Otoplasty is a type of reconstructive surgery done on the outer ear to reshape it to and improve the ear’s appearance, including correcting deformities.
What is Ear Pinning?
Ear pinning or otopexy, corrects ears that look oversized because of the way they protrude. Ears that stand out more than 2 centimeters from the side of the head or angle at more than 35° are candidates for ear pinning surgery.Â
Around the nation, ear pinning cost is generally around $2500-$4000 for both ears.Â
Why Ear Pinning Surgery Should Be ConsideredÂ
It’s important not to dismiss the anguish people with protruding ears can suffer.
About five percent of the general population have protruding ears. This small number includes Britain’s Prince Charles, who endured considerable bullying as a child from his board school classmates for his protruding ears and extreme shyness. Later, when he was an adult and in the public eye, British cartoonists picked up on his ears. (Now at age 70, and Britain’s longest-serving Prince of Wales, the press has finally let up on him, or at least his ears.)
Ear pinning surgery has very high satisfaction rates. Children and adults, male and female, who have this procedure both report very high satisfaction rates. Many gain self-confidence from their improved appearance and experience a better attitude toward life in general.Â
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost? (Other Ear Procedures)
An otoplasty price rarely exceeds $4000 even for more complex and longer procedures.
Discounts and Payment Plans
Dr. Rochlin offers a 10% discount to military personnel and veterans. We offer a layaway plan for patients who do not have immediate funds. Our standard plans require a nonrefundable $1000 opening deposit and a series of payments for 12 months. We accept Care Credit and United Medical Credit, as well as Visa and Mastercard. Personal checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders are also accepted with a 14-day bank clearance. And yes, we accept cash payments.Â
For more information and to apply for a medical credit card, visit our payment options page.
What Happens During and After Otoplasty Surgery
Otoplasty surgery is performed as outpatient surgery. They can last from one to two hours depending on the procedure. It leaves a thin scar hidden behind the ear and out of sight. It fades with time until it’s barely noticeable.
The ear, or ears, will be bandaged for several days and must not get wet. This means taking showers with a cap or baths – no shampooing! Once the bandages are removed, patients will see an immediate improvement in spite of the ear being red and sore. They will be instructed to wear a supportive headband over their ears at night for up to six weeks to keep them from being pushed forward during sleep.Â
Patients can return to work or school after a few days and go back to normal activities after two weeks.
Many patients will feel numbness around the ears for several weeks and there may be some bruising for a couple of weeks. Once the numbness wears off, there may be some soreness at night.
Complications like infection or bleeding are rare and easily treated. Slight asymmetry is more common due to the way ears heal; perfect symmetry is impossible to achieve. Sometimes there is a recurrence of the ears returning to pre-otoplasty positions and start to stick out again, requiring additional surgery. The most common complication is over-correcting and positioning ears too close to the head.Â
What Causes Large or Protruding Ears?
Large or protruding ears seem to run in families, so genetics plays a part. Here are some other known causes:
- Overdeveloped cartilage in the pinna, which builds up and pushes the pinna outward
- Under-developed pinna cartilage that prevents the outer edge of the ear from folding inward during development and stick out instead
- Injury to the ear
Dr. Rochlin has three offices where she sees patients. Two are in Arizona (Scottsdale and Gilbert), and the third is in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Request an appointment or send an email today to consult with her at any of these locations.
