Ear surgery - Otoplasty

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to help people who feel their ears are too large or protrude. By reshaping the cartilage inside the ear, a qualified plastic surgeon can pull the ears back closer to the head or resize them to be more symmetrical or shapely. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, though in complex cases an overnight hospital stay may be necessary. While the following information represents a general overview of the procedure, otoplasty is a very individualized surgery, and anyone considering it should consult a board certified physician before making a decision for surgery.

Costs related to performing ear surgery can vary depending on the location of the doctor, technique used and difficulty of the procedure to be performed. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the average surgeons' fees for otoplasty in the United States ranged from $2200 to $3100 depending on the region. These fees do not include such added costs as operating rooms, hospital stay (if necessary), anesthesia, etc. Health insurance plans do not generally cover ear surgery except in cases where it is performed as the result of an injury.

Who gets Otoplasty

Ear surgery is typically performed on children between the ages of four and fourteen years old. In general, it is felt that by performing this procedure at such an early age, a child can be spared unwanted teasing, ridicule and resulting psychological trauma. There are, however, no additional risks to older patients, and adults have been known to have the procedure performed. Particularly when a cosmetic procedure involves a child, it is important that the patient has a realistic understanding of the intended results of the ear surgery and has a positive attitude toward it.