What is it?

Developmental problems of the ear can cause the ears to seem larger in proportion to other features of your face or to protrude out in a conspicuous way.   Ear surgery may be performed to reshape and reposition the ear closer to the head and therefore eliminate this effect.

What does it accomplish?

Surgery of the ear is done for a variety of reasons. The most common abnormality is the shape of the ear. The misshapen cartilage causes a protrusion of the ear away from the head. The purpose of otoplasty is to make the shape of the ear normal and put it back in its anatomic location.

What happens during the first consultation?

In the first consultation you will get a chance to discuss your concerns with our patient care coordinators and Dr. Marefat. We will tell you what you need to know about your procedure and will help you determine what is best for you.   You will receive information booklets and pricing on the procedures.

How is it done?

The incision is located in an inconspicuous area behind the ear. The excessively large or misshapen cartilage is either cut or scored, bringing it into a normal position with the help of strategically placed sutures. Occasionally there may be a relapse and the ear may shift back out. In such cases it may be necessary to readjust the ear so that the two sides match and are appropriately positioned on the head.   If this is necessary it can be done 2-3 months after the first procedure.

Procedure: Otoplasty continued

What can I expect after surgery?

Recovery time: After surgery a bandage will cover the ear for several days. There will be a moderate amount of swelling in the ear and drainage from the incisions. You will need to rest for the first two or three days, but most people are up and about shortly after surgery. We generally recommend our patients to take off 7 days from work. Once the tissues have healed the position of the ear will not change. The patient can return to his normal activities in a few days. Heavy lifting and exercising should be avoided in the first two weeks. You body will tell you when you are ready to get back into your regular exercise routine.

When are the sutures removed?

are usually removed in 10-14 days. Sometimes you may have absorbable sutures that do not need to come out.

How many visits do I have after surgery?

We like to see our patients frequently after surgery. You are seen by the Doctor or nurse within 2-3 days of surgery. The normal routine is 1 week, 1month, 3 months, 6months, and 12 months. Of course if there is a need you may be seen more. We encourage our patients to come for routine follow-up visits every 3-5 years.

When can I wear make-up?

You should be able to wear makeup if you have had otoplasty. We do not recommend your putting makeup on your incisions however, because this may result in tattooing of the skin by the pigments of the makeup.

Am I a good candidate?

You are a good candidate for otoplasty if you have healthy tissues, good general health, and realistic expectations.The best results are seen in individuals who have a moderate degree of ear protrusion and abnormality in the shape of the cartilage.   Children who have protruding ears are good candidates if they are in good health and are old enough to have the surgery. Although surgery of the ear can be performed at any age, many surgeons recommend that it be done at about the age of five or six when the ear is almost fully developed. This avoids the psychological trauma that the child experiences of having large protruding ears when entering school.

What does the surgery cost?

The cost of surgery varies but here are some guidelines that will help you determine roughly what you could expect. Remember that these are only rough estimates . These estimations include the cost of the operating room and the anesthesia. The fee may be subject to change without notice. The best way for you get an accurate cost analysis is to see a doctor.

Otoplasty:    $2,500 - $4,600

How do I pay for surgery?

You can pay for surgery by certified check, Credit card, or cash. Payments for cosmetic surgery are expected prior to the procedure. If you are scheduling several weeks in advance of surgery you can pay by personal check.

Are there scars?

Yes. These scars however, are hidden in the folds of the ear. After a while the scars heal and are barely visible.

Does it hurt?

The pain involved in Otoplasty is very tolerable. We have heard our patients describe it as 'head aches'or just 'soreness'. Many patients do not finish the pain medications prescribed to them for pain relief. In children, we find that the pain is not as problematic as you would expect. For some reason, children are able to tolerate postoperative pain better than some adults. But having said that remember that pain is very subjective, and it is not easy to predict what degree of pain you will have.

Will I be awake during surgery?

  In children the procedure is done under general anesthesia. Adults can do it with either local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. If you are having just a small procedure done on your ear such as a minor adjustment it can be done in the office while you are awake.

Where is the surgery performed? (i.e. office suite or hospital)

The surgery can be done either in the office or the outpatient facility depending on the extent of surgery. In children we always do it in the outpatient facility. In adults the procedure can be done in the outpatient facility or the office depending on the extent and complexity of the case. Minor deformities can be corrected in the office under local anesthesia.

Are medical photographs taken?

Yes. In all cosmetic and reconstructive cases medical photos are taken. Photographs are mandatory because this is the only way for us to compare you before and after results. Photographs in plastic surgery serve much the same role that x-rays serve for orthopedic surgery.

Date Revised:1/23/07

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