Located in Glen Mills, Media and Chester, Providence Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery offers ear surgery to the residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas desiring facial plastic surgery.
The ears can be some of the most significant features on the head, especially if they are protruding more than what appears to be normal. Although this is not medically harmful, large, protruding ears can lead to teasing or ridicule that impacts you or your child’s self-esteem. If you have especially noticeable ears, or feel uncomfortable with the amount of protrusion, ear surgery may be able to help.
What is Ear Surgery?
Protruding ears can be a significant cosmetic concern for both children and adults. Certain differences in the size and shape of the ears can make the ears stick out from the head. With ear surgery, we bring our knowledge of the ear structure and techniques to correct them with suturing and cartilage reshaping to improve the appearance of protruding ears.
Who is a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
The good news is that many individuals with large, protruding ears may be good candidates for ear surgery. If you are in good health and have realistic expectations for the results, then you could be an excellent ear surgery candidate. Of course, the best way to determine your candidacy is to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, you will be able to speak with Dr. Ginsburg regarding your concerns and ultimate goals. In turn, he will create a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs.
When is the Best Time to Get Ear Surgery?
Also known as otoplasty, ear surgery can be performed on individuals of many ages. However, the majority of our patients are young children. Generally, the best time to have otoplasty is around age six, as the ear is developed enough to make these changes, just prior to entering school so the protruding ears are not a source of social anxiety during school years. Although for some, otoplasty does not become an option until later, otoplasty can be performed at any stage of life after full ear development.
How is Otoplasty Performed?
Otoplasty is performed in the operating room on an outpatient basis with either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are generally very small and placed behind the ear, so as to keep any scarring as invisible as possible. Our facial plastic surgeon may also reshape the earlobes, as well as make corrections to reposition the ears closer to the head, depending on your unique needs. Each ear takes roughly one hour.
How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in Philadelphia?
The average cost of ear surgery is $2,200 – $5,000. At Providence Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we price each surgery individually, based on the patient’s needs and the techniques used for the procedure. The costs involved with ear surgery in Philadelphia are discussed during your initial complimentary consultation. We understand that investing in a cosmetic surgery is no small choice and do our best to make our procedures as accessible as possible. Please view our patient financing for more information.
What Should I Schedule Ear Surgery?
It is important to remember that with any surgery, recovery will vary depending on the patient. However, you can expect to be out of work or school for approximately one week. If the surgery is being performed on a child, it may make the most sense to schedule the procedure during a school break or summer holiday.
What Should I Expect from Ear Surgery Recovery?
After the surgery, the ears are wrapped for protection and to aid in healing. These bandages are slowly removed with time. Typically, we recommend that our patients wear a headband for three weeks after surgery.
Some swelling and bruising are normal after an otoplasty, but the appearance of the ears will gradually improve and is noticeable immediately. Throbbing and aching may also occur, which can be managed with pain medication.
The key is to avoid any activity that could impact the ears, keeping the head elevated and avoiding sleeping on your side. Strenuous activities and contact sports will likely need to be paused for one to two months. With young children, it is important to keep them occupied with less active tasks, so as to prevent any potential damage to the healing ears.
Rest assured, the specifics of your ear surgery recovery will be discussed at length during your initial consultation. We always encourage our patients to ask as many questions as they need to feel comfortable. And if you have any questions after the procedure, our office is here to help.
Are There Any Risks with Ear Surgery?
All surgeries carry some potential risks. However, many of these can be minimized due to maintaining a healthy lifestyle before and after the procedure, and following all post-operative recommendations. We will discuss any potential risks with you in detail during your consultation, so that you have all of the information necessary to make the most informed decision.
Additional Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
If you are seeking to enhance other areas of the face, our team may be able to help. At Providence Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, we are proud to offer a wide range of procedures. These include:
- Facelift
- Rhinoplasty
- Neck Lift
- Facial Liposuction
- Chin Implant
- Eyelid Surgery
- Brow Lift
- Fat Injection
- Earlobe Repair
- Facial Reconstruction
- Scar Revision
As you come to learn more about our practice, we think you will find our services of only the highest quality. Led by Dr. Mark Ginsburg, we bring our years of experience and compassion to each patient encounter, so you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Ear Surgery FAQs
Why do people get ear surgery?
Cosmetic ear surgery, or otoplasty, is most often performed to correct protruding ears. The ears may stick out from the head, particularly in adolescents, due to certain shape and size characteristics present in the ears. Ear surgery is highly effective in eliminating social anxiety and improving the overall appearance of the face.
Can you hear after ear surgery?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, and therefore, should not alter the ability to hear. However, immediately after surgery, it’s possible for swelling and related side effects to cause temporary changes in hearing. Any changes will be short-term and patients should expect no long-term impact on their hearing abilities due to otoplasty.
How many days of rest is required after ear surgery?
Immediately after ear surgery, patients should plan for at least one week of rest to recover from the procedure. After this point, patients can begin resuming their usual activities, with some restrictions. For starters, we typically recommend that patients wear a headband for approximately 3 weeks after surgery, which assists the body’s healing process. Furthermore, physical activities like contact sports should be avoided for one to two months, as any injury to the ears during the recovery process can negatively impact the final results.
How do you sleep after ear surgery?
After ear surgery, it’s important that patients sleep on their backs with their heads elevated to avoid placing any pressure on the ears. Sleeping on your side should be avoided as it can impact the healing process and negatively impact your final results.
Does otoplasty last forever?
Yes, the results from otoplasty are permanent. This is why it is so important for patients to take precautions during the healing process and ensure the ears recover without injury. Keep in mind that the appearance of the ears might change slightly during the recovery process due to swelling and changes in ear cartilage. While your final results may take a few months to fully develop, rest assured that the ears will not return to their previous position.
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!
Providence Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery offers facial plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, and skin rejuvenation to residents of Glen Mills, Media, Chester, and the greater Philadelphia area. Mark Ginsburg, DO, FAACS, is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, general cosmetic surgeon, and head and neck surgeon who combines personalized care with the latest technology to provide each patient with extraordinary and natural results. For more information or to schedule a complimentary patient consultation, call 484-352-3524 to speak to a member of our friendly, knowledgeable staff.