Ear surgery, or otoplasty, improves the shape, position and proportion of the ear. It can correct a birth defect of the ear structure.
Ear Surgery
- Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a procedure that improves the size, shape, or position of your ears.
- It’s performed to pin back protruding ears, augment or reduce ear size, repair torn or stretched earlobes, remove keloid scars, and more.
- Ear surgery is performed on both children and adults, and results are permanent.
If you’re interested in improving or correcting the appearance of your ears, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery can help. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a broad form of plastic surgery we perform to correct any cosmetic issue involving the ears. If you’re in the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson area, schedule your ear surgery consultation today to find out how we can improve the look of your ears and your self-confidence too!
Contents
Otoplasty at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery
Otoplasty uses a variety of surgical techniques to improve the shape, size or position of your ears. By eliminating any visual irregularities, this procedure makes your facial features appear more balanced.
How it works
During an otoplasty, the surgeon makes one or more incisions on each side of the head. These may be on the backs or the folds of the ears, or the earlobes. Next, the surgeon revises the structure of your ears as desired, sometimes by removing cartilage and excess skin and securing the remaining cartilage in a new position using internal sutures. Lastly, they will close the incisions. The procedure typically takes about 2 hours.
The results of your otoplasty will be immediately visible and are long lasting.
Why Choose Us for Ear Surgery?
Over the past two decades, leading plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas McFadden has performed many successful otoplasties for satisfied patients in the Upstate. He’s the recipient of multiple awards, including being named a Top 10 Doctor in South Carolina by Vitals.com and one of the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in South Carolina by the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. McFadden’s attentiveness, care and concern for each patient who walks into Advanced Cosmetic Surgery is evident in everything he does.
Dr. McFadden was joined in 2019 by Dr. Peter Felice. Dr. Felice is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in various surgical disciplines and has a passion for providing both physical and psychological healing to his patients. Both doctors are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and all team members at our clinic are fully licensed. In short, you’re in good hands!
Before and After Photos
Please note the patients featured in these images may have undergone other treatments in conjunction with ear surgery. This photo gallery does not guarantee that everyone who undergoes ear surgery will obtain these or similar results.
Are You a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?
Anyone in good health who has a cosmetic issue with their ears and is willing to commit to our post-op recovery plan can be a candidate for ear surgery. This procedure can be performed on children as young as 6 years old. If you’d like to discuss your eligibility for this surgery, please schedule your consultation with us. For your convenience, we offer both virtual and in-person appointments.
What Can You Treat with Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a blanket term for any surgery performed on the ear. As a result, it can treat a vast number of concerns. The most common of these is protruding ears, which is corrected by a form of otoplasty often referred to as “ear pinning” surgery.
Other concerns that otoplasty can treat include:
- Asymmetry of the ears
- Cauliflower ear
- Congenital deformities
- Ears that are too large
- Disfiguring injuries to the ears
- Keloid scars
- Oversized, stretched or torn earlobes
- Unusually shaped ears
What to Expect During Your Ear Surgery
Before your surgery, you’ll undergo a thorough assessment of your medical history to ensure this procedure is safe for you. In the days leading up to your appointment, you’ll need to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and any herbal supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding. If you smoke, stopping smoking before surgery and during recovery will help speed up the healing process.
Depending on the type of otoplasty you’re undergoing, you might be given general anesthesia or lightly sedated with a local anesthetic. In either case, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your ears will be fully bandaged.
Recovery
After your otoplasty, you’ll likely experience some discomfort and itching. As your ears heal, it’s essential to avoid putting pressure on them. Avoid sleeping on your side and, if possible, wear button-down shirts or shirts with large neck openings to prevent jostling the bandages while dressing and undressing.
At a follow-up appointment a few days later, Dr. McFadden or Dr. Felice will remove the bandages. You may need to wear a headband over your ears at night for the next 2–6 weeks to prevent your ears from accidentally bending during sleep. Depending on the techniques used in your otoplasty, your stitches will dissolve or will need to be removed.
How much does otoplasty cost?
Each otoplasty is unique, and the price of your procedure depends on many factors. To learn more about our pricing, please reach out to us.
Book Your Ear Surgery Consultation
Are you in the Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson area and considering ear surgery? To ensure the highest level of care in the Upstate, schedule your otoplasty consultation at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. McFadden or Dr. Felice will listen attentively to your concerns and develop the otoplasty plan that’s right for you.
Ear Surgery FAQ
Is otoplasty safe?
Otoplasty is considered an extremely safe procedure – especially when performed by a board-certified surgeon at a reputable establishment. While any surgery carries some risks, in this case, the most likely side effects are no more serious than visible scarring. However, in rare cases, bleeding or infection may occur. Additionally, please note that otoplasty will not impair your hearing as it is strictly an outer ear procedure.
What’s the best age to get otoplasty?
Children as young as 6 years old can get otoplasty, as their ears are fully developed by that age. There is no upper age limit to undergoing the surgery, provided you are in good health.
How long is recovery?
Full recovery from otoplasty takes 4–6 weeks. After about 1 week, you can return to school or work. Avoid strenuous activities, including swimming, for a month post-surgery or until your doctor gives you permission.
