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Otoplasty in New Jersey

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that includes the reduction of the ears and the removal of surplus cartilage. The purpose of this reconstructive surgery is to shape both (or one) of the patient’s ears to a more desirable contour and position. This is achieved via the removal of excess skin, resulting in a smaller and more natural appearance.

Most often, patients who undergo otoplasty procedures are those who are born with protruding ears or a lop ear.

Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Gordon Kaplan, performs otoplasty under sedation or general anesthesia with privileges at Hackensack University Medical Center, Holy Name Hospital, Lennox Hill Hospital, or Park Avenue Plastic Surgery Center.

Get in touch to book an otoplasty consultation, or read on to learn more about the procedure.

Otoplasty Benefits

Some of the benefits of otoplasty include:

  • Correction of prominent ears or unfolded helix
  • A boost in self-confidence
  • Improved facial and ear symmetry

Otoplasty Results

The results of otoplasty are visible almost immediately following surgery, once the dressings are removed. This is especially so in patients with protruding or enlarged ears.

An otoplasty procedure offers permanent results and, as the ears are pinned closer to the head, any scars are well hidden behind the natural fold of the patient’s ear.

Results will improve further as post-surgery swelling fades over the course of a few weeks.

Ideal Candidates For Otoplasty

You may want to consider otoplasty if you match any of the following:

  • You wish to pin back protruding or prominent ears (known as ear pinning)
  • You wish to resolve an ear symmetry imbalance
  • You have excess skin or cartilage behind the ear
  • You have an ear deformity caused by an accident or trauma
  • You wish to correct the results of a previous otoplasty

A good candidate for Otoplasty is anyone born with prominent or protruding ears. Other candidates could include patients who might have had otoplasty in the past and are unhappy with the result. Though this procedure should not have to be performed twice, our experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Gordon Kaplan, specializes in otoplasty revision surgery.

Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll usually go home on the same day as your surgical procedure.

The exact steps of your surgery will depends on your individual circumstances, but usually we will:

  • Remove any excess skin from behind the ear
  • Manipulate the ear cartilage to “pin” the patient’s ear back to a more normal contour
  • Add permanent sutures to make the desired shape of the ears according to the patient’s preferences

Ear surgery usually takes two hours, depending on the complexity of the patient’s anatomy.

Otoplasty Recovery

Dressings will be applied, then removed at your first post-procedure follow-up appointment.

Throughout the healing process, patients may experience slight swelling, redness, or tenderness. However, most patients return to normal activity within the first week following surgery.

We may advise on adjustments to your usual sleeping positions during the early stages of recovery as this can impact healing.

Otoplasty Cost

Everyone is different and requires tailored approaches, so we cannot provide an exact price for ear surgery. However, if you come in for a consultation, we’ll conduct a full assessment of your ears and discuss your surgical goals, before providing a bespoke quote and plan.

Why Choose Dr Kaplan?

  • Dr Kaplan is specialist in facial plastic surgery.
  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with 20+ years of experience.
  • Flexible financing plans to suit your budget, including 0% and low-interest options.
  • Offices in New Jersey and New York to suit you.

Schedule A Consultation

If you’re interested in moving ahead with blepharoplasty, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr Kaplan. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, medical history, our recommended approach, costs, and any questions you may have.

To book an initial consultation, please get in touch through any of the following methods:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it painful?

You will not feel any pain during the process. For this cosmetic ear surgery to be performed, local or general anesthesia is applied to numb the ears during the procedure.

There is very little discomfort associated with otoplasty surgery. The relatively small pain after surgery is easily controlled with medication.

Swelling and bruising can be expected, so the ears may feel tender for several weeks.

Can I wash my hair after otoplasty?

Yes, you can wash your hair when you get back home, however, it’s a good idea to give your hair a gentle wash with a soft washcloth and a mild shampoo. If you want to avoid using too much water, you can also use a wet towel or shower cap.

At what age can an otoplasty procedure be performed?

Both children and adults can have otoplasty performed, although it’s worth noting it is not suitable for those under the age of 5, as the child’s ears are still growing.

The procedure is very common among teenagers and young adults.