Costs
Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor, the location, and the difficulty of the specific case. Please call our offices at 310.575.1500 for an exact quote. Our prices are very competetive and you can be sure that you're getting the very best surgeon in Dr. Cheski.
The Procedure
Otoplasty ear surgery is a procedure to correct ears that stick out too far from the head, by "setting them back" or "pinning them back". It can be performed on people with prominent ears of any age, and is often performed on young adults or even children. The skill of the surgeon, the patient's realistic expectation of the outcome of the surgery and the emotional state of the patient are important considerations. How is the ear surgery done?
Surgery generally involves reforming the cartilages that shape the ear to pull them in and reduce the protrusion. Sutures are placed in the cartilage on the back side of the ear to maintain the new position. Incisions and the resulting scars are well concealed on the back of the ear, so that there is no visible scarring.
How long does surgery take?
Surgery generally requires approximately one hour per ear.
Does it hurt?
Fortunately, the ears are not too sensitive, and pain after the surgery is usually quite minimal. During the surgery, of course, the ear would be numb, and it would not hurt at all.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
This surgery can usually be performed as an outpatient, and you can go home immediately after the operation.
Is it safe?
All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, allergy to the anesthetic, and infection. In this surgery, serious complications are quite rare.
Other Risks/Complications
All surgery has the risks of scarring, bleeding, and infection. The health risks from these are relatively minor in this surgery, but special care must be taken because infection or collection of blood under the skin can deform the ear cartilages and cause "cauliflower ear".
Do I need to be put to sleep for the surgery?
It is not necessary to go to sleep for this operation, it can be performed under local anesthetic, like going to the dentist. If you are nervous, or if your condition is more severe, you may choose to have general anesthesia or profound sedation if you and your doctor feel that this would be best for you.
How long do the results last?
The results should last forever, although there is always some “springing back” of the ears due to the elastic recoil of the ear cartilage.
Is there much scarring?
The scarring from this operation is usually quite minor and well hidden. If you are prone to bad scarring, however, such as keloids, then you should discuss this with your doctor.
How long until I can go back to work?
Most doctors like to have the patient wear a headband for a few weeks after surgery in order to protect the surgical repair. If you can wear this at work, then you can probably return to work quickly, but you will need to discuss this further with your doctor.
How long before I can resume normal activities?
Most normal activities can be resumed within a few weeks, but you will need to be very cautious about protecting your ears for at least 6 weeks, or possibly even longer.
What benefit could I expect from the surgery?
If you are self-conscious about your ears, and always keep them covered with your hair, then this surgery can open up many new possilbilities for changing your image. As with most cosmetic surgery, the benefit you derive will depend upon the change in attitude that you will have about yourself as a result of the surgery.
What are the alternatives?
The altenatives include wearing a headband or camouflaging the ears with long hair. Another choice is to accept the ears with their protruding shape, realizing that in many cultures, prominent ears are not considered unattractive.
Special Instructions
As mentioned above, it is very important to make sure that there is no infection or bleeding in the ear after the surgery. You must therefore be very careful to protect the ears and keep them clean. In addition, bending the ears forward in the first few months after the surgery can destroy even the finest surgical result, so be very careful to follow all of your doctors instructions to the letter.
This information is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed. Call 310.575.1500 today and speak to one of our knowledgeable surgical consultants and schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
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