Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, is a facial-balancing procedure designed to improve the size, positioning, and/or shape of the ears. For many patients, having prominent ears can cause some degree of self-consciousness and embarrassment in social settings, particularly for children and adolescents. When the ears appear too prominent or are overly projected from the side of the head, otoplasty offers lasting and natural-looking correction to achieve a more proportional look.
In most cases, otoplasty is a predictable surgery to repair prominent ears, improve the shape of the ears, or address issues resulting from a previous ear surgery. As board-certified facial plastic surgeons and specialists in head and neck surgery, our doctors are uniquely equipped to help you (or your child) achieve greater facial balance.
Explore Topics On This Page:
How Can Otoplasty Balance Facial Proportions?
Otoplasty can be a straightforward procedure to enhance aesthetic symmetry, offering transformative benefits such as:
- Reduced projection of the ears improving facial harmony
- Greater balance between the facial features
- Less teasing and unwanted attention from peers, colleagues, etc.
- Freedom to try new hairstyles where a patient may have previously felt a need to conceal their ears with longer hair
For those who feel dissatisfied with how their ears appear in relation to the rest of their head, correction of even minor imbalances can have profound benefits for confidence and self-esteem. If protruding or disproportionate ears bother you or your child, you may consider permanent correction through surgery. However, otoplasty is only designed to correct ear protrusion that’s not associated with hearing loss.
Since the procedure is purely performed for aesthetic purposes, those who seek to address hearing dysfunction or auditory issues should consult with a specialist.
Who is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty can be performed for both adults and children older than five years old. This is typically the age when ears reach full maturation, allowing the opportunity for a corrective procedure if necessary. During a consultation, our board-certified facial plastic surgeons will examine the nature of you/your child’s protruding ears to develop an optimal treatment plan for your concerns. Good candidates for surgery are typically healthy with no uncontrolled medical conditions. Drs. Kriet, Humphrey, and Flynn as well as our medical team will walk you through every stage of the otoplasty procedure if aesthetic ear correction is the best solution for your concerns.
If you’re an adult considering otoplasty, you may also be interested in combining the minor procedure with another facial rejuvenation surgery for increased enhancement. Many patients combine otoplasty with an eyelid lift or nose recontouring surgery to further refine facial harmony and/or balance the facial features.
How is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia, or using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. During your consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will outline what you can expect on the day of surgery. In general, incisions are placed on the back surfaces of the ears whenever possible, or made within the natural folds of cartilage for discreet, well-hidden scars. Otoplasty techniques are individualized and the treatment plan depends on your concerns, and the results you envision. Meticulous care is taken to avoid distorting other structures or to produce an unnatural, “pinned-back” appearance.
What Can I Expect From the Otoplasty Recovery Period?
Following the procedure, a soft bandage is typically worn over the ears for 7 to 10 days. A headband is
then worn at night for one month. There may be some bruising or swelling after surgery, but this is normal and should gradually subside as the healing process progresses. Feelings of tenderness or discomfort are normal for a few days after otoplasty. After a few weeks, daily activities can be resumed. Your facial plastic surgeon will provide more detailed recovery information in person, such as when children can expect to return to school and athletic activities, as well as when adults can expect to resume work.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Kansas City, KS?
The cost of otoplasty in Kansas City is generally more affordable than other parts of the country but personalized according to patients’ needs, as no two surgical plans are exactly alike. In general, the total price reflects the level of correction needed, the techniques used to create a natural-looking contour, and the resources required to deliver a safe and comfortable procedure.
Relevant cost factors include:
- Whether one or both ears are treated (unilateral vs. bilateral correction)
- The nature of the concerns addressed
- The degree of surgical work necessary
- Fees for anesthesia, surgical facility, lab tests, post-op care, etc.
For many patients, plastic surgery financing can make otoplasty more accessible and allow them to move forward on a timeline that accommodates their goals. CommerceCare® is a popular option that offers promotional financing for eligible patients, often with flexible monthly payment plans that can be tailored to your budget. If you have any questions about the cost of ear pinning surgery, don’t hesitate to call our friendly office team for more information and other patient resources.
Otoplasty can be an empowering procedure to bring the ears closer to the sides of the face and/or reduce disproportionately large ears. Contact the elite team at Facial Plastic Surgery KC for a consultation or to learn more about our suite of advanced facial plastic surgery procedures.