Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, can reduce the prominence of ears that protrude too far from the head. Children with overly prominent ears can become the subject of teasing and experience low self-esteem, while adults with prominent ears may also feel self-conscious about their appearance. With otoplasty, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Cook, can reposition the ears closer to the head and reshape them to meet the patient’s ultimate goals. If you are considering otoplasty for yourself or your child, Dr. Cook can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
Otoplasty Benefits
Otoplasty can provide a number of benefits for children and adults alike, including:
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Repositioning the ears to lay flatter against the head
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Restoring the appearance of the ear after injury
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Boosting self-esteem and confidence
Each otoplasty surgery can be customized to meet your cosmetic goals and expectations. Otoplasty is commonly performed for both children and adults, and Dr. Cook’s knowledge of facial aesthetics can provide you or your child with very natural-looking results. To discover how otoplasty can reduce the prominence of the ears, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Cook today.
Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
An otoplasty procedure is best for individuals who are in good overall health. It is highly recommended for people who want to improve the size, shape, and position of their ears.
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Any medical condition that can impair healing may lead to risks and complications for an otoplasty. Consult with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure to ensure its safety.
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If a candidate is below 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must accompany the patient and manage consent forms. It is important to ensure that the patient feels safe before, during, and after an otoplasty.
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An otoplasty procedure is purely cosmetic and will not affect the hearing of the patient. Make sure to set realistic expectations before the procedure.
Otoplasty Procedure
During otoplasty surgery, an incision is typically made behind the ear, enabling Dr. Cook to reposition the ear and reshape the cartilage. Since the incision is behind the ear, there should be no visible scarring. Stitches are often used to hold the ear in place during the recovery process. Otoplasty is usually performed as an outpatient surgery, typically utilizes a local anesthetic combined with IV sedation, and takes about two to three hours to complete.
Results & Recovery
Immediately following your otoplasty, you will likely experience some mild bruising and swelling. During the first few days following surgery, Dr. Cook recommends that his patients wear a bandage around their head to protect their ears from injury. Any physical discomfort during this time can be managed with pain medication. The stitches holding the ears in their new position typically dissolve on their own after one week.
Most adult otoplasty patients return to work after about three days, while children often wait one week before returning to school. Dr. Cook recommends you avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for one to two months to avoid unnecessary risks that might compromise the results of the procedure. Most patients are very satisfied with the new position of their ears and believe their overall appearance to be improved.
Otoplasty Consultation
During the consultation process, Dr. Cook will thoroughly analyze your medical history, perform a physical exam, and determine if you are an ideal candidate for otoplasty. Since the ears typically reach 90% of their adult size at around age six, children six years and older are often eligible for this cosmetic procedure. Dr. Cook prioritizes patient education during your initial one-on-one conversations, allowing you to make well-informed choices about your health or the health of your child. Once candidacy for this procedure has been established, Dr. Cook will then design a customized surgical approach that can meet your needs.
How to Prepare for Otoplasty
During consultation, Dr. Cook will give a list of instructions to help the patient prepare for an otoplasty. The procedure will need ample time for recovery, so be sure to request time off work or school for at least 5 to 7 days.
Arrange for transportation home from the surgical center. Other things to prepare weeks before are enough pillows for a good resting area and healthy meals for at least one week.
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Dr. Cook will also provide specific instructions on dressings, bandages, and cleaning solutions to use in the first week of recovery.
The night before an otoplasty, take a bath and wash your hair thoroughly with basic soap. This will help protect the ears from contamination and unwanted bacteria.
Otoplasty Cost
Dr. Cook customizes each otoplasty procedure to meet the unique needs and expectations of the patient. As a result, there is no set cost for the procedure. During your consultation, our expert surgeon will develop a personalized treatment plan and provide a detailed cost estimate, including surgeon, anesthesia, facility, and any other medical fees. We prioritize transparency in our cost structure and offer a range of financing options and payment plans to fit different budgets. To learn more about how you can finance your otoplasty with these options, please contact a member of our staff today.
