Thinking About Ear Surgery?
This page contains all the information you need to make an informed decision to start your otoplasty journey. Conveniently located in Jacksonville, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Phillip Garcia, offers ear surgery for patients in Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Lakeside and nearby areas in North Florida.
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What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a cosmetic surgery that improves the appearance of the ears. It is typically performed to reshape or reposition the ears to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing look. Otoplasty is an ideal treatment for correcting ears that are disproportionately large or protrude outward from the head. It can also be used to address other ear abnormalities, such as cupped or folded ears, as well as to correct damage caused by injury or trauma.
1HOW IS EAR SURGERY PERFORMED?
The otoplasty operation uses an incision located in the crease behind the ear. Dr. Garcia does not make any incisions in the front of the ear during otoplasty surgery. This means that the incisions are discreet and often go completely unnoticed. Through these incisions, Dr. Garcia uses a combination of sutures to place the ear closer to the scalp and correct other cosmetic concerns. Finally, absorbable sutures are used to close the skin behind the ear.
2AT WHAT AGE CAN YOU GET OTOPLASTY?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can be performed on both children and adults to correct ear-related aesthetic and functional issues. However, it is often recommended that the surgery is done as early as possible, particularly in children with large or protruding ears, to avoid potential bullying and teasing from peers. Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as six years old, and is often recommended in younger patients because their cartilage is more pliable during early childhood.
What Can Otoplasty Accomplish?
Otoplasty can accomplish a variety of goals related to the appearance and function of the ears. Some of the most common issues that can be addressed with otoplasty include:
- Protruding ears, creating a more natural and proportional appearance.
- Large or uneven ears, making them more symmetrical
- Abnormally shaped ears, such as cupped or folded ears
- Ear damage, such as that caused by injury, trauma, or previous surgery.
- Functionality issues, such as hearing problems caused by abnormal ear structure
Are You a Candidate for an Ear Surgery?
The best candidates for ear surgery are typically:
- At least 6 years old
- Healthy individuals with no serious medical conditions
- Non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for a period of time
- Individuals who have realistic expectations for the procedure and understand the potential risks and benefits
- Individuals who have are struggling with the appearance of large, uneven or abnormally shaped ears
Why Choose Dr Garcia?
Dr. Garcia has focused expertise in performing surgery on the face. As an educator, he has published numerous papers and has presented several research topics at international events. As a doctor, he is a frontrunner in the advancement of facial plastic surgery in Jacksonville.
Dr. Garcia’s certifications with the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, as well as his advances in the field of facial plastic surgery have contributed to him being North Florida’s premier facial plastic surgeon since 2001. Read a selection of patient reviews for Dr. Phillip Garcia.
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Frequently Asked Otoplasty Questions
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost In Jacksonville?
The average cost of ear surgery varies from one community to the other with some small variations. Factors such as the facility where the ear surgery will be performed and the type of anesthesia used will influence the final cost of the surgery. Jacksonville otoplasty varies in price range according to these factors. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery makes facial surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. Our office provides a wide array of payment options, including easy financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for ear surgery and other procedures.
Is Otoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Otoplasty may in some cases be covered by health insurance. We recommend that you check with your insurance carrier to determine your eligibility for coverage.
How Do I Prepare For My Ear Surgery?
We will provide all of your preoperative and postoperative instructions prior to your ear surgery. We will ask you to stop certain vitamins, herbs and medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen, among others. Otoplasty recovery is shortened if patients follow our very specific instructions.
Where Will My Ear Surgery Be Performed?
We perform our ear surgery procedures in our state-accredited operating room under the anesthesia care of board-certified anesthesiologists.
What Can I Expect During Otoplasty?
When performing otoplasty, the type of anesthesia used can differ based on the age of the patient. Children typically undergo the procedure under general anesthesia, while adults may receive local or twilight anesthesia. The incision for the otoplasty procedure is typically made in the crease located behind the ear. Dr. Garcia will never make any incisions in the front of the ear during otoplasty surgery. This means that the incision is usually not visible. During the procedure, a combination of sutures is used to bring the ear closer to the head and correct other abnormalities. Afterward, absorbable sutures are used to close the skin behind the ear.
What Is Recovery From Otoplasty Like?
Following otoplasty surgery, patients will need to wear a headband to keep their ears in place for three weeks, 24 hours a day. After the initial three weeks, patients will only need to wear the headband at night for another three weeks. Typically, patients do not experience any significant pain after the procedure, and drains are not used. The absorbable sutures used during the surgery will be removed approximately two weeks after the procedure. Patients can generally return to their normal daily activities, including work or school, within five to seven days. Athletic activities can resume about two weeks after otoplasty surgery, with special care to avoid contact sports and other activities that could cause injury to the ears for approximately two months.
