Children in Salem can be bullied for a seemingly endless number of reasons.
Oftentimes, their physical appearance makes them targets; those with protruding ears often find themselves the victims of schoolyard taunts.
A simple surgical procedure can help anybody uncomfortable with the appearance of their ears.
Physical Appearance and Self-Esteem Issues
Healthline magazine writes, “Ears that stuck out can be a focus for teasing, especially for children.
This teasing can have a detrimental effect on self-esteem.”
A study by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery confirms that prominent ears elicit a stronger negative response than most other physical features.
They are viewed as a negative physical attribute in many cultural settings, and unfortunately, children often receive the brunt of this negativity, being subjected to teasing and ridicule.
This can severely impact their self-esteem, setting them up for an unhappy childhood and adolescence.
A fairly simple surgical procedure called otoplasty – often referred to as “ear-pinning” – can make a drastic difference, boosting a child’s self-confidence.
Research shows that a majority of patients report greater self-confidence and satisfaction with their physical appearance following otoplasty – and bullying, name-calling, etc. diminish.
Boys, who often wear their hair long to cover up their ears, are able to cut their hair short after the procedure, and girls might end up pulling their hair back into styles they haven’t been comfortable wearing before.
A National Institute of Health study looked at more than 100 children who underwent otoplasty and found that 97 percent reported an increase in happiness; 92 percent noted an increase in self-confidence; 79 percent had an improved social experience; and 100 percent of patients said their bullying had been reduced or eliminated.
Improved self-confidence frequently leads to better academic success and a more robust social life.
Kids are able to make friends more easily and end up happier and more well-adjusted than they were prior to their surgery.
Otoplasty Procedure: Ear-Pinning Surgery
Despite the notion that ear-pinning surgery is painful and requires a lengthy recovery, in reality otoplasty is fairly simple and straightforward.
The procedure averages one to two hours and is usually performed under local anesthesia in an office setting, though younger children might be given surgical anesthesia.
Patients go home the same day and recovery is usually quick.
Dressings are applied to the ears and can be removed the following day.
There will be some mild pain and discomfort for a few days, but this can be treated with analgesics.
Patients will be given a headband to wear to keep the ears in place and protect them during recovery; this is usually worn continuously for five days and then at night for an additional week.
At that point the sutures are removed, and the patient can resume all normal activities.
If your child’s protruding ears are causing problems, your Salem ENT and facial plastic surgery professional can help.
Schedule a consultation today!
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Salem, OR 97302
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