Otoplasty - Surgeon's Qualifications

Choosing Your Otoplasty Surgeon

The physician performing your Otoplasty should be both thoroughly familiar with the anatomy of the ear, and also have a finely honed aesthetic talent. While many physicians are specialists in the treatment of the ear, nose and throat, this does not necessarily make them the best qualified to perform a patient's cosmetic ear surgery.

Additionally, parents who are considering Otoplasty for their children should choose a plastic surgeon who is highly experienced in performing procedures on children, who are more fearful and have special surgical concerns.

As importantly, you should choose a cosmetic surgeon who is "board-certified" by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This assures that the surgeon has not only had experience in General Surgery, but the most rigorous training available in all aspects of plastic surgery.

When you interview physicians, be certain that they can share legitimate "Before and After" photographs of their work. Discern your, and your child's comfort level with this physician, and whether all of your questions are willingly addressed. Also importantly, consider the quality of his or her staff and of the facility where surgeries are performed.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is one of 24 boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and it is the only one that certifies physicians in the full spectrum of plastic surgery, including all cosmetic surgeries. When you choose an ABPS certified physician (www.abplsurg.org), you are guaranteed the services of a specialist who has endured the most rigorous training. This includes graduation from an accredited medical school, five to seven years of internship and residency, including three to five years of training in general surgery and two years of training in plastic surgery. The physician must also complete demanding written and oral exams.

Is a board certified "cosmetic surgeon" the same as a board certified "plastic surgeon"?

Absolutely not! Unlike a fully trained board certified plastic surgeon, many so-called "board certified" cosmetic surgeons have often completed only a brief course in one cosmetic surgery procedure. This does not provide the physician with the depth of knowledge and experience of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS. That is why The American Board of Medical Specialties does not recognize as legitimate the "board of cosmetic surgery."

Otoplasty Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia used for Otoplasty depends to a large degree on the age of the patient.

It is normally performed on very young children under General Anesthesia. The reason is the possibility of a child waking up and the trauma that would occur. Children tend to fidget and are put under totally for complete control and safety by the surgical staff.

For most adults, however, Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

You should pay special attention to the anesthesiologist who your plastic surgeon uses during surgery. Like your surgeon, the anesthesiologist literally holds your life in the balance. It is therefore critical that you put your life in the best hands.

Many patients have preconceived notions about the type of anesthesia that is best for them. Unfortunately, these thoughts are often based upon hearsay, or upon informal research that has no scientific basis. While you are the final arbiter of your treatment, only an experienced physician can guide you properly in making the crucial decision about your anesthesia.

This is not guesswork! Allow your physician to explain your safest anesthesia option.

Many facilities employ trained nurse anesthetists. However, it is optimal to have anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist rather than a nurse. Preferably, your anesthesiologist should be certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

The anesthetized patient must be monitored meticulously and constantly, with consideration for all medical conditions. The best person to do this is a physician who is trained and experienced in the practice of medicine, in the specialty of anesthesia. This is especially important in surgical facilities that operate independently. In freestanding facilities in particular, a nurse anesthetist might not have the adequate supervision of a physician anesthesiologist, or the support system required to properly address emergencies.

Otoplasty Surgical Facility

You wouldn’t have your wisdom teeth pulled in your dentist's living room. Why not give equal consideration to your physician's surgical facility? Your very life could depend, not only upon the skill of your surgeon, but upon the quality of this facility.

The Importance of Accreditation

Your surgery should be performed at an accredited ambulatory surgery center, or at a hospital. It is unwise to have your surgery performed merely in a physician's office, or procedure room. If your physician operates in a surgical facility, there are five crucial factors to consider:

1. It is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (www.AAAASF.org) or;
2. It is certified by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (www.AAAHC.org) or;
3. It is certified by Medicare or;
4. Is it certified by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) and;
5. The facility has a transfer agreement with a local hospital. (This is necessary in an emergency situation when a patient needs to be transferred to a hospital).

Is your physician credentialed to operate at a local hospital? Does your physician have privileges to perform your chosen surgery in a hospital? If a hospital does not approve a surgeon as qualified to perform your procedure in its facility, this is a significant factor to consider for your safety. Has he or she been barred, disciplined, or suspended from any hospital?

To investigate the status of local physicians, visit www.medbd.ca.gov/lookup.htm

Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with experience in all aspects of Facial Cosmetic Surgery including that of the Ears. He is skilled and experienced in all techniques of Otoplasty and strives to create ears that are natural and normal looking. During your consultation he will discuss all details including: if you are a good candidate, surgical options and techniques, potential risks and complications of surgery, pre- and post-operative instructions, recovery course, as well as what to expect after surgery. At that time Dr. Younai will also show you before-and-after pictures of other patients with Otoplasty, who might be similar to you.

Dr. Younai performs Otoplasty on both children and adults who come to the California Center for Plastic Surgery from the Northern as well as the Southern California region. Some of these cities include Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Burbank, Pasadena, Glendale, Valencia, Palmdale, Fresno, and Oxnard.

Dr. Younai performs his surgeries at the Regency Surgery Center which is certified by Medicare, AAAHC, and AAAASF. This state-of-the-art facility is located in Encino, and near Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village.

Otoplasty - Candidates
Surgical Technique
Surgeon Qualifications
Otoplasty - Preparation
Otoplasty - Recovery
Risks & Complications

View Before & After
Otoplasty Photos