.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Your ears and your eyes are fairly close together, so perfecting one may exacerbate issues with the other. Eyelid surgery can repair droopy or puffy upper eyelids or address dark circles and hollows beneath the lower lids. Combining these surgeries both flattens the ears and creates a more refreshed, awake look.
Neck Lift
Loose neck skin doesn’t look good on anyone but turkeys, and even that is questionable. Many otoplasty patients combine their procedure with a neck lift, chin lipo, or jawline enhancement to create a thorough and cohesive transformation.
Cheek Augmentation (Buccal Fat Removal)
Otoplasty is all about streamlining, and so is cheek augmentation. Cheek augmentation involves removing buccal fat (cheek fat) to create more defined cheekbones. These procedures work together to create the slimmer profile you’re looking for.
Botox for Facial Harmony
Like dermal fillers, Botox offers a temporary solution to forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other facial wrinkles and creases. Botox is best for subtle enhancements but can help you get a more polished and youthful look when combined with otoplasty.
Recovery Considerations When Combining Procedures
Coordinated Recovery Timelines
Combining otoplasty with other procedures can be very helpful, but it’s not necessarily right for everyone. Your aftercare instructions will become a bit more complicated since you will have multiple incision sites and surgical aftercare needs. Following all of the post-op guidelines your plastic surgeon gives you becomes even more critical after multiple procedures.
Note too that not all combinations are suitable for every patient. A consultation ensures a personalized treatment plan and helps your surgeon determine if extended time under general anesthesia is safe for you.
Recap
Combining otoplasty with other procedures allows for enhanced facial harmony, a streamlined recovery, and comprehensive results. The procedure you combine will depend on the surgical goals you hope to achieve. A free virtual consultation will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about whether you should add other procedures to your otoplasty.