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Otoplasty

Otoplasty, commonly referred to as “ear pinning surgery,” is designed to make the ears more symmetrical, balanced, and harmonious in relation to your facial proportions. This procedure is often performed to repair an ear deformity, correct protruding ears, or improve disproportion between the ears. While usually not medically necessary, dominant or asymmetrical ears can greatly affect self-confidence and/or elicit teasing from peers. Dr. Ira Savetsky, a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon fellowship-trained in facial procedures, can identify the most optimal way to achieve your goals. Otoplasty is considered very rewarding, and is one of few cosmetic surgeries that can be safely performed on both adults and children at least five years old.

What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

In addition to promoting greater balance and facial harmony, otoplasty can correct the size, shape, and symmetry of the ears according to your goals. Not only does this result in cosmetic improvements to your overall appearance, but the procedure is also known to yield emotional and psychological benefits for both children and adults who feel their ear shape is impacting their self-image. Otoplasty typically offers the benefits of:

Whether you wish to address disproportionately large ears or you seek correction of an ear deformity, Dr. Savetsky is extremely well-versed in achieving superior outcomes with otoplasty. He can evaluate your concerns and determine an effective treatment plan to bring your desired results to the surface.

Is Otoplasty Right for Me?

Although large, protruding, or misshapen ears typically do not affect your hearing or present any medical concerns, patients may consider a surgical procedure like otoplasty when the size and/or shape of the ears begin to harm their social or psychological health. In general, good candidates for otoplasty are generally:

  • At least five years of age, or have reached the majority of ear maturation
  • Bothered by ears that stick out, appear too large, or seem disproportionate
  • Affected by an ear deformity or injury
  • Healthy and a non-smoker, with no unmanaged medical conditions
  • Realistic about their expectations for the final outcome

Dr. Ira Savetsky will listen to your concerns during a consultation and formulate a custom treatment plan for you (or your child). He will also review your medical history and ask you about your health and overall goals to determine whether otoplasty is the best facial plastic surgery procedure for your needs.

How is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?

During your consultation, Dr. Savetsky will ask you about your hopes for the outcome and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve the results you envision. The procedure can treat an ear deformity, pin the ears back, or generally make the ears more symmetrical and balanced. Otoplasty is usually performed in an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Incisions are often hidden behind the ear, although the exact pattern will depend on the nature of the corrections desired. Dr. Savetsky will always conceal incisions within areas of natural anatomic transition whenever possible. Depending on your goals, Dr. Savetsky can recreate missing folds of the ear, recontour the cartilage, or make the ears lie flatter against the sides of the head. He will go over the most ideal techniques to achieve your desired outcome at the time of your consultation.

What Can I Expect During the Recovery Period After Otoplasty?

Patients who have undergone otoplasty can generally return to their normal routines within 7 to 10 days. Recovery is considered very tolerable compared to other cosmetic procedures like a facelift or rhinoplasty, which may require a more extensive period of downtime. Over-the-counter pain medications can usually manage any discomfort, although pain is often described as mild. Dr. Savetsky will provide detailed aftercare instructions regarding activity restrictions, incision care, and the approximate post-operative healing timeline. Sleeping with the head slightly elevated above chest level, as well as wearing bandages for the amount of time prescribed by Dr. Savetsky, can often help reduce swelling and accelerate the healing process.

How Long Will Otoplasty Results Last?

After ear surgery, the outcome should remain stable for a lifetime. The ability to achieve long-term results without the need for retreatment is one of the most essential benefits of otoplasty and Dr. Savetsky can speak with you about what to expect in more detail. Dr. Savetsky will also show you before-and-after photos of previous otoplasty patients so you have a strong understanding of your potential ear surgery results. It’s important to remember that the longevity of any cosmetic enhancement relies on your ability to follow Dr. Savetsky’s post-operative instructions. Closely adhering to all aftercare measures can not only maximize the quality of your final results, but also increases the chances of optimal incision healing and reduced post-surgical scarring.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?

The cost of otoplasty is personalized according to the unique details of your treatment plan, such as the surgical technique(s) utilized, the complexity of your procedure, and your individual needs. While our team will be able to provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation, the general cost of otoplasty in New York City ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Patient financing is available via CareCredit® for qualified patients who are interested in paying for their procedure in smaller installments rather than a lump sum. Don’t hesitate to contact our team to learn more about the cost of otoplasty, or our financing options.

Will I Have Noticeable Otoplasty Scars?

Fortunately, incisions from otoplasty are placed in hidden and well-concealed areas whenever possible, such as behind the ear or within a natural fold of the cartilage/tissue. As a result, scars from ear surgery are usually not noticeable to outside observers. Over time, any scarring can lighten and fade to further reduce evidence of surgery — the best way to encourage optimal scar healing is to carefully follow Dr. Savetsky’s aftercare instructions and to use medical-grade scar lightening products. Our team would be happy to provide you with recommendations during your appointment, if desired. We also encourage you to explore our patient gallery to get a better understanding of how otoplasty scars may appear after surgery.

Disproportionate ears can reduce self-esteem, but treatment from a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon can be a safe and predictable way to reclaim your confidence and achieve more facial balance. Contact Dr. Ira Savetsky to schedule a consultation or to speak with a friendly member of our office.