Conveniently located to serve Indianapolis and Carmel, IN
Otoplasty, also referred to as ear surgery or ear pinning surgery, is the procedure to reshape or reorient the ears. At Chegar Facial Plastic Surgery, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Burke E. Chegar is dedicated to providing our patients with personalized and natural-looking results from their ear surgery in Carmel, IN (near Indianapolis).
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What is Otoplasty Used to Correct?
Ear surgery is commonly performed on individuals who feel self-conscious about protruding, misshapen, or asymmetrical ears. The treatment can address congenital ear deformities or injuries, or simply enhance aesthetics, for a more balanced profile. Usually, the angle between the ear and the head is narrowed, but other changes, such as reducing the size or recreating the natural folds, will also improve the ears’ appearance.
Who is a Good Candidate For Cosmetic Eary Surgery?
Prominent ears sticking out from the side of the head can be a major source of embarrassment for children and adults. This problem has the greatest impact on children starting around age 6 when teasing by peers becomes more prevalent. This can lead to social withdrawal and unnecessary stress, negatively affecting school performance and behavior.
A good candidate for ear correction surgery is someone who is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. Additionally, patients should be free from serious medical conditions that could impair healing and should not have any untreated ear infections or chronic skin conditions affecting the area.
The Otoplasty Procedure
Otoplasty is done under a general anesthetic for young children, but can be completed with a local anesthetic for adults and older teenagers. Incisions are made behind the ear, allowing Dr. Chegar to access and reshape the underlying tissue.
Depending on the specific corrections needed, he may remove excess cartilage, fold or reposition it, and/or secure it with internal dissolvable sutures to create a more proportional appearance. Once the desired contours are achieved, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures that are removed in one week.
Recovering From Ear Plastic Surgery
For the first week of recovery, a bulky dressing is kept over the ears for protection. Sometimes, Dr. Chegar recommends wearing a headband over the ears at night while sleeping for 1-2 months.
Patients can usually return to school or work 7-10 days after surgery, although some bruising and swelling may still be visible for 2-3 weeks. Dr. Chegar recommends avoiding heavy exertion and exercising for two weeks, and absolutely no contact sports or activities that may traumatize the ear for six weeks.
Benefits of Ear Surgery
- Improves ear shape and position
- Reduces prominence of ears that stick out
- Enhances facial balance and symmetry
- Boosts self-confidence
- Helps prevent teasing and social anxiety, especially in children
- Provides long-lasting results
- Quick recovery time, with most patients resuming normal activities within weeks
The Cost of Ear Reshaping Surgery
The price of otoplasty is typically not covered by insurance for adults. Parents are advised to inquire with their insurance provider to see if there is covered benefits for their child. During your consultation, Dr. Chegar can review the expected cost of your ear reshaping surgery in Indianapolis and let you know about the payment options available.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact Chegar Facial Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation for your potential ear surgery in Carmel, Indiana. Dr. Burke E. Chegar can address any questions or concerns, let you know if you’re a good candidate, and provide excellent results!
Ear Surgery FAQs
Will ear surgery affect my hearing?
No, otoplasty only alters the outer structure of the ear and does not impact your ability to hear. The procedure is purely cosmetic and does not interfere with the ear canal or eardrum.
Can otoplasty be done on just one ear?
Yes, ear surgery can be performed on just one ear if only one requires reshaping. However, many patients opt for adjustments to both ears to maintain symmetry.
I had an outstanding experience at Chegar Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Chegar is an amazing surgeon. He is an artist with great communication and listening skills. His staff is absolutely wonderful—they are knowledgeable, very reassuring and always available to answer the many questions I had before and after the surgery. I’m thrilled with the results!