Otoplasty
Our practice offers otoplasty, which can correct protruding or deformed ears for both children and adults. While plastic surgery to correct prominent or misshapen ears is typically performed by age six, adults can have surgery at any age to correct unfavorably shaped ears. Otoplasty (or corrective ear surgery) is generally a short, safe, and exceptionally successful procedure for improving both appearance and self-confidence. Our Charleston plastic surgeon can perform otoplasty to address irregularities in the shape and protrusion of your ears.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, often referred to as ear pinning surgery, is a procedure designed to reshape or reposition one or both ears. For children and adults alike, the appearance of asymmetrical, enlarged, deformed, prominent, or protruding ears can be a source of great insecurity. Younger patients, particularly, can experience teasing and a loss of self-confidence as a result of an irregular ear appearance. For this reason, otoplasty is considered a very common pediatric plastic surgery procedure. To address your concerns, otoplasty can employ a number of techniques to modify the ear shape and/or adjust the ears’ projection from the side of the head to achieve greater facial harmony. The surgery can be performed on teens and adults, as well as children over the age of five.
What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
When performed by a highly-qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon, this procedure can provide the following benefits:
- Reshaping or repositioning of overly large or misshapen ears
- Restoration of torn or otherwise damaged earlobes
- Natural-looking results
- Enhanced confidence in one’s appearance
- A recovery period which typically involves minimal downtime and discomfort
How is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?
The specific surgical technique used during otoplasty will depend on your cosmetic goals for the outcome. During the procedure, the ear cartilage is typically folded and sutured through a limited, well-hidden incision made on the back of the ear, along with the possibility of a very small incision in the shadow of the upper curved portion of the anterior ear. We will then resculpt and reshape the cartilage and/or pin back the ears to achieve your desired aesthetic. Usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, the process can take up to two hours to complete both ears.
What is Recovery from Otoplasty Like?
Following the procedure, a soft bandage is typically worn over the ears for 7-10 days. There may be some bruising or swelling after surgery, but these reactions are to be expected and should dissipate as the healing process progresses. It is normal for the ears to feel tender for a few days after otoplasty. After a few weeks, daily activities can be resumed. Often, it is recommended that patients wear an athletic headband at night for about six weeks after surgery. Our team will provide more detailed recovery information (e.g., when children can expect to return to school and begin athletic activities) in person. To learn more about this confidence-building aesthetic surgery procedure, contact our office to schedule your consultation.
What Can I Expect From My Otoplasty Results?
Most of our patients are very happy with their otoplasty results, which can be immediately noticeable after the surgical dressings are removed. The ears should appear more balanced and proportional. Adults and children alike express gratitude for their newly enhanced, natural-looking ears. Patients can typically enjoy their otoplasty results for a lifetime. For examples of what can be accomplished during the procedure, we welcome you to explore our otoplasty gallery.
Are Otoplasty Scars Noticeable?
Our experienced otoplasty surgeon strives to minimize scarring as much as possible. That said, the otoplasty procedure typically leaves little opportunity for permanent, visible scarring. Most techniques involve incisions made behind the ear or inside the natural creases of the ear, which makes them virtually unnoticeable to other people. Additionally, any marginal scarring should fade over time and become undetectable, provided you carefully follow your personalized aftercare instructions. We may also recommend high-quality skincare products and lightening creams that can help make residual scarring less visible.
Is Non-Surgical Ear Correction Possible?
At this point in the cosmetic surgery world, otoplasty is the gold standard for repositioning and reshaping the ears. There are no non-surgical alternatives that can currently match the effects of otoplasty. If you are hesitant about surgically addressing your aesthetic concerns, we would like to assure you that otoplasty is considered a very safe and highly effective procedure for patients over the age of five when conducted by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
The price of otoplasty varies considerably by geographic region, as well as by the expertise of a given plastic surgeon. Ultimately, your surgery costs will be determined by the details of your personal treatment plan. Our office can provide you with a personalized quote during a consultation.
To help patients receive the enhancement they desire while adhering to any budgetary concerns, our practice works with CareCredit® to make the cost of treatment more manageable. If you have any questions about the cost of otoplasty, please reach out to our practice to speak to a friendly member of our office.
This surgery is performed in the office under local anesthesia and takes about twenty minutes. Unfortunately, insurance does not usually provide coverage for this procedure since it is considered cosmetic.
Torn or Split Earlobe Repair
At Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, we can reduce the appearance of prominent ears and repair torn or damaged earlobes. Our advanced techniques can help you create a more aesthetically pleasing look with little to no visible scars.
