Otoplasty

Having large or protruding ears can be a source of anxiety throughout childhood and into adulthood. Whether around the schoolyard or in the workforce, large ears can be a source of ridicule and bullying, which can lead to lasting insecurities in social interactions. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and repositions the ears by bringing them closer to the head. Also known as ear pinning, this procedure can help both children and adults attain natural-looking ears that can contribute to greater self-confidence and less anxiety.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hiatt

Achieved With Otoplasty

Ease of Social Interactions

It is unfortunate that people of all ages can be cruel to each other based on their physical characteristics. Prominent features, such as protruding ears, can be a source of emotional trauma for young children and adults alike. Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as four years old to prevent the teasing and ridicule that often leads to anxiety and insecurity.
Greater Self-confidence

Being self-conscious about your large or prominent ears can negatively affect how you feel about yourself, impacting your happiness and overall quality of life. Otoplasty eliminates the underlying cause of your insecurity and improves your self-confidence. There is no reason to feel as though you need to wear hats or use your hair to cover your ears after undergoing this procedure.
A Balanced Aesthetic

Overly protruding ears can seem larger than they actually are, leading to an unbalanced facial aesthetic. Otoplasty normalizes the appearance and size of the ears so that they are harmonious with the rest of your facial features. The goal of this procedure is to make the ears less noticeable so that you feel more confident and comfortable with how you look.

It is unfortunate that people of all ages can be cruel to each other based on their physical characteristics. Prominent features, such as protruding ears, can be a source of emotional trauma for young children and adults alike. Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as four years old to prevent the teasing and ridicule that often leads to anxiety and insecurity.

Being self-conscious about your large or prominent ears can negatively affect how you feel about yourself, impacting your happiness and overall quality of life. Otoplasty eliminates the underlying cause of your insecurity and improves your self-confidence. There is no reason to feel as though you need to wear hats or use your hair to cover your ears after undergoing this procedure.

Overly protruding ears can seem larger than they actually are, leading to an unbalanced facial aesthetic. Otoplasty normalizes the appearance and size of the ears so that they are harmonious with the rest of your facial features. The goal of this procedure is to make the ears less noticeable so that you feel more confident and comfortable with how you look.

Otoplasty Procedure

Surgical Incision

Otoplasty is a two-hour surgical procedure that is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia is required for younger children so that they remain asleep for the duration of the surgery. To begin, Dr. Hiatt makes incisions both inside and behind the ear. Through these incisions, excess cartilage and skin are removed, and natural folds are created. The remaining cartilage is then folded back and secured closer to the head with internal stitches. Incisions are closed, and bandages are placed to ensure patient comfort and to aid with healing.

Otoplasty is a two-hour surgical procedure that is performed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia is required for younger children so that they remain asleep for the duration of the surgery. To begin, Dr. Hiatt makes incisions both inside and behind the ear. Through these incisions, excess cartilage and skin are removed, and natural folds are created. The remaining cartilage is then folded back and secured closer to the head with internal stitches. Incisions are closed, and bandages are placed to ensure patient comfort and to aid with healing.

Concerns

Recovery

The ears will be wrapped in a bandage immediately after the procedure. This bandage will minimize swelling and promote optimal healing. Recovery for this procedure is minimal, and all bruising should subside within several days. Patients can return to work or school within two to three days, but they should refrain from any strenuous exercise or sports for a few weeks.
Scars

During the otoplasty procedure, Dr. Hiatt will make the incisions inside and behind the ear so that they are as inconspicuous as possible. Any scarring will likely fade with time.
Cost

The cost of your otoplasty will depend on factors such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon’s fees. Dr. Hiatt and his staff will provide a cost estimate during your consultation.
Pain

Otoplasty is performed under anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Following the surgery, patients should expect to experience temporary numbness, redness, bruising, and swelling. Discomfort should subside quickly.

The ears will be wrapped in a bandage immediately after the procedure. This bandage will minimize swelling and promote optimal healing. Recovery for this procedure is minimal, and all bruising should subside within several days. Patients can return to work or school within two to three days, but they should refrain from any strenuous exercise or sports for a few weeks.

During the otoplasty procedure, Dr. Hiatt will make the incisions inside and behind the ear so that they are as inconspicuous as possible. Any scarring will likely fade with time.

The cost of your otoplasty will depend on factors such as anesthesia fees, facility fees, and surgeon’s fees. Dr. Hiatt and his staff will provide a cost estimate during your consultation.

Otoplasty is performed under anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. Following the surgery, patients should expect to experience temporary numbness, redness, bruising, and swelling. Discomfort should subside quickly.

"The whole experience has been positive. You have a friendly staff, comfortable office, and a very competant surgeon. Thank you."
Nancy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the possible complications associated with otoplasty?

Complications with ear pinning surgery are rare but can include:

Anesthesia risks
Unfavorable scarring
Asymmetry
Changes in sensation

What is the best age to consider otoplasty for my child?

Otoplasty can be successfully performed once the ears are fully grown. This typically occurs around the age of four. It is recommended, however, to postpone the surgery until after your child has turned five. Children should be able to cooperate with the doctor and express their desire for this procedure themselves.

Can adults still have otoplasty?

Adults who have suffered from the insecurities stemming from their pronounced ears can still benefit from otoplasty.

Are the results permanent?

The results of your ear pinning surgery are permanent even if you undergo the procedure as a young child. Your ears will maintain their new shape through adolescence and adulthood.

Otoplasty

Achieved With Otoplasty

Ease of Social Interactions

Greater Self-confidence

A Balanced Aesthetic

Ease of Social Interactions

Greater Self-confidence

A Balanced Aesthetic

Otoplasty Procedure

Surgical Incision

Surgical Incision

Concerns

Recovery

Scars

Cost

Pain

Recovery

Scars

Cost

Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Consultation Today

How can we Help?

Schedule Your
Consultation Today