Dr. Ransom specializes in cosmetic surgery procedures of the face, including the ear. Click below to learn more about some of the ear procedures offered for San Francisco patients.

Can I drive after ear surgery?

Yes, you can drive after ear surgery. Restrictions on driving would include the following: 1) any patient with a bulky dressing (e.g., the first day after otoplasty) that can obscure peripheral vision; 2) any patient taking narcotic pain killers; 3) any patient who was under general anesthesia for a procedure should not drive for 24 hours.

Does otoplasty affect hearing?

No, otoplasty does not affect the internal ear and therefore will not affect hearing.

Does otoplasty last forever?

The changes created with otoplasty surgery are permanent. However, during the healing process, some of the correction is typically lost. This give back is expected and is due to the ear cartilage memory.

How dangerous is ear surgery?

Ear surgery (otoplasty and earlobe reduction) is safe and can be performed on most patients.

How do you sleep after ear surgery?

It is important to sleep with the head elevated 45 degrees and the face up (on your back) for at least a week after the surgery.

How ear surgery is done?

Otoplasty has two general considerations: 1) setting the ear back closer to the side of the head; and 2) creating or enhancing the fold of the top part of the ear. These maneuvers are performed with sutures and manipulation of the ear carltilage and soft tissues.

How long after otoplasty can I exercise?

For the first two weeks after the surgery, it is important to limit activity to a brisk walk. Beginning in the third week, light cardio can be performed. Weightlifting and contact sports must be avoided for 6 weeks.

How is ear surgery done?

Earlobe reduction is performed via wedge excision of excess tissue near the cheek, followed by repair of the tissue with reattachment to the side of the face. The shape and orientation of the wedge excision is determined by the patients ear shape and desired outcome.

How long does dizziness last after ear surgery?

Dizziness is uncommon after otoplasty. This is associated with inner ear surgery, not external ear surgery.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.

Earlobe Reduction

Dr. Ransom reduces or reshapes the soft tissue of the earlobe using precise measurements and fine surgical instruments, according to the specific details desired by the patient.

Earlobe Repair

Dr. Ransom closes an overly stretched piercing or repairs a completely torn earlobe using fine surgical instruments and hair-thin sutures.

Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

Dr. Ransom reshapes or pins prominent ears using suture and cartilage-shaping techniques. All incisions are placed behind the ear, leaving no visible scars.

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