Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that alters the size, position, or configuration of protruding or cosmetically abnormal ears. Ears that stick out from the side of the head can be a source of great insecurity for some people. This issue often elicits teasing at a young age and can dramatically affect self-esteem.
If you are looking to improve the appearance of your ears and enhance your self-image, Aesthetic Surgery Center offers otoplasty procedures in Naples, FL. Keep reading to learn more about otoplasty including benefits, the procedure, recovery, and more!
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery, typically used to correct prominent or protruding ears. This surgery is often performed on children after the age of five or six to spare them the cruel teasing of their classmates. Adults also opt for this procedure.
Depending on your specific request, your surgeon can change the shape, size, or position of the ears to make them less obvious. Otoplasty is performed on the outer part of the ear, also called the auricle, and affects the appearance of the ear without compromising the ability to hear.
Otoplasty Before & After Photos
* Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Otoplasty Benefits
Otoplasty can adjust ears that protrude significantly from the side of the head, make ears look larger or smaller, and fix problems due to injury, trauma, or structural abnormalities.
The main benefit of otoplasty is that it enhances self-esteem by correcting protruding or misshapen ears. Most often, this procedure is performed on children before they enter grade school because of the social implications of being teased by other children. Typically, this is around the age of 5 or 6. At age 5, the auricle has reached 90% of its adult size. However, otoplasty can be performed at any time throughout your life.
Otoplasty Consultation
Before your procedure, your plastic surgeon will want to conduct a consultation to ensure that otoplasty is the correct procedure for you or your child. They will start by asking about your medical history and any specific goals or expectations that you have for the procedure.
Your surgeon will evaluate the placement, shape, and size of the ears. They may also take measurements and photos. The consultation is the perfect time to address any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure and results.
Types of Otoplasty
Depending on the unique size, shape, and position of your ears, your surgeon will choose one of three otoplasty approaches.
Ear Pinning
Is used to draw the ears closer to the head. If your ears stick out prominently from the side of your head, your surgeon may use ear pinning to draw them closer to your face.
Earlobe Reduction
Is beneficial for people with stretched, torn, or overly large earlobes. Small sections of the lobe will be removed and the surgeon will adjust the remaining pieces into a flattering shape.
Ear Positioning
Involves molding the cartilage of the ear to reposition them. This option may be chosen to correct ears that are out of alignment or to move ears up or down.
Your surgeon will go over the best option for you during your consultation.
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Otoplasty Preparation
Since otoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that may involve general anesthesia, your surgeon will recommend certain steps to prepare for your procedure. You will be asked to provide a list of your current medications to ensure that none of them will react poorly with the anesthesia or affect recovery.
Smoking, aspirin, and certain anti-inflammatory drugs and supplements should be avoided as they can increase your risk of bleeding. Your surgeon may also want to conduct lab testing or a medical evaluation to ensure that your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any preparation questions, feel free to contact your surgeon to ask!
How is Otoplasty Performed?
Depending on what is necessary (recreation of an antihelical fold, conchal setback, etc.), different surgical techniques will be used. This will be discussed during your consultation.
Typically, the procedure is performed through an incision hidden behind the ear or in the folds of the ear. Then, depending on your specific requests, your provider will manipulate the tissue of the ear. They may remove cartilage or skin, fold and shape the cartilage using stitches, or graft cartilage to the ear.
After the procedure is over, your surgeon will close up the incisions with stitches. The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours. Adults and older children might receive only a local anesthetic, but young children typically undergo otoplasty under general anesthesia.
Otoplasty Recovery
Otoplasty generally has a fairly straightforward recovery. Minimal discomfort is typical; your doctor will likely recommend a mild analgesic.
A head wrap dressing is placed at the end of the procedure. This is generally worn for a few days. Keep the dressing warm and dry as your ears recover. Once the head wrap is removed, a headband is worn to support the ears in their new position.
As your ears recover, do not sleep on your ears or wear clothing that you have to pull over your head. Any sutures used to close the incisions behind your ears will either be removed after a couple of weeks or dissolve on their own over time.
The headwrap, band, and sutures are designed to hold your ears in place after the surgery. Follow your surgeon’s instructions to promote good results.
Otoplasty FAQs
The average cost of otoplasty is between $3000 and $4000 depending on location, practitioner, and type of procedure. Since otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary, the procedure is not usually covered by insurance. Financing may be available.
Most patients do not complain of significant pain, only mild discomfort after the procedure is over. You can expect your ears to feel tender for up to six weeks following your surgery.
As long as you follow your provider’s recovery instructions, you can expect the results of your procedure to last forever. Most sutures are carefully placed to last until the tissues have completely healed. However, if the sutures come undone, you may need a second procedure to fix the results.
You will need about 5 days to recover from your otoplasty procedure before returning to work. Return to work dates will vary depending on your occupation. Try to avoid any activity that bends your ear for at least a month after your surgery.
The headband is meant to hold your ears in place during healing. If you do not wear a headband after otoplasty, you may interfere with the healing process and affect the results of your procedure.
Contact Us Today
If you would like to improve the appearance of your ears and boost your self-confidence, an otoplasty procedure at the Aesthetic Surgery Center in Naples, FL may be the solution! Contact us today to schedule a consultation or call (239) 594-9100.
Why choose Aesthetic Surgery Center
Dr. Anurag Agarwal, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.
- Received his Doctor of Medicine at Philadelphia’s MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine in 1999 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- In 2016, Dr. Agarwal was honored at the annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery national meeting.
Richard W. Maloney, M.D., F.A.C.S.
- Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Served as chief investigator for numerous laser application systems for CO2, Argon, Nd:YAG, ER:YAG and Krypton lasers used in Facial surgery.
- Fellow American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons
- Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Attended medical school at UNMC (University of Nebraska Medical College).
- Was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
- Member of The Aesthetic Society, the Florida Medical Association, and Collier County Medical Society.
- General surgery residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL
- Plastic surgery residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida
Related Procedures: Facelift, Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, The UpLift Facelift, Endoscopic Mid Facelift Surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Eyebrow Transplant, Chin & Cheek Surgery, Skin Cancer Reconstruction, Hair Transplant Surgery, Fat Transfer, Lip Augmentation, Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift, Scar Revision