Otoplasty in Newport Beach
Are you suffering with ears that look big or stick out too much? An otoplasty corrects prominent ears by reshaping and repositioning the ears to improve facial harmony and balance.
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About otoplasty
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a cosmetic surgery that adjusts the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. This procedure addresses concerns such as overly large ears, protruding, misshapen, or asymmetrical ears or other structural abnormalities.
Otoplasty redefines the shape and positioning of the ears to create a more natural shape that brings balance and harmony to the face.
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Otoplasty candidacy
Am I a good candidate for otoplasty?
Good candidates include those who are in good overall health and do not smoke. Children should generally be five years or older, when the auricle, or the outer ear, have nearly reached adult size. Children should not have untreated chronic ear infections and be able to communicate their feelings and not object to surgery.
Patients typically undergo otoplasty to correct one or more protruding or overly large ears that distract from the face, congenital defects in the ear structure, or ears that have been damaged by an injury.
WITH OTOPLASTY, WE CAN FIX:
Ears that are too large or too small
Ears that stick out too far from your head
Abnormal ear shape
Asymmetrical ears
Birth defect of the ear structure
Unsatisfactory results from previous ear surgery
About otoplasty
Types of otoplasty procedures
There are three different types of otoplasty proccdused to address specific ear concerns: ear pinning, ear reduction, and ear augmentation.
For ears that stick out significantly, an ear pinning procedure draws the ears closer to the head while reshaping the cartilage.
Some patients with overly large ears, a condition known as macrotia, may choose to have ear reduction surgery which removes excess tissue to make the ears smaller and more proportional to the face.
Some patients have small or misshapen ears or ears that have not fully developed, also known as microtia. An ear augmentation increases the size of the outer portion of the year, which usually requires cartilage or tissue grafting to reconstruct the ear.
Expectations
What to expect throughout your otoplasty procedure
Otoplasty is performed under anesthesia to keep patients as comfortable as possible during the procedure. The choices include general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. Adults and older children often receive local anesthesia with a sedative while general anesthesia is typically recommended for younger children.
During the procedure, we will make an incision, generally on the back of the ear or within the folds of the ear. Depending on the type of otoplasty you’re having, your surgeon will remove cartilage or skin, reshape the cartilage and secure it with non-removable sutures inside the ear, or graft new cartilage to the ear. We will carefully close the incision with stitches and apply dressings to help you heal safely. The surgery can take anywhere between one to three hours in total.
Your surgeon will talk to you about the procedure steps in detail and what to expect during your consultation and pre-operative appointments.
Otoplasty recovery
Results and recovery process
Ear surgery provides almost immediate results, particularly for ears that stick out. Once the supportive dressings are removed, you’ll instantly see the new shape of your ears. This procedure permanently adjusts the ears to be closer to the head, and any surgical scars are concealed behind the ear or within its natural folds.
During the initial recovery phase, you may feel slight discomfort or itching beneath the bandages, but it’s crucial to keep them on. These dressings are usually left in place for about a week. you’ll need to wear a headband for four to six weeks to help with the healing process.
Your doctor will remove any stitches and bandages and will advise you on when it's safe to resume various activities. They may also prescribe topical or oral medications to support healing and minimize the risk of infection. Typically, a complete recovery takes approximately six weeks.
About us
Why choose SoCal Plastic Surgeons for your otoplasty procedure?
At SoCal Plastic Surgeons, we are among the leading experts in cosmetic and aesthetic plastic surgery. Led by Dr. Nykiel, we offer a personalized approach and advanced techniques to achieve natural-looking results tailored to each individual. Patients across the country travel to our state-of-the-art facility, where your safety and comfort are our top priority.
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PATIENT GALLERY
Real otoplasty results that speak for themselves
*Models pictured; not actual patients.
Breast augmentation cost
How much does ear surgery cost?
The cost may be lower or higher depending on factors such as the plastic surgeon’s experience, your location, and the type of procedure that’s used. In addition to the cost of the procedure, there are also anesthesia fees, facility fees, and other material costs to consider.
Insurance coverage for otoplasty
Otoplasty is often considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it’s typically not covered by insurance. In some cases, insurance may cover ear surgery if it relieves a medical condition. We offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible, and we’ll review all associated costs during your consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal age for otoplasty is usually when a child’s ears have fully developed, which is often by the time they’re around four to six years old. At this time, children haven’t started school yet or are just starting to be around peers, and the ear cartilage is still soft and pliable.
Most patients experience minimal pain. During the procedure, anesthesia is used, so you won’t feel anything. Afterward, it's common to have some mild discomfort and swelling around the ears. Your doctor may prescribe pain medications to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Otoplasty results are typically permanent. Once the ears are reshaped and held in place, they usually maintain their new appearance for life. Aging can affect the outcome slightly over time, but most patients enjoy long-lasting results without needing further procedures.
Ear pinning is a surgical technique that uses sutures to secure the ear cartilage closer to the head to correct protruding ears.
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Are you ready to take the first step in your transformation?
We’re happy to answer your questions and provide more information to guide you on your journey during a complimentary consultation.
If you’re interested in traveling to Newport Beach for surgery with Dr. Nykiel, we offer virtual consultations for your convenience.
