Ear Surgery

For ears that are large, misshapen, or that protrude prominently from the head, otoplasty (ear) surgery may be a solution to restore a normal appearance. Our otoplasty surgery is performed on both children and adults to improve self-confidence and achieve facial balance.

A Self-Image Boosting Procedure for Kids and Adults

Although this surgery is available to adults, most patients who undergo otoplasty are children, as this is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures for them. This procedure is performed on children as young as four years old, as the ears are usually fully developed at this age. An otoplasty, while children are still young, can alleviate any self-consciousness and teasing that may occur later in life due to large or protruding ears.

What is Otoplasty Surgery?

Otoplasty is typically performed for three main reasons:

To set prominent ears closer to the head
To reduce the size of large ears
To correct misshapen or deformed ears

Results

Children especially are very happy after their ear surgery. We see a big difference in their self-image, as many of them have experienced teasing for prominent ears. They no longer feel the need to hide their ears, and are excited about their new appearance. Because of these reasons, Dr. Stephens finds this procedure very rewarding.

Otoplasty Surgical Details

Otoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately two hours. During the procedure, the techniques that Dr. Stephens will use depend on the individual surgery. Incisions are made carefully and with minimal scarring in mind, usually behind the ear or hidden within the natural folds of the ear.

From there, Dr. Stephens will either access the underlying cartilage to correct the shape of the ear or place permanent sutures within the ear to pin them closer to the head, depending on the type of otoplasty being performed. For children, the best time to undergo otoplasty is the summer, as school is out and they can recover properly at home without missing school days.

What is Recovery Like?

Recovery from otoplasty takes about one week, with minimal discomfort which can be controlled with medication that will be prescribed to you by Dr. Stephens. You will be advised on how to care for your incision sites as well as when your bandages will be able to be removed and other post-surgical information.

As all patients heal at different speeds, Dr. Stephens will inform you when you can return to school, work, and normal activities. Special care should be taken during sleep to avoid putting pressure on the ears in order to protect them as they heal.

Regarding children, they will need to wear a bandage for the first 24 hours to keep the sutures in place. After that, they won’t need to wear bandages at all during recovery.

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Adults who are interested in otoplasty should be generally healthy with no contraindicating medical conditions and who have realistic cosmetic goals and expectations.
Children undergoing otoplasty should have the ability to follow directions, cooperate in a doctor’s chair, and follow the aftercare instructions. Child patients must have fully developed ears. 6-7 are the most common ages.

Surgery for Large or Prominent Ears

Cost of Ear Surgery

Embarking on the journey towards refined and harmonious ears is made transparent and accessible at Stephens Plastic Surgery as the cost falls within the range of $5,760 to $7,185. Ear surgery, often sought for cosmetic or corrective reasons, is tailored to enhance the natural aesthetics of the ears. Understanding that such enhancements may involve financial considerations, Stephens Plastic Surgery extends financing options to ensure flexibility for individuals pursuing this procedure. This commitment to affordability and accessibility underscores their dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions that cater to the unique needs and desires of each patient, fostering a positive and satisfying experience throughout the transformative process.

Learn More About Financing Options

Earlobe Repair

In addition to ear surgery for prominent or protruding ears, Dr. Stephens also performs earlobe repair for adults. Earlobe repair can be sought out by those whose earlobes have become elongated, split, stretched out, or damaged by:

Large or heavy earrings
Gauges or plugs
Multiple piercings
Accidents such as an earring being torn out

Dr. Stephens can repair and reconstruct the earlobe in a procedure that is typically done under local anesthetic. While some cases are more difficult than others and may even require general anesthesia and leave scars behind, we welcome you to contact us if you’re interested in earlobe repair.

Why Choose Dr. Stephens?

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. J. Anthony Stephens is board certified in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, putting him alongside worldwide leaders in cosmetic face, body, breast, and reconstructive surgery. His practice, Stephens Plastic Surgery + Skincare Aesthetics of Baton Rouge, is known for delivering the highest quality plastic surgery and exceeding patient expectations.

With an on-site operating facility and the latest equipment, you can be sure that the procedure, whether for you or your child, will be safe and comfortable. In addition to Dr. Stephens and his surgical team, we have a full-time, board-certified anesthesiologist on staff to further ensure the safety of the operation. Our staff is personable and always has your best interest at heart, and we are educators, advocates, and real people just like you. Contact Dr. J. Anthony Stephens today to schedule a consultation and find out how otoplasty surgery can restore facial balance and improve self-confidence.