Otoplasty (Cosmetic Ear Surgery)

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Cosmetic ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce the size of large ears or pin back ears that protrude too far from the head. Commonly referred to as "ear pinning," this plastic surgery procedure can greatly enhance a person’s appearance and self-esteem. Read the information below to learn more about cosmetic ear surgery, including the steps involved in the procedure, recovery time, cost, and more.

Candidates for Otoplasty

Most cosmetic ear surgery patients are children between the ages of four and fourteen. The ears are fully grown by age four, and the sooner a child undergoes otoplasty, the less teasing and embarrassment he or she will experience growing up. Learn more about pediatric otoplasty.

Ear plastic surgery is also an excellent option for adults who suffer from large, protruding ears or stretched earlobes. Adults of all ages are generally excellent candidates for otoplasty surgery.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Cost and Financing

The cost of ear surgery varies depending on the difficulty of patient's condition, extent of the surgery, experience of the surgeon, and other factors. Otoplasty typically costs around $2,000 to $5,000. Financing options for ear surgery are available.

Preparing for Otoplasty

The otoplasty process begins with a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon will go over your ear surgery options and discuss your goals. Detailed pre-operative information and requirements will also be discussed. Otoplasty generally requires some form of sedation, and this will also be explained to you during a pre-operative appointment. Learn more about preparing for otoplasty.

About the Ear Plastic Surgery Procedure

There are different types of surgery for ear correction, and depending on which one is being performed, otoplasty typically takes about one to two hours to complete. The patient is placed under sedation while the cartilage of the ear is reshaped and any excess skin removed. Read more about the otoplasty procedure.

Reconstructive Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ears affected by a birth deformity or a traumatic injury can be corrected with reconstructive ear surgery. Problems such as microtia (underdeveloped outer ear) and ear injuries can be treated with a variety of ear reconstruction procedures.

Recovery from Ear Surgery

Postoperative ear surgery patients experience very few side effects. Recovery from ear surgery can take up to six weeks; however, adult patients can typically resume their normal routines a few days after their procedure. Children generally require a week of rest before going back to school.

Otoplasty Results

Otoplasty involves one of the shortest recovery times of any plastic surgery procedure. Once the bandages are removed after the surgery, ear surgery results will be immediately visible. It is imperative that patients closely follow their surgeon's instructions and not tamper with or remove postoperative bandages before the surgeon allows.

Otoplasty Risks, Benefits, and Side Effects

Cosmetic ear surgery can correct a variety of problems, including cupped, folded, or protruding ears. The procedure can also help eliminate self-esteem problems caused by having visible ear deformities. Learn more about the benefits of otoplasty.

Although ear plastic surgery is known to be one of the safest plastic surgery procedures, there is always some risk involved in the procedure. Infection, overcorrection, and an extremely rare risk of altered hearing are all potential complications associated with ear surgery.

Side effects of otoplasty include postoperative pain, itching, and some degree of numbness. However, these are typically minimal and can usually be alleviated with medication.

Choosing an Otoplasty Surgeon

A substantial amount of research should go into choosing an otoplasty surgeon. Toward this end, DocShop can help you learn what to look for in an ear surgeon as well as what questions to ask during an initial consultation.

Ear Surgery for Men

Ear plastic surgery has become one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures among men, being able to dramatically improve the appearance of the ears and provide a boost in self-confidence. Read more about male ear surgery.

Otoplasty FAQs

Prospective otoplasty patients often have many questions and expectations about the procedure. If you're considering cosmetic ear surgery, we have provided several frequently asked questions about otoplasty.

Consult a Plastic Surgeon

To learn more about cosmetic ear surgery, including the cost of otoplasty and the risks associated with ear plastic surgery, it is important to speak with a skilled plastic surgeon. We encourage you to use DocShop's extensive online directory locate a cosmetic surgeon in your area.