Ear Rescuplturing Surgery
Ear resculpturing, a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, is typically performed on children ages 4-14 and adults seeking restructuring of the outer ear area for cosmetic reasons.
What is Otoplasty?
The purpose of otoplasty is to set prominent ears back closer to the head, improving the shape, proportion, or position of the ear. Otoplasty is often used to correct physical deformities present at birth that can become more prominent over time as the child grows. Otoplasty provides a permanent solution to this disfiguring problem and can generally be performed as an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime required.
About the Procedure
Depending upon the extent of the procedure, the doctor will administer local, intravenous, or general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
In order to correct a protrusion of the outer ear, an incision is made to the back surface of the ear. For corrections requiring incision to the front of the ear, an incision is made within the folds of the ear, in order to hide the resulting scar.
The adjustment to the ear is made and permanent sutures are used to close the incision, ensuring that the correction remains in place permanently.
Potential Ear Rescuplturing Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks to otoplasty. Among the side effects experienced by patients are:
- Infection of cartilage
- Excessive scarring
- Blood clot requiring drainage
- Asymmetrical result
- Recurrence of protrusion requiring repeat surgery
While any of these complications are a possibility, most are quite rare.
Ear Rescuplturing Recovery
Immediately post-procedure, patients may notice swelling, throbbing, and bruising to the area. This is normal and should subside within a few weeks as the corrected area heals. For more extensive procedures, patients may notice mild discomfort for as long as 2-3 months, however this is not common.
It is recommended that patients wear a protective headband while sleeping for the first 4-weeks post-surgery, to prevent damage to the repaired area.
Intensive exercise should be avoided for 3 weeks post-procedure, and then may be rejoined at 1/3 intensity, ramping up to 2/3 intensity at 6 weeks.
Full intensity exercise — including playground activities — can be resumed at 8 weeks.
The recommended follow-up schedule is as follows:
- First visit at 3-5 days post-procedure
- Second visit at 10-14 days post procedure
- Third visit within 12 weeks
- Fourth visit at 6 months
- Additional visits annually thereafter
Ear Rescuplturing Cost
Costs vary depending on the patient’s particular needs, but are typically between $6,700 and $7,000. These fees represent the costs of the physician, operating room, and anesthesia.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about otoplasty, schedule a consultation with one of our Board Certified Plastic surgeons at (303) 578-4193. During the consultation our doctors will assess your particular case, fully you inform you on the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.