Male-Ear Reshaping

Ear reshaping

otoplasty

Ear pinning surgery, also called Otoplasty, typically includes pin back or reduction surgery for protruding ears.  Ears are positioned closer to the head by reshaping the supporting tissue.  Otoplasty is a common procedure that Dr. Brill performs for men, as well as for women and school-age children who often report hurtful teasing about their protruding ears. The procedure is appropriate beginning at age 5 or 6 or any age after that.  No body parts are perfectly symmetrical.  Otoplasty will, however, give the patient’s face a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.  Common deformities corrected by Otoplasty include:

1. Cup Ear- where parts of the outer ear develop irregularly, causing the ear to protrude.
2. Lop Ear or Bat Ear- where the concha (or inner part of the external ear) grows at a right angle of the head instead of parallel to it.
3. Large ear lobes.
4. Cauliflower Ear- a deformity caused by injury and inflammation.
5. Deformities of unusual ear shapes, folds and underdevelopment, Stahl's Ear Deformity (satyr, Vulcan or "Spock's" ear).
6. Telephone ear- deformity.
7. Macrotia- ear too large.
8. Microtia- ear too small.
9. Shell Ear- curve of the outer rim as well as the folds and creases are missing.

A  Good Candidate:

As long as you are in good health, there is no age limit for Otoplasty. Here are some of the main reasons patients undergo ear reshaping surgery:

Large, protruding ears that detract from your overall appearance

Asymmetrical ears – One larger than the other

Ears with congenital or acquired irregularities

Psychological trauma sustained from constant teasing

Procedure Details / Expectations:

Good communication between you and Dr. Brill is essential when planning your Otoplasty surgery. At your initial consultation, you'll be asked to explain in detail why you want the procedure and how you hope to look and feel afterward.  It's important to set aside any awkwardness you might feel, and speak candidly about the changes you'd like to see.

Dr. Brill will also evaluate your health, conduct a physical exam, take preoperative photographs, and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you.  Dr. Brill will discuss your surgical procedure, the type of anesthesia used, where the surgery will be performed, and the possible risks and side effects of the procedure.  Afterwards, you will visit with our office manager Joy and she will confirm the procedure you desire, show you photos of patient’s results, discuss the costs involved and schedule your surgery.

Otoplasty can take from 2 to 3 hours, although if extensive work is required, the procedure might take longer. In most instances, a small incision is made on the back of the ear, where cartilage is then accessed and, ultimately sculpted to a more desirable shape or size. In other cases, cartilage is removed to provide a more natural looking ear. Sometimes, reshaping is achieved by the combination of the removal of skin and stitches to fold cartilage back upon itself. Prior to any cosmetic surgery procedure, be sure to follow Dr. Brill’s instructions on taking medications, vitamins, eating, drinking and stopping smoking.

Recovery:

Immediately following the procedure, the head is wrapped in a bandage to promote the desired molding and to expedite healing. You must sleep on your back, propped up on 2 to 3 pillows in order to diminish the amount of discomfort and swelling you may experience.  Pain medication is useful in minimizing any discomfort. Stitches either will be removed or will dissolve on their own after about a week.  Men usually return to work in approximately a week following their Otoplasty cosmetic surgery in Gainesville, Florida.

Cost / Insurance:

 These procedures are considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.

Approximate Cost Range: $2,000-$3,000 for Otoplasty

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 your follow up visits.

** This is only an Average.  Fees vary according to patient needs **

Risks / Complications:

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with this type of surgery.  Bleeding, which usually occurs within the first 24 hours, can lead to prolonged swelling and occasionally a need for revisional surgery.  More commonly, patients experience minor asymmetries in their ears.  Rarely, some degree of recurrence of an ear’s prominence can happen.

Procedure FAQ’s:

Can people of all ages have Otoplasty surgery?

Yes – if needed. However, it is better for a child to be age six or seven before having ear correction surgery. This allows the ears to reach 90% of their adult growth.  Adults of any age can have Otoplasty surgery if they are in good health and have realistic expectations.

How long does the surgery take?

Otoplasty surgery usually takes from two to three hours, but this will vary from patient to patient – depending upon the extensiveness of the surgery and the techniques used.

Where does the surgery take place?

Your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the Surgery Center of North Florida, our fully accredited surgical center.  After a short recovery you will be able to go home the same day.

Is Otoplasty surgery painful?

Some discomfort is normal.  Aching and throbbing are typically what patients experience for the first few days.  This discomfort is easily managed with oral pain medication.

Notes: If needed

If you're considering surgery to correct your ears, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.  It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual needs.  Please ask Dr. Brill if there is anything about Otoplasty you would like to know about.

Learn more about Otoplasty or other available procedures for men by contacting our Gainesville office by email or calling us at:

                352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-4819

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to the procedures listed above and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.  The best method of determining your options is to have a personal consultation with Dr. Brill to answer specific questions related to your situation.  Our Policies