Ears that protrude, or stick out, are a common source of insecurity. In younger life, it can also lead to teasing, bullying, and ostracisation. Adults, while they can be successful, may try to hide their ears, use cosmetic tape to pin them back, or feel insecure with their appearance. Thankfully, there is an easy and permanent solution for protruding ears, otoplasty surgery. The plastic surgeons at Seattle Plastic Surgery offer the best otoplasty Seattle and Tacoma provides.
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, is a surgical procedure that reduces the projection of the ears by bringing them in closer to the head. It may also reposition them into a more natural position. While a plastic surgeon can perform it on a patient of almost any age, it is especially commonly performed on school-aged children.
Ear pinning is generally considered cosmetic surgery. For many people, though, it does not carry the same stigma as other types of plastic surgery. It is also one of the few cosmetic procedures acceptable to perform on a child.
While otoplasty is usually performed to correct congenital defects with the ears, it can also address ears that began to stick out due to an injury. This is a frequent reason that adults will seek out ear pinning surgery in Seattle.
BEFORE
AFTER
Otoplasty surgery comes with many benefits for patients with protruding ears. Overall, ear pinning is a low risk surgery that is often performed in under an hour. Some of the benefits patients may see regarding their ear pinning surgery can include:
Otoplasty will likely look different from patient to patient. However, the technique does also change when performing the surgery on a pediatric patient versus an adult patient. The table below highlights a few of the differences.
The exact techniques may or may not differ depending on the patient and their needs. Regardless, it is never too late to consider a Seattle otoplasty surgery.
Before undergoing otoplasty surgery in Seattle, you will meet with one of our Seattle plastic surgeons. They will determine if you or your child is a candidate for ear pinning. First, your plastic surgeon will want to know your goals and expectations for ear pinning surgery. Next, they may ask relevant medical history and lifestyle questions. Finally, your plastic surgeon may briefly examine the ears.
At this point, they can determine whether you or your child is a good candidate for otoplasty. If so, they will describe the surgical technique, basic recovery, and answer any questions you may have. If they determine you or your child is not a candidate, they will discuss alternatives.
Two parts of the ear often contribute to prominent ears. Your surgeon will plan your otoplasty surgery based on which parts of the ear they need to address. First, the cartilage on the back of the ear sometimes can push the ears outward. During this technique, your Seattle plastic surgeon will cut away extra cartilage and reposition the ear.
Sometimes the upper fold of the ear can make the ear appear more prominent, or be missing altogether. In this case, the surgery involves creating the upper fold. In both cases, the technique usually takes under an hour for both ears. Any incisions are generally well hidden within the natural anatomy of the ear.
BEFORE
AFTER
Immediately following otoplasty surgery, you will wear a turban-like bandage around the head and both ears. This helps reduce swelling and keeps you more comfortable during the initial days of recovery. Depending on the patient or procedure, your plastic surgeon may prescribe pain medication. However, often, patients can manage any discomfort they have with over-the-counter medications.
Dr. Santos or Dr. Jonov may give you other recovery instructions such as:
The ears must be fully developed for a patient to undergo otoplasty surgery. For most people, this occurs by age five or six. Therefore, from that age onward, most patients with prominent ears are good candidates for the procedure. Your plastic surgeon can determine if your child’s ears are developed enough for otoplasty surgery.
In most cases, yes, otoplasty is permanent. Patients can injure their ear which can reverse or hinder results. Rarely, an inexperienced provider may create a non-permanent result, but this is exceptionally rare. Additionally, this is why it is important that otoplasty is not performed on children under a certain age. If the ears continue to develop after surgery, this can undo the results of the ear pinning procedure.
For adults, there are cosmetic tapes that can pin the ears back. However, these have to be reapplied and can become troublesome or visible throughout the day. A technique known as incision otoplasty is also growing in popularity but is not viable for every patient. This technique uses only sutures to pin back the ears.
Otoplasty surgery is the only permanent way to pin back the ears. Considering it is a minimally invasive procedure and involves little recovery, most patients wanting to make a permanent difference in their ears do eventually opt for otoplasty surgery.
Some insurance companies may cover otoplasty, especially if addressing a congenital defect or deformity. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we do not accept insurance for otoplasty procedures. However, we do work with three outside financing companies: Care Credit, United Medical Credit, and Alphaeon. You can find more information about these options on our financing page.
Otoplasty at Seattle Plastic Surgery starts at $5,995. The exact cost of otoplasty surgery depends on the extent of the procedure and what is necessary for the best result. After a consultation, you will receive a personalized price quote based on your needs.
Seattle Plastic Surgery is a premier plastic surgery clinic in Seattle, Washington. Located in Seattle’s medical hub, First Hill, Seattle Plastic Surgery has served the city and patients from across the world for over two decades. Providing plastic surgery, cosmetic injections, and medical grade esthetic skincare, Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best otoplasty Seattle and Tacoma provides.
Dr. David Santos and Dr. Craig Jonov are Seattle plastic surgeons with decades of experience each. Dr. Santos specializes in facial plastic surgery procedures and Dr. Jonov focuses on a wide variety of plastic surgery. Both can perform otoplasty surgery and have helped many patients achieve their ideal ear contours.
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There is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
