Surgery Center of North Florida
6520 NW 9th Blvd ~ Gainesville, Fl 32605
352-331-7987 or 800-428-8419
Ear Reshaping
Ear Reshaping Surgery, or Otoplasty, is done to correct protruding ears. An incision is placed in the natural creases behind the ear and the cartilage of the ear is weakened so that it bends into a new shape. The cartilage is also stitched into position to hold the ear into position.
Otoplasty happens to be one of the few cosmetic surgeries performed on children. Ear reshaping can be performed on patients of all ages. The most common uses of ear surgery are to reduce the size of large ears and to reposition ears that stick out too far from the head. Otoplasty may also be used to reshape ears that have been malformed due to birth defects.
The majority of ear surgery is performed on school-age children, although the procedure is useful for patients of all ages. Many of Dr. Brill’s adult Otoplasty patients choose to have their ears altered in order to keep their face proportional after Rhinoplasty or Cheek/Chin surgery.
A Good Candidate:
If you have ears that stick out too far from the side of the head or birth defect. Your intended result: Ears that have normal folds and shape with normal protrusion from the side of the head.
When correcting the angle of protruding ears, Dr. Brill is able to create an incision behind the ear that will not be visible after the surgery. By carefully sculpting and bending the cartilage in the ear, Dr. Brill will create the desired look for the ear, then suture it into its new location.
The operation is performed on an outpatient basis under sedation and local or general anesthesia. The ears are usually bandaged with a dressing that wraps around the head for several days. Initial mild postoperative discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication.
After surgery, the ears will be dressed in a heavy bandage; this will be replaced with a more lightweight “headband” style of bandage after a few days. Both children and adults can return to school or work after about a week. Heavy activity in which the ears may be bumped should be avoided for about a month.
Recovery:
Recuperation and healing happens quickly. The ears usually look "normal" within 10-20 days. Usually, a thin stocking cap or head band is worn at night to protect the ears. Contact sports should be avoided for about a month.
Other Options:
Any facial procedure that is desired or appropriate would enhance the overall result like a Face Lift or Neck Lift.
Insurance Guidelines:
When performed in children or youths, insurance frequently pays. Our staff can assist you in making that determination.
Cost / Insurance:
This procedure is considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.
Approximate
This price is only an average as fees vary according to patient needs. At your consultation, you will be given exact fees, which include but are not limited to surgery, operating room, anesthesia related fees, and follow up visits.
** This is only an Average. Fees vary according to patient needs.**
Risks / Complications:
Ear surgery has few complications, most of which are minor. These would include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, temporary or even permanent numbness, visible folding of the ear cartilage, and prominence of the scar behind the ear. A series of permanent stitches are placed beneath the skin of the back of the ear. One of these may break at some later time, and rarely the suture can erode through the skin.
*NOTE*
You are also at increased risk for complications from liposuction if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with Dr. Brill before you choose to undergo surgery.
The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here is a list of commonly asked Ear Reshaping Questions
352-331-7897 or 1-800-428-8419
Disclaimer: The information on plastic surgeon Dr. Roger T Brill’s website is not to be taken as medical advice. The content on these pages have been created only to provide information about plastic surgery procedures available at the Surgery Center of North Florida. The information contained herein is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians or other healthcare professionals. We strongly recommend that prospective patients independently confirm all qualifications and expertise of the selected surgeon by contacting the medical boards and surgical societies to which they belong. View our Disclaimer Page and Privacy Policy.