Wellspring Pediatric Plastics is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and their families through specialized, personal care. As parents ourselves, we understand the emotional and individual challenges that a diagnosis creates. We designed our practice to be a support to families and to see them through the difficult times to the joy of a successful outcome.
As specialists in craniofacial procedures, Dr. Cone and Dr. Langevin have trained and practiced extensively in otoplasty: surgery to recreate the valleys and folds of the ear. Our work provides both functional and aesthetic improvement.
While Wellspring Pediatric Plastics has a reputation for producing excellent outcomes, we measure success based on more than the result. What matters most to us are the relationships. Long after treatment is finished, we spend time with the families that have come to us, hear stories about their child’s growth into adulthood, and enjoy knowing that we have helped them achieve their potential. If your child could benefit from otoplasty, we invite you to learn more about our practice.
Timing Otoplasty to Optimize Outcomes
If you are like most of parents who rely on our practice, you want your child to have surgery before he or she feels self-conscious due to physical differences.
Wellspring Pediatric Plastics understands this concern. Typically, our pediatric craniofacial surgeons perform otoplasty around the age that children reach kindergarten or first grade. This timing works well because:
- It’s before the age when children feel a social impact of a difference in appearance
- The ear is nearly full grown.
Patients at this age have more awareness than infants about what it means to see the doctor. For this reason, the team at Wellspring Pediatric Plastics does everything it can to make their experience positive, supportive, and comfortable.
We’re also here for you as a parent. We’ll help you understand different treatment options, explain our recommendations, describe how otoplasty works, and answer any questions you may have. Your confidence in our care is one of our highest priorities.
How We Approach Otoplasty for Our Patients
Initial Consultation
Many families schedule an appointment with Wellspring Pediatric Plastics after receiving an ear-related diagnosis from another doctor. Other times, parents are told that their child “will grow out of [the difference in ear shape]” but simply haven’t. If you have concerns about the appearance of your child’s ears or if his / her ears are not developing properly, we encourage you to visit our practice.
You’ll find our practice to be a warm and inviting place. Soon after your arrival, our staff will bring you to a treatment room where team members will gather some initial medical information.
Afterward, Dr. Cone or Dr. Langevin will meet with you so that you can get to know us and so that we can develop a plan for your child’s care. We’ll learn more about your concerns, establish a diagnosis, and discuss treatment options, including otoplasty. If surgery is the best course of care, we will explain how the procedure will work and make sure you feel confident with our approach.
Day of the Procedure
Your child will receive treatment at an experienced, pediatric hospital or surgery center. Wellspring Pediatric Plastics doctors rely on these facilities because they provide excellent resources, understand the needs of children and families, and offer experienced staff members who share our vision for care.
The otoplasty procedure that your doctor performs will depend on your child’s individual treatment plan, but it may include removing excess skin and cartilage and / or shaping the ear. Our doctors emphasize an aesthetic and natural-looking outcome and will conduct the surgery through a well-hidden incision behind the ear.
Following Surgery
Your child will immediately see improvement after otoplasty, but there are several stages of healing that take place following the procedure:
- Your child will wear a protective dressing over the ears for one weeks after surgery. Expect swelling and bruising during this time. Please have your child refrain from physical activity to promote a faster recovery.
- Your Wellspring Pediatric Plastics doctor will see your child for a checkup in our office at the end of the first week.
- For the next four weeks, otoplasty patients will wear a soft headband at night while sleeping. They should avoid contact activities during this period.
Following your child’s recovery from otoplasty, the simple goal is a natural shape that is in harmony with the other features of the face. The doctors and staff of Wellspring Pediatric Plastics will be available to you throughout treatment to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Wellspring Pediatric Plastics offers experienced specialists in otoplasty and a team of professionals dedicated to your child’s care. Schedule an appointment by contacting us at pediatrics@thewsps.com or by calling (512) 600-2888.
