San Diego Ear Surgery

ear surgery galleryEar reshaping, ear pinning or otoplasty surgery is a wonderful operation to treat prominent or misshapen ears. This is most commonly performed in children or adolescents in an attempt to limit the teasing that they may endure as a result of this issue. Ear size and shape can be adjusted to fit the patients facial dimensions as well as match the opposite ear if the condition is only one sided. Our San Diego patients can undergo ear surgery, or otoplasty, at our La Jolla area office as an outpatient; following surgery, they can return home where they should rest for a few days.

There are a number of reasons why an ear fails to fully develop or develops with what is considered to be a cosmetic deformity. This can occur on both ears or not uncommonly on one side alone. This issue is a continuum from almost unnoticeable asymmetry to the complete lack of external ear formation. The specific problem will dictate which surgery is required to correct the deformity. This can range from adding cartilage to a poorly formed ear to removing excess cartilage from a prominent ear. Most commonly prominent ears are “pinned” closer to the head to make them less noticeable and patients less self conscious about them. The majority of patients want their ears to “just go away” and not be something that anyone takes note of.

Ear Reshaping Surgery

Otoplasty surgery is performed under a local or general anesthetic depending upon the severity of the condition as well as the comfort level of the patient. The correction of prominent ears begins with a small incision made behind the ear. The ear cartilage is then manipulated and folded in a manner to restore a normal anatomic appearance. This is accomplished using sutures and/or weakening of the cartilage itself. Dissolvable sutures are placed behind the ear followed by a protective head dressing to help maintain the new position of the ears.

Otoplasty Recovery and Results

Our San Diego ear surgery patients are seen in the office the next day for a routine check where the dressings are removed. Pain is well controlled with the prescription pain medication given before surgery. The changes are immediately apparent and there is traditionally very little bruising or swelling. Patients can almost instantaneously no longer be self conscious about a condition that has bothered them their entire lives. For the first few weeks following surgery, patients wear a soft headband at night to ensure there is no tendency for the cartilage to return to its original position. Final results are evident by two months after surgery, and any scarring is hidden behind or in the fold of the ears.

Tab Case Breastaug Img

WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR

Ear Surgery

Length:
2-3 hours

Anesthesia:
General anesthesia (occasionally local anesthetic with IV sedation)

In/Outpatient:
Outpatient

Side Effects:
Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain

Risks:
Pain, bleeding, infection, incomplete improvement, recurrence

Recovery:
Back to work with makeup: 1 week
More strenuous activity: 2 – 3 weeks

Final Appearance:
1 – 2 months for swelling to completely resolve

Duration of Results:
Permanent

Ear Surgery Prices

Although the cost of ear surgery varies depending on the patient’s unique condition, it typically costs between $4,500 and $5,500.

San Diego Ear Surgery Consults

If you feel that you may be a candidate for otoplasty , contact our San Diego office to schedule an ear reshaping surgery consultation with Dr. Marin.

From Our Blog

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) to Narrow a Wide Nose

May 15, 2013

Facial features should be well-balanced between the eyes, nose, and mouth. For the most pleasing facial appearance, one particular feature should not overwhelm the other two. Unfortunately, a nose that is too wide, either at the base or the bridge, can make the face look out of proper proportion. Dr. Vincent Marin is skilled at [...]

Rhinoplasty to Alleviate Allergies

April 30, 2013

It happens every spring. Flowers and plants are in full bloom, and pollen is in the air. Along with that come your stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and sinus pain. If there happens to be a particularly high pollen count, you are even more miserable, sometimes for days or weeks on end. Or perhaps [...]

When to Wear Glasses after Rhinoplasty

April 8, 2013

Did you just go through a rhinoplasty surgery and wondering when you can start wearing your glasses again? Giving without your glasses may be inconvenient for some patients, but it’s important to make sure your nose has enough time to heal properly. Here are a few tips from Dr. Vincent Marin regarding glasses and rhinoplasty. [...]

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Costs and Financing

March 20, 2013

It is often said that the eyes are the mirror to the soul. However, as we get older, we may not like some of the other things our eyes are telling people. Sagging eyelids, bags under the eyes, or even dark circles can all be remedied with blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) surgery. This is usually a [...]

Rhinoplasty for Deviated Septum

March 13, 2013

At our San Diego practice, Marin Aesthetics, Dr. Vincent Marin performs the septoplasty procedure to correct a deviated septum. Read on to learn about the problems caused by a deviated septum, and how surgery can relieve patients of these symptoms. What Is a Deviated Septum? The septum is the wall that divides the two nostrils [...]

Contact Us

Call 858.356.5187 or complete this form and someone from our office will get back to you.

Follow Us

Marin Aesthetics
Dr. Vince Marin

1431 Camino Del Mar
San Diego, CA 92014

Phone: 858.356.5187
Toll Free: 888.638.9894
Fax: 858.551.9071

Dr. Marin provides plastic surgery services to the entire San Diego County community.

Vincent P Marin, MD, FACS