Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in
New Jersey

Ear surgery, also called Otoplasty, can enhance the ears’ shape, proportion, or position. Some patients have defects in the appearance of the outer ear that were there at birth or became clear during puberty or early adulthood.

Ear Surgery also may treat ears that were misshapen or deformed by injury. This procedure can provide a more pleasing shape and offer proportion and balance to your ears and face. Correcting even a minor imperfection can substantially benefit how you look and your self-confidence.

If having protruding or misshapen ears has always bothered you, otoplasty could be the solution.

Ear surgery can treat these conditions:

• Ears that are too large, which is called macrotia
• Protruding ears on one or both sides
• General dissatisfaction with earlier ear surgery

There are several types of ear surgery. Which is best for you depends on your anatomy and the opinion of your surgeon:

Ear Pinning

This is what is referred to as otoplasty. It focuses on correcting ears that stip out too much and improving symmetry. This procedure is done by reshaping the ear cartilage and may include taking out extra cartilage and loose skin.

After the surgery is finished, the surgeon will reposition the ears, so they are closer to your head. The goal is to make the ears less prominent and more balanced with your face and head.

earFold

This procedure corrects ears that protrude. This improves the ears’ shape and overall appearance

This is a minimally-invasive option that can be appropriate for patients who need minor alterations to their ear size or shape.

Earlobe Surgery

This procedure is done on earlobes to improve their appearance if they are torn, pierced, or otherwise experienced trauma that damaged how they look.

For example, some patients gauged their ears at a younger age, which put a large hole in the center of the earlobe by stretching the tissue.

Earlobe Reduction

This procedure helps ears that are too long and sagging. This problem can be from genetics or part of the aging process. Earlobe reduction surgery is a good choice if you find the earlobe tissue unattractive.

Do you think you need otoplasty or a related ear surgery? Ideal candidates for this procedure are:

At Least Five

By the time a child is five, the outside of the ear is near its adult size. At this time, the child could be a good candidate for ear surgery.

If you have noticed your child’s ears may be too large or small, then you may consider this procedure after age five. But don’t do it before then because the ears are still developing.

No More Than 65

Most surgeons don’t take patients who are more than 65. This is because being in good health is essential to a successful recovery.

But if you are over 65 and still in good health, the surgeon may approve you for ear surgery. It’s important that you don’t have serious medical problems, eat healthy, and exercise.

Not Smokers

The best candidate for this procedure is someone who doesn’t smoke. If you smoke, you cannot smoke or consume tobacco for at least six weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking can interfere with the healing process.

You also should not vape because having nicotine in your system increases the blood pressure.

In Good Health

As with any plastic surgery, you need to be healthy, especially the heart and lungs. This ensures that it’s safe to put you under general anesthesia.

The surgeon may have an EKG or X-ray done to see how healthy your heart is, especially in your 60s.

Have Reasonable Expectations

You can be an ideal candidate in every respect, but it’s essential to have realistic expectations. The procedure can make a big difference in how you look, but you might not be satisfied if you are overly concerned with your appearance.

Ear surgery, like other procedures, has risks. All surgeries have a risk of excessive bleeding, infection, and an allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Specific risks associated with ear surgery are:

• Scarring: The scars are usually hidden by the ears or in the ear creases, but excessive scarring may require additional surgery.
• Asymmetry: The surgeon will try to make the ears match each other, but not every surgery can correct asymmetry.
• Skin sensation changes: The ears may be repositioned during surgery, so there may be temporary changes in sensation.
• Issues with stitches: Stitches that keep the ears in place may come to the surface and need removal. This can cause inflammation and additional surgery may be needed.
• Overcorrection: If too much correction is done, the ears may look too close to the head or be pinned back.

The cost of otoplasty, or ear surgery, can vary depending on several factors. Factors that may influence the cost include the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and reputation, the geographic location of the clinic or hospital, and additional expenses such as anesthesia and post-operative care.

On average, the cost of otoplasty in the United States ranges from $3,000 to $8,000. It’s essential for individuals considering this procedure to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to get a personalized quote and to discuss payment options or potential insurance coverage, as some medical insurance policies may cover otoplasty if it is deemed medically necessary to correct functional issues related to the ears.