Ear Surgery in Bellevue

Otoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure that reshapes the ears of children or adults. It is most commonly used to set protruding ears closer to the head. The results are immediately apparent and can dramatically increase confidence and improve self-esteem. Our focus is on natural results that give patients a balanced appearance. During your consultation for ear surgery in Bellevue, Dr. Min or Dr. Levy will work with patients and their families to understand your needs and help you create a treatment plan that will look and feel natural.

Your Ear Surgery Procedure

We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your ear surgery. After you arrive at our Bellevue office, you will meet with Dr. Min or Dr. Levy and with your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax. You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic or a local with sedation. Surgery usually takes 1-2 hours. You will wake up in the recovery room, where you’ll be closely monitored. We’ll let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You’ll want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.

Safety & Risks of Ear Surgery

Our approach at Newvue is always to put our patient’s safety above all other concerns. Dr. Min and Dr. Levy are recognized experts with impeccable track records for facial sculpting. We have invested in absolutely state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.

Ear surgery is a very common and safe procedure in Bellevue. Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all of our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with this or any surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min, Dr. Levy, and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with ear surgery include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma, nerve injury/loss of sensation, and/or asymmetry. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.

Risks Associated With Ear Surgery Include

Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia that may result in nausea or vomiting, allergic reactions, and in very rare cases, death. Be sure to discuss any medical allergies with your surgeon.

Infection: as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Infection will generally occur within days or weeks of your procedure and, in most cases, can be treated with medication. In rare cases, additional surgery may be required to treat severe infections

Bleeding & Hematoma: Some patients are more prone to bruising than others and, in extreme cases, may experience excessive bruising, bleeding, or skin death.

Nerve Injury/Loss of Sensation: Some patients may experience a temporary or permanent loss of sensation in or around the treated area. (However, there are comparatively few nerve endings in the ear that are susceptible to this kind of damage.)

Asymmetry: Some patients may experience asymmetry in their results over time due to the body’s natural aging or partial rejection of the surgical procedure, which can generally be addressed with additional correctional surgery.

Prior to Your Ear Surgery Procedure

Prior to your ear surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment in Bellevue with Dr. Min or Dr. Levy. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure that your procedure goes smoothly and efficiently. Our staff will review your consent forms with you, answer any questions you might have, and the risks and benefits of surgery will be thoroughly reviewed. You may be given your prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery. The procedure may require that some hair around the ear be shaved.