Otoplasty
Otoplasty
If protruding or disfigured ears bother you or your child, you may consider plastic surgery. Ear pinning surgery — also known as otoplasty — can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. It can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth, that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.
If large earlobes bother you, earlobe reduction surgery might be right for you. Through the aging process earlobes will increase in size. Earlobe reduction is commonly done in conjunction with facelift and necklift surgery.
Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.
Specifically ear surgery can treat:
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Large Ears
Overly large ears
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Protruding Ears
Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees — not associated with hearing loss
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Previous Surgery Correction
Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery
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Large Earlobes
Large earlobes that result from the aging process
Is it right for me?
Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to get any sort of ideal image.
Good candidates for ear surgery are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery
Featured Procedures & Treatments
What Happens During Ear Pinning Surgery?
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Mueller will recommend the best choice for you.
Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.
External stitches close the incision. The technique is individualized, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.
Ear surgery offers near immediate results in cases of protruding ears, visible once the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well-hidden in the natural creases of the ear.
What costs may be involved?
- Surgeon’s fee.
- Surgical facility costs.
- Anesthesia fees.
- Prescriptions for medication.
- Medical clearance from your doctor.
- Medical tests.
Your satisfaction involves more than a fee.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, remember that achieving the desired cosmetic outcome involves many choices. The first and most important decision is selecting a surgeon you can trust.
Request AppointmentChoosing Dr. Mueller ensures
- Has completed at more than seven years of general surgical training with an additional two years specifically in plastic surgery.
- Has been in private practice for more than fifteen years.
- Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
- Has keen artistic judgment.
- Is an inventor and top innovator is the field of facial and neck procedures.
- Operates only in accredited medical facilities.
- Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
- Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
- Is a member of the American Society of plastic surgeons.
Dr. Mueller’s private practice offers elite care. We provide a highly personalized boutique like experience. Just as important as the final cost of the surgery is your comfort with Dr. Mueller and his team as well as your trust in him.