Otoplasty

If you’re unhappy with the shape or position of your ears, otoplasty may be the solution. Triple board-certified Dr. Carey Nease, MD, offers expert ear surgery in Chattanooga, TN, and the surrounding areas, helping patients achieve balanced, natural-looking results with personalized care.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, the medical term for ear surgery, is a procedure designed to reshape or reposition the outer ear (pinna) to improve its appearance and balance. This surgery can address deformities caused by congenital birth defects or trauma, helping patients achieve a more harmonious and natural look.

The procedure may involve rebuilding the ear following an accident or other trauma, or it may focus on refining the shape, size, or position of the ears to address concerns such as protrusion or asymmetry. Otoplasty is highly individualized, ensuring results that complement each patient’s facial features while restoring confidence.

For those considering otoplasty in Chattanooga, TN, or the surrounding areas of Kimball, Nashville, and Scottsboro, AL, Dr. Carey Nease offers expert care and advanced techniques to deliver natural-looking, transformative results.

Otoplasty Procedure Summary

Procedure time

1-2 HOURS

Back To Work

1-2 WEEKS

Price

$4,000 - $6,000+

Anesthesia

LOCAL WITH SEDATION OR GENERAL

Results

Permanent, FULLY visible within 1-3 months

Ideal Candidate

HEALTHY WITH EAR SHAPE OR POSITION CONCERNS
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Types of Otoplasty

Discover Otoplasty Options That Will Have You Smiling Ear to Ear

Reconstructive Otoplasty

Performed to rebuild the ear following trauma, injury, or congenital defects like microtia (underdeveloped ears). This type of surgery can involve grafting cartilage to create a more natural ear structure.

Ear
Reshaping

This type focuses on refining the contours of the ear, addressing asymmetry, or correcting specific shape issues, such as overly rounded or misshapen ears.

Revision Otoplasty

Performed to correct or refine results from a previous ear surgery, addressing lingering concerns or complications.

CORRECTION OF EARLOBE DEFORMITIES

Addresses earlobe issues, such as tears, stretching, or irregular shapes caused by heavy earrings, gauges, or trauma.

RECONSTRUCTIVE OTOPLASTY

Performed to rebuild the ear following trauma, injury, or congenital defects like microtia (underdeveloped ears). This type of surgery can involve grafting cartilage to create a more natural ear structure.

EAR PINNING

This procedure corrects protruding ears by repositioning them closer to the head. It’s one of the most common forms of otoplasty and is often performed on both children and adults.
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What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

The benefits of otoplasty in Tennessee go far beyond the aesthetic enhancements typically associated with plastic surgery. Performed by the best plastic surgeon in Tennessee for otoplasty, Dr. Carey Nease, this procedure can be transformative in a patient’s life. Some of the most common benefits include:

Improved ear proportion, shape, or position

Profound increase in self-confidence

Natural-looking results

Increased balance to ears and face

Can be performed as early as four years of age or later, even into adulthood

RESTORATION AFTER TRAUMA OR INJURY

Otoplasty Recovery & Aftercare

Proper recovery and aftercare are key to achieving the best results from your ear surgery in Tennessee or Alabama. By following your surgeon’s guidance, you can ensure a smooth healing process and long-lasting outcomes. Here are six essential recovery tips to keep in mind:
1

Protect Your Ears

Wear the recommended headband or bandages as directed to support healing and protect the ears during the initial recovery period.
2

Manage Swelling and Discomfort

Use prescribed medications and keep your head elevated while resting to reduce swelling and manage any discomfort.
3

Follow Incision Care Instructions

Keep the incision sites clean and dry, and apply any prescribed ointments to prevent infection and promote healing.
4

Avoid Strenuous Activities

Refrain from activities that could strain or impact your ears, such as heavy lifting, contact sports, or sleeping on your side, for at least two weeks.
5

Be Patient with Initial Healing

Bruising and swelling will gradually subside over several weeks, and the final results will appear as your ears fully heal.
6

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Regular check-ins with your surgeon ensure your recovery is progressing well and allow for any adjustments if needed.
By following these recovery and aftercare guidelines, you can enjoy the full benefits of your otoplasty. If you’re considering ear surgery in Chattanooga, TN, or the surrounding areas, Dr. Carey Nease offers expert care to help you achieve balanced, natural results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Chattanooga TN?
Otoplasty costs at Nease Cosmetic Surgery in Chattanooga TN averages $4,000 - $6,000. Other types of ear surgery offered at Nease Cosmetic Surgery include ear lobe repair, which runs $500 per side.

The cost of otoplasty can vary depending on the scope of the work to be done and various other contributing factors. Insurance will typically only cover ear surgery done for functional reasons, not cosmetic ones. It’s important for you to check with your insurance provider to be sure. Nease Cosmetic Surgery accepts cash, major credit cards, and offers financing through CareCredit® or Cherry®.
What is Ear Lobe Repair?
Ear lobe repair is most often done to repair trauma done to the ear lobe. Examples include ear piercings gone wrong, animal bites, and torn or ripped lobes from wearing earrings that are too heavy for too long or having an earring snatched from the ear. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and takes less than 30 minutes or so, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair needed.
What is Ear Reconstruction Surgery?
Ear reconstruction surgery is more focused on reshaping the pinna due to damage from trauma or congenital defects, including microtia (ears that are underdeveloped or missing). Sometimes ear reconstruction surgery requires a complete rebuilding of the ear or the creation of a prosthetic ear.
Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
If you’re unhappy about the shape, size or position of your ears, and are otherwise in good health, chances are you’ll be a good candidate to benefit from otoplasty. If you have a child being bullied or suffering from low self-esteem due to misshapen ears, or ears that protrude too far from the head, they may also benefit from otoplasty.
What is Otoplasty Recovery Like?
Otoplasty recovery time varies widely from procedure to procedure, depending on whether work was done on one or both ears, and the scope and depth of the surgery performed.

In a majority of cases, bandages can be removed a few days following your surgery. You’ll likely be asked to wear a headband at night for two to six weeks, as your ears will remain red and swollen.

Generally speaking, you’ll need about six weeks for half of the swelling to dissipate. Approximately 80% of the swelling will be gone by about the six-month mark and after roughly a year, the final shape of the ear will be complete. However, your ears will look noticeably better after only two to three weeks following the surgery.

For the most successful recovery possible, adhere closely to the post-op instructions given to you by your surgeon following the procedure.

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CONSULTATION

Dr. Nease and his experienced team at Nease Cosmetic Surgery are dedicated to providing exceptional care for all your cosmetic surgery needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve patients in Chattanooga, Kimball, Nashville, and Scottsboro, AL, and surrounding areas.
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