Why One Might Need Otoplasty

For some people the problem of having ears that are too large, that protrude from the head, or are oddly shaped could have been a nightmare to them in school, and with the benefits of ear surgery this problem can now be corrected.  It is often recommended in younger patients (generally aged four to seven), but adults can also benefit from this procedure where the ears are clipped back and sometimes reshaped if needed.

How Ear Surgery is Performed

With younger patients who are getting ear surgery done, they are generally put under general anesthetic, but in adults a local anesthetic is usually preferred by the cosmetic surgeon.  It is done as an outpatient procedure and can be completed in just a few hours. Even though there are small cuts and stitches involved in this form of aesthetic surgery, it is considered a minimally invasive procedure. 

The Average Recovery Length

Most people who have ear surgery can return to work within five days of the cosmetic surgery, and can do normal activities where the ear is not bumped or used once the swelling around the operation site has gone down.  Approximately one week after the surgery you will need to return to your plastic surgeon in order to have the stitches removed and to check on the healing.  If everything looks well then you should be good to go.

Can I Afford It?

Since most cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance unless they are needed to repair congenital defects, many people are often worried about the cost of the procedure, and ear surgery is no different.  While the price for this plastic surgery may vary depending on where you live and which plastic surgeon you use, the average cost is around $3,000 for the surgeon’s portion.  Other costs associated with the surgery could still be included.

Are the Risks Dangerous?

As stated before, ear surgery is a very minimally invasive cosmetic surgery and as such it does not carry with it many of the risks involved in larger procedures.  Like most surgical procedures, the risks of allergic reactions and blood clots are always present. You should keep an eye on the surgery site and follow any cleaning instructions, as an infection could damage the cartilage and cause some problems with the formation of scar tissue.