Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in Orange County

AesthetiCare Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Orange County, San Diego, and Riverside is committed to giving you the most current and advanced medical information regarding Ear Surgery.

If you have prominent or protruding ears, otoplasty is the only procedure to correct them. Your surgeons at AesthetiCare will discuss the outcome and realistic expectations you desire.

From your initial consultation, preoperative preparation, and surgical procedure to your compressive aftercare, our physicians and staff place your safety and satisfaction ahead of everything else.

What Is the Purpose of Ear Surgery?

Kids often tease their peers without realizing how much they are hurting each other’s feelings. But comments like, “can you fly with those ears?” are enough to send any youngster into hiding.

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can make large ears smaller or bring protruding ears closer to the head.

Satisfaction from corrective ear surgery is among the highest of all cosmetic procedures. You will find the most accurate and knowledgeable information and advice, as it relates to your interest in enhancing your appearance with corrective ear surgery, throughout our website. Attention to detail in all areas of your surgical experience is of paramount importance to us.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

A good candidate for otoplasty is:

• Someone uncomfortable with the size and shape of their ears
• Are in generally good health
• Have realistic expectations for the procedure
• For children: at least five years old so the ears have stopped developing

• For adults: are a non-smoker or are willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure

Your child’s ears stop growing outward by about age four. It is best to perform the surgery before a child enters school to prevent teasing by insensitive classmates. However, ear surgery can be performed at any age, including in adults.

How Is Otoplasty Performed?

Your surgeon will usually make an incision in the back of the ear. The cartilage is reshaped and bent back towards the head. Sometimes a piece of cartilage is removed to provide for a more natural fold. The head and ears are wrapped with a bulky bandage to help mold and protect the ears. The ears will be sore for a few days. Any discomfort can be controlled by pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.

How Long Is Ear Surgery Recovery?

Adults are usually up and around the same day of surgery, but kids should take it easy for a couple of days. They can usually return to school in a week to ten days, but they need to be careful on the playground. The bulky dressing and sutures are removed in five to seven days. There will be a faint scar on the back of the ear that will fade over time. A lightweight headband is worn during sleep for the first few weeks.

Children, and adults, are usually thrilled with their new ears. For kids, it has a tremendous impact on their self-esteem to have natural-looking ears.

Other ear problems can also be corrected. Surgery can repair torn or stretched earlobes, and large earlobes can be made smaller and more attractive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty

What are the most common complications associated with otoplasty?

Otoplasty is one of the most straightforward and least invasive plastic surgery procedures there is. It is rare for there to be any complications.

The main complaint is some people don’t get restful sleep for the first week of recovery as they have to change their regular sleeping position (i.e., slide sleeper) to avoid sleeping on their ears.

Some people experience permanent scarring from the procedure.

Is otoplasty covered by insurance?

For most people, otoplasty is not covered by insurance. There may be some exceptions if the ear issues came from a genetic abnormality or an accident. It is best to contact your insurance provider directly to find out more details about your coverage.

What surgical techniques can be used during ear surgery?

There are many types of otoplasty techniques, and your doctor will probably choose the approach that fits your situation. Typically, an incision can be made in front, behind, or through the ear. The ear is then pinned back so it doesn’t protrude. Excess skin or cartilage that makes the ears big and stick out can be removed.

This procedure is typically performed when individuals are still children because their cartilage is soft and easier to shape into a new contour. However, it’s still possible for adults to get an otoplasty and see excellent results.

Does otoplasty require anesthesia?

Otoplasty is typically performed using general anesthesia, especially for children. Some adults may be able to undergo the procedure using local anesthesia.

Is otoplasty an outpatient procedure?

Yes, patients typically go home the same day. Since the patient was put under anesthesia, they will need a ride home. It is also recommended someone spend the first night with the patient to monitor them. This is standard for most procedures.

What are the benefits of otoplasty?

Otoplasty can improve a person’s self-esteem and confidence, especially for those who have been insecure about their ear size or shape.

For children, it can reduce teasing and bullying at school. It can also fix congenital issues in the ear, such as Antonia or Microtia, which can occur after blunt force trauma.

Ear surgery offers long-lasting, if not permanent, results. Most patients see lifelong results as long as they received their surgery after their ears were fully developed.

When will I see results from the procedure?

You mustn’t remove your dressings too early, as this can increase the chance of infection. However, once you are healed and the doctor removed the bandages, you will immediately see your new and improved ears.

Should I combine my ear surgery with another surgical procedure?

Some adults choose to combine their ear surgery with other facial procedures, such as facelift surgery, brow lift surgery (forehead lift), nose surgery (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), cheek augmentation (with implants), or chin augmentation (with implants).