The problem of large or protruding ears is extremely common. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a safe and common procedure that may sometimes even be performed on children. Conveniently located in Jacksonville, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, offers otoplasty for men and women residing in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Lakeside and nearby areas in North Florida.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty surgery is an operation that reduces or improves the relative prominence of the ears. Many times, the ears protrude away from the scalp in such a way as to draw attention to themselves. The cosmetic ear operation brings the ear closer to the scalp by reshaping the cartilage.
- We reshape the cartilage in the ears and bring them closer to the scalp to improve the overall balance and prominence.
- This procedure can usually be performed on children ages six and up.
- There is usually no pain associated with otoplasty.
The human ear attains approximately 90 to 95 percent of its adult size approximately by the age of six. It is usually at this age that otoplasty surgery can be considered in children. Teenagers or adults can, of course, have the operation at any time in their lives.
View a selection of real patient results in our Otoplasty Before and After gallery.
Will My Otoplasty Surgery Be Covered By Insurance?
Otoplasty may in some cases be covered by health insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance carrier.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Jacksonville?
The cost of otoplasty surgery varies from patient to patient. If performed under local anesthesia, the cost is less than if it is either performed at the surgery center or in our JCAHO accredited surgery suite. The costs for all of our procedures are reviewed with our patients on the day of the consultation.
Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery keeps plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures available and affordable for everyone. To provide the most flexible payment options, we offer financing terms and accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for otoplasty.
Otoplasty Patient Testimonial
“I am very pleased with the results of my surgery. The handbook was very informative and helped me prepare for my surgery. Dr. Garcia was excellent before and after the surgery. He explained everything to my husband and myself. Dr. Garcia made us feel totally comfortable and at ease. We left confident knowing that he knew exactly what he was going to do, and it would be done well.” — L.H.
What are Benefits of Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a procedure that improves the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty may be performed to achieve the following results:
- Pinback protruding ears
- Reduce the size of disproportionately large ears
- Make the ears more symmetrical
- Enhance the shape of the ears
How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
Candidates for otoplasty must be physically healthy and have realistic expectations about enhancing the appearance of their ears. Otoplasty may be performed on children as young as age six.
At What Age Can Otoplasty Be Performed?
While otoplasty may be performed on children and adults alike, it is often recommended that the surgery is done as early as possible to prevent the bullying and teasing that children with large or protruding ears may experience socially. Otoplasty may be performed as early as age six, and is often recommended in younger patients because the cartilage is more pliable in early childhood.
What Will Happen During A Consultation For Otoplasty?
During your consultation, Dr. Garcia will discuss your goals and concerns regarding your ears. He will take your medical history and examine your ears. Dr. Garcia is skilled and experienced enough to recommend the most effective technique and explain all aspects of the surgery, including the facility, anesthesia, recovery, risks and associated costs, as well as payment options. Photographs may also be taken of the ears during this consultation.
What Type Of Anesthesia Will I Receive For My Otoplasty Procedure?
In children, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. In adults, the otoplasty operation is performed either under local or twilight anesthesia.
How Is The Otoplasty Surgery Performed?
The otoplasty operation uses an incision located in the crease behind the ear. Your Jacksonville cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Phillip Garcia, does not make any incisions in the front of the ear during otoplasty surgery. The incision is usually not visible, and there are never any incisions in front of the ear. The cosmetic ear surgery uses a combination of sutures to place the ear closer to the scalp, as well as to create ear folds that are absent. Absorbable sutures are used to close the skin behind the ear.
How Long Is The Surgery For Otoplasty?
Although the surgery duration may vary from patient to patient, otoplasty typically takes about two to three hours to complete.
Will I
The incisions required for the otoplasty procedure will cause very small subtle scars that will be well concealed behind the ears.
What Should I Expect Of The Recovery After My Otoplasty Procedure?
After otoplasty surgery, patients wear a headband that keeps the ears in place 24 hours a day for three weeks. After the initial three weeks, patients only need to wear the headband at night for another three weeks. There is usually no pain after otoplasty surgery, and we do not use drains after the operation. The absorbable sutures are usually removed at about two weeks after surgery.
How Much Time Should I Plan To Take Off From Work After My Otoplasty Procedure?
It typically takes an average of five to seven days before patients may return to work, school or other normal activities.
How Soon After My Otoplasty Procedure Will I Be Able To Exercise?
Patients can resume normal athletic activity at two weeks after otoplasty surgery.
Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery is the leading facial plastic surgery center on the First Coast. As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, specializing solely in cosmetic facial procedures, Dr. Phillip Garcia provides his North Florida patients with exceptional skills and results that last. For more information on otoplasty or to schedule a consultation at our convenient location in Jacksonville (Town Center), please contact us today.
