Otoplasty-When should I have my child’s ears “pinned back”?

When is Ear Surgery right for my child?

Parents often inquire-“When should I have my child’s ears pinned back?”  Children are not uncommonly born with overly prominent ears that project away from the sides of their heads and often attract unwanted attention from school friends.  As children’s ears reach approximately 80% or more of their adult size by the age of 5 years old, it is typically felt to be safe to consider surgical correction at this time.

One of the prime motivations most parents have in considering correction of a child’s prominent ears is to hopefully avoid unkind comments from their small friends.  The seemingly harmless “Dumbo” remarks that other children blurt out can begin to take their toll on a small child’s self image and esteem.  I have rarely seen any young girl present for otoplasty who did not wear her hair style to conceal her overly prominent ears.  Little boys unfortunately do not have this option; they commonly walk in with stocking caps.

As these childhood taunts begin at a very young age, most physicians feel it is desirable to consider otoplasty around the age of 5 or 6 if the problem is of major significance.  A child’s perception of themselves or their self image begins to take shape quite early.  A good self esteem can help a child be more outgoing, assertive, and eager to participate in youth activities.  Poor self esteem can have just the opposite effect.

Prominent ears are usually the result of congenitally overly developed or misshaped ear cartilage.  At the heart of the otoplasty is the alteration and reshaping of the abnormal ear cartilage.  Most techniques involve weakening and suturing the cartilage from an inconspicuous posterior ear approach.  This technique usually easily conceals any surgical scars.  Post operatively patients often are asked to wear protective compression garment that resemble sweat bands for a period of 2-4 weeks following the surgery.

Although, corrective otoplasty is not a must for every child with prominent ears for many – it is a liberating experience.  No procedure I perform in my practice can compare with happiness  I feel when I see the smiles on the faces of these young patients when they return for follow up visits.  Please visit Dr. Burkett’s website for more information or to schedule a consultation.

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Botax-Not only for the rich and famous

Over the last several weeks patients have repeatedly asked me what I think of the new Botax.  This newly proposed measure is a 5% tax not only on cosmetic surgical services such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks and facelifts, but also less invasive procedures such as Botox, facial fillers and teeth whitening.  This new tax is attached to the current senate version of the health reform bill working its way through congress.  When recently asked the reason for the new tax, the architects of the health bill replied, “We simply need more money.”

I feel the authors of this new tax bill view plastic and cosmetic surgeons and their patients as easy defenseless prey for such a measure.  I am sure they felt the average voter in the United States would see this tax as simply an extension of the President’s promise to tax only the wealthiest Americans to finance the new health care program and his multiple other social programs.

My practice in Mansfield, Texas serves a wonderful community full of very friendly, hard-working individuals who span the garment of social classes and walks of life.  They are marvelous people.  The average patient in my practice is a middle income mom with two kids looking to repair the changes from child bearing or the older individual attempting to reverse the ravages of aging.  Although they are usually financially stable, the one thing they usually are not – is rich.  If President Obama’s promise was to only raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans, the new Botax certainly hits below the belt.

Given the wide range of new and innovative cosmetic services available in the United States today, it is the average American and not the idol rich who is requesting these services with their discretionary income left over after they have paid their already established taxes.  Patients desire these services to help repair their self-esteem and increase their confidence.  My patients usually say “I am doing this for myself because I feel I have earned it.”  Well, President Obama and Congress apparently feel you haven’t.

It is my hope that this new 5% tax, that I am sure at this point seems so defenseless, will in hind site a few years from now be seen as one of the revealing events that opened America’s eyes to the true changes in our way of life that are on the horizon.

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