Ear Surgery

Q: How is ear surgery performed?

Ear surgery is typically an outpatient procedure.In children, the aesthetic plastic surgeon can use splints for contouring because the ear cartilage is soft enough. Otoplasty procedures can be performed on children as young as five to correct large ears that stick out. Children typically go under general anesthesia.Adults, however, have harder cartilage, and the surgeon must remove or reposition cartilage by making a small incision in the ear. Depending on your anatomy and desired changes, your surgeon may make an incision hidden inside or behind the ear. Adults have the option to use local anesthesia.

Q: What are my ear surgery options?

There are a few methods for ear surgery.Ear PinningYour surgeon can create an incision and use permanent sutures to move your ear to the desired position, or they may scrape the cartilage to contour it to your desired size or shape.Ear ReshapingYour surgeon will create an incision behind the ear and remove extra cartilage or soft tissue that makes the ear protrude too much.Combined ApproachMany times, surgeons use a combination of both techniques to get your desired result.

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Home / Procedures / Face & Neck / Ear Surgery

What is ear surgery?

Ear surgery is a procedure that alters the size, position, or proportion of the ears. Ear surgery can be performed on children and adults.

Why get ear surgery?

If your ears stick out, one ear is higher than the other, or you’re unhappy with the size of your ears, ear surgery may be right for you.

Below are some of the benefits of ear surgery:

Move your ears closer to your head so they stick out less with ear pinning
Make your ears more symmetrical with ear repositioning
Enhance the proportions of your face by reducing oversized ears
Improve your self-image and self-confidence

Ear surgery can help alter the size, position, or proportion of your ears.

What should I consider before getting ear surgery?

Please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon for more information on what is unique to you.

You need to be in good general health.
Ear surgery should not be performed on children younger than five.
You’ll likely need to wear supportive bandages after your surgery.
Depending on your specific anatomy, you may not be able to achieve ear symmetry.
While the complication rate is low for this procedure is low, if there are complications during your procedure, you may experience permanent scarring or numbness of the ear or face.
The recovery time is typically around one week.

How is ear surgery performed?

Ear surgery is typically an outpatient procedure.

In children, the aesthetic plastic surgeon can use splints for contouring because the ear cartilage is soft enough. Otoplasty procedures can be performed on children as young as five to correct large ears that stick out. Children typically go under general anesthesia.

Adults, however, have harder cartilage, and the surgeon must remove or reposition cartilage by making a small incision in the ear. Depending on your anatomy and desired changes, your surgeon may make an incision hidden inside or behind the ear. Adults have the option to use local anesthesia.

What are my ear surgery options?

There are a few methods for ear surgery.

Ear Pinning

Your surgeon can create an incision and use permanent sutures to move your ear to the desired position, or they may scrape the cartilage to contour it to your desired size or shape.

Ear Reshaping

Your surgeon will create an incision behind the ear and remove extra cartilage or soft tissue that makes the ear protrude too much.

Combined Approach

Many times, surgeons use a combination of both techniques to get your desired result.

What can I expect during a consultation?

Generally, because of the in-depth nature of the consultation, there is usually a cost associated with the initial visit.

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for ear surgery and assess the shape, size, and placement of your ears to determine what sort of changes may be possible. He or she will likely examine both of your ears, even if you think only one needs pinning or reshaping. The surgeon may also take photos of your ears and face to help further investigate the proportions of your facial features.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history, such as your:

Previous surgeries
Past and present medical conditions
Allergies and current medications

What questions should I ask my aesthetic plastic surgeon about my ear surgery?

It’s important that you take an active role in your surgery, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

Am I a good candidate for ear surgery, otoplasty, ear reshaping, or ear pinning?
Are my desired results reasonable and realistic?
Do you have ear surgery before-and-after photos I can see?
How many ear surgeries have you performed?
Which procedure or method would work best for my ears?
Where do you plan to make the incision, and will the scars be visible?
Where will you perform my surgery and how long will it take?
What kind of anesthesia do you recommend for me?
What will be the cost of my ear surgery?
What will you expect of me to get the best results?
What kind of recovery period can I expect, and when can I resume normal activities?
What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
How are complications handled?
Will I be able to change the look of my ears again after surgery?

What happens after the consultation?

Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and the surgeon’s training and experience, your aesthetic plastic surgeon will share recommendations and information with you, including:

An approach to your surgery, including the type of ear surgery procedure or combination of procedures
The outcomes that you can anticipate
The financial investment required for the procedure
Associated risks and complications
Options for anesthesia and surgery location
What you need to prepare for your surgery
What you can expect to experience during and after surgery
Before and after photos of cases similar to yours
Answers to any of your questions

Once you’ve done your research and completed your consultation, you should be able to make an educated decision on whether surgery is right for you and whether a surgeon is a good fit. If you still aren’t sure how to proceed, you should feel empowered to ask follow-up questions or set up a consultation with a different surgeon.

How do I prepare for ear surgery?

What can I expect the day of my ear surgery?

How long does it take to recover from ear surgery?

What can I expect in the first 24 hours of my ear surgery recovery?

What can I expect in my first few weeks of recovery?

How long will my ear surgery results last?

Ear Surgery Gallery

What do I need to consider after my ear surgery?

What type of ear surgery incisions are there?

Will I have any ear surgery scars?

What risks are there with getting ear surgery?

How much does ear surgery cost?

Does insurance cover ear surgery?

What should I consider when evaluating the cost of ear surgery?

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Dr. Rosing answer's all your questions and explains his approach in great detail. His education and background of credentials is amazing which he provides in the patient packet. He really listens and is kind and caring. He ensures you are both on the same page so that he can fulfill your expectations. I had the same cosmetic procedures 15 years ago (breast implants and tummy tuck) and he amazed me when he explained his techniques of surgery and the recovery process for his patients. It made me feel that recovery will be much smoother, put me at easy, took away any concerns and calmed my anxiety. His office staff are professional and courteous. His office manager Rachell, goes further in depth with you on procedure and what to expect both pre-op and post-op. She is extremely knowledgeable and answers all of your questions.

Christina

I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Rosing!!!! Not only is his bedside manner caring and thoughtful, but he is meticulous and has a great amount of integrity that you cannot find in many doctors these days. In August 2018, my fiance had a suspicious mole removed from his head but instead of the dermatologist closing it up or referring him to someone who could close the hole, she sent him home. She said he would most likely have a scar, even a divot but that he should consider it a badge of honor. (Basically, be thankful that you don't have cancer and a suspicious mole is now gone!) I have to say that had Dr Rosing not squeezed us in the very next day, he would have had a very high chance of getting an infection. So we went to Dr. Rosing who was confident he could close the hole in a way that there would be minimal scarring and more importantly, the hair could grow over the scar so you wouldn't see it. He called it the "O" to "Z" procedure. Not only did he get us in the day after surgery, he stayed after business hours to get the procedure done. All I can say is these pictures speak a thousand words!! We are so happy with the results provided by Dr. Rosing and his staff!! You would never know that my fiance had anything done to his head! Thank you all so very much. We are forever grateful and would recommend every one of our family members to Dr. Rosing for any procedure. He is absolutely a God Send!!

Annette

From the moment Dr. Rosing introduced himself, I knew I had found my plastic surgeon. During my consultation, he was able to spend as much time as I needed answering my questions, while teaching me along the way. My expectations were beyond exceeded and my procedure has dramatically changed my life for the better! All the staff at Allure MD are so lovely and welcoming. From helping with coordinating my surgery date, to my weekly check-in appointments, and everything else in between, I was always comfortable and well taken care of. I can assure you, when in the care of Dr. Rosing and staff, all of your needs will be met and exceeded. Dr. Rosing is more than just my surgeon; he is a mentor and an inspiration. I cannot thank Dr. Rosing and his team enough for making my dream become a reality. I am without a doubt recommending Dr. Rosing and his staff at Allure MD to anyone and everyone I know!

Kendal

Dr. Rosing is a masterful surgeon who’s technique is refined and subtle. The results are stunning, yet very natural. His eye for detail and his thoughtfulness make for results that exceed expectations. I don’t know how he does it, but post-surgery downtime and healing is very minimal. Dr. Rosing truly cares about his patients and works closely with you to ensure an optimal outcome. The staff is caring and available before and after surgery for any questions or concerns. I highly recommend him as I am a repeat patient…he’s just that good.

Laurie