Otoplasty is the technical term for cosmetic ear surgery. This surgical procedure is for individuals who are bothered by excessively large ears, ears that stick out too far from their head, or misshapen ears due to a birth defect or injury. We specialize in Otoplasty in Houston.

Although everyone’s ears are different and the uniqueness of your ear shape and size should be celebrated, it’s also okay to feel self-conscious about having an ear abnormality. It’s not uncommon for babies to be born with one or both ears misshapen or for the ears to end up growing away from the head. Some people have ears that seem to be disproportionally large compared to the rest of their features.

No matter what bothers you about the size and/or shape of your ears. Dr. Ashley Steinberg can help you feel more confident about this prominent feature by performing routine otoplasty surgery.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty — also known as cosmetic ear surgery — is a surgical operation that can correct or change the shape, size, protrusion, and/or positioning of one or both ears.

The cosmetic procedure itself varies depending on the desired outcome. However, the majority of surgeries involve an incision being made behind the ear and/or inside the ear folds.

Dr. Steinberg will then manipulate the ear tissue and ear cartilage to reshape or reposition the ears and achieve your desired specifications. In some cases, this involves grafting other cartilage onto the ear, reshaping the ear with permanent stitches, or removing skin and/or ear cartilage from the ear.

Who Needs Otoplasty?

Like any feature of the face, the ears can be misshapen, asymmetrical, too large for the other facial features, or positioned in a bothersome way to the individual. Patients may seek cosmetic ear surgery for any of these reasons or because of a birth defect or injury that caused one or both ears to become malformed.

Unlike many other cosmetic surgeries for the face, otoplasty is routinely performed on children as well as adults. Once a child’s ears have fully grown and matured, which generally happens around the ages of five to seven, it is possible for them to undergo this surgery and correct any of the aforementioned issues. In fact, otoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries to be performed on children and young adults.

Is Your Child a Candidate for Otoplasty?

It’s not uncommon for children to be made fun of and severely teased at school and in social circles for having prominent ears that are unflattering. Protruding ears, ears that protrude far away from the head, and other inconsistencies like a shell ear can cause children to be nicknames cruel names such as “Dumbo” or “Mickey Mouse”.

Obviously, these are cruel names. All children and individuals are built differently, and we should celebrate what makes us all unique. Still, serious emotional harm can be done to children who undergo this type of ridicule, which is why many parents decide to have their children’s ears “pinned”.

If your child has ears that are misshapen, overly large, protruding, or malformed, they may be a good candidate for otoplasty for children if they:

Would like to correct the shape, size, protrusion, and/or positioning of their ears
Have permission for the surgery from their parents or guardians
Are overall physically healthy
Have ears that are fully matured
Are absent of any serious health conditions
Understand the risks of Otoplasty surgery (parents must understand them also)
Have realistic expectations concerning the outcome of their surgery

Adult Otoplasty

Naturally, adults can undergo otoplasty as well. Your board certified plastic surgeon will tell you that in order for an adult to be a good ototplasty candidate, you must:

Want to correct the shape, size, protrusion, and/or positioning of your ears
Be in good overall physical health
Be a non-smoker
Be absent of any serious health conditions
Understand the risks of surgery
Have realistic expectations concerning the outcome of your surgery

Otoplasty Recovery

Recovery from otoplasty is usually relatively short. Dr. Steinberg will give you detailed instructions to follow. She will give you details about pain medication and instructions to follow during the recovery process. It is important to follow your surgeon’s details carefully as it pertains to pain medication. It is important to follow these closely so that you can achieve your desired otoplasty results.

Your board certified plastic surgeon will tell you that some swelling and discomfort right after surgery is normal for most patient. For approximately a week, you will need to wear a dressing on the ears and avoid touching them or sleeping in a position where any pressure is put on them. It’s also important to wear clothing that does not pull over your head so that you can avoid dragging anything along your ears or tugging or rubbing them in any way. The first few weeks after surgery will be a time of healing and recovery, so make sure to take it easy.

FAQ: Otoplasty Houston TX

How much does otoplasty cost?

Most otoplasty surgeries cost between $5000 and $7000. However, this price may vary depending on what exactly you would like to change and improve about your ears and what surgical techniques will be necessary to achieve this outcome.

What is the best age for otoplasty?

Although it is important that otoplasty only be performed once the ears have fully matured, it is safe to perform this surgery at most any age. For most patients, the ears have fully matured around the age of five. For parents who are interested in having their children undergo otoplasty, Dr. Steinberg will evaluate each child on a case-by-case basis to ensure they will safely qualify for the surgical procedure.

Can otoplasty be combined with other surgeries?

Yes, of course. If you are interested in altering the size, shape, or positioning of other facial features, Dr. Steinberg also performs chin liposuction, eyelid surgery, and non-surgical injectable procedures including dermal fillers and Botox & Dysport.

Does otoplasty last forever?

Yes, your otoplasty results will be permanent. It is important to follow Dr. Steinberg’s post-surgical instructions, however. Doing this will ensure your new ears last for the rest of your life.

Is otoplasty a safe procedure?

Otoplasty is a highly safe and effective cosmetic procedure for both adults and children whose ears have fully matured. Still, each patient who wishes to undergo this surgery must be fully evaluated by Dr. Steinberg to ensure they are a good candidate.

Request Your Ear Surgery Consultation Today

If you have struggled with excessively large ears and your ears stick out far away from your head, have problems with ear asymmetry, or an ear malformation, otoplasty could be right for you.

Contact the office of Dr. Ashley Steinberg today to learn more about this procedure and learn if you or your child are a good candidate for otoplasty.