Ears that are misshapen or stick out too far from the head can be a cause of deep embarrassment for some people. Otoplasty can help resolve or eliminate most defects involving the ears. Dr. Carey Nease is triple board-certified with 15 years of experience in facial and reconstructive surgery. His services are available to residents of Chattanooga, Nashville, Scottsboro and surrounding communities.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the medical term for ear surgery. It’s designed to correct defects and deformities of the outer ear (pinna) caused by trauma or congenital birth defects. Otoplasty can involve the rebuilding of the ear following an accident or other trauma or may be performed to improve the shape and appearance of the ears.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in North Alabama and Huntsville area?
Otoplasty costs at Nease Cosmetic Surgery averages $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®.
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.
What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
The benefits of otoplasty go far beyond the aesthetic benefits related to many plastic surgery procedures. Otoplasty benefits 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
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.
Contact Us About Otoplasty Today
For more information about otoplasty or any of our other surgical procedures, please contact us to set up a consultation with the surgeon. We’re proud to offer our services to men and women in Chattanooga, Nashville, Scottsboro and surrounding communities.
