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Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) San Diego

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces or reshapes or recontours the outer ears to improve them aesthetically and functionally.

Marin Aesthetics is home to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vincent Marin, who has over 20 years of facial plastic surgery experience. He is an expert at creating balanced and beautiful otoplasty results.

Cost & Financing

Otoplasty in San Diego costs $5,500 – $7500. The final price may differ depending on the specific technique to be used, the complexity of the surgery, surgeon’s fees, and anesthesia fees. You will get an accurate quotation during your consultation with Dr. Marin.

 

Cash, major credit cards, and personal checks are accepted at Marin Aesthetics. We also have various financing options that can help you with your needs.

Techniques

Otoplasty covers many forms of surgical enhancements for one or both ears. The specific ear problem dictates which surgery is required to correct the deformity.

  • This technique can address uneven or underdeveloped ears by reshaping them or increasing their size.
  • It is usually achieved via a small incision on the back of the ear, which Dr. Marin can use to perform cartilage grafting or reposition existing ear cartilage.
  • Prominent ears can be repositioned with an otoplasty procedure.
  • The conchal bowl will be made less noticeable by either suturing or removing cartilage from the back of the ear.
  • This is designed to help reduce the visibility of the ears when seen from the front.
  • This is a procedure that helps to correct the unfolding of the ears seen when the anti-helix is not properly formed at birth. Internal permanent sutures are used to recreate a fold that was not properly formed surgically.
  • This can help improve the shape of the ear and it is frequently combined with the correction of a prominent ear deformity.
  • This procedure is also performed through a small incision at the back of the ear where it meets the skull.

Issues An Ear Surgery Can Address

Defects of the ears can be either congenital or accidental. For congenital cases, it can range from an unnoticeable asymmetry to a complete lack of formation.

On the other hand, others may experience defects because of blunt trauma or injury of the ear due to car accidents, sports injuries, and animal bites. Some of the most common defects of the ears, which can be treated by ear surgery are the following:

  • Stahl’s Ear Deformity – Pointed ears, like an elf’s ear
  • Cat’s Ear – Edges of the ear are folded forward
  • Lop-Ear – Ear curves are severely inward, like a cup
  • Scroll Ear – Ears are curled forward, like an unread scroll
  • Wildermuth’s Ear – The top ear curve is reversed, bending towards the scalp
  • Microtia – Underdeveloped ears
  • Macrotia – Overly large ears

Before & During the Surgery

Before & During the Procedure

Anesthesia

Otoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the operation. A Scripps Memorial-certified anesthesiologist will provide this.

Your Team

Dr. Vincent Marin will lead a team consisting of an anesthesiologist, a Scrub Tech, and a licensed Registered Nurse.

Surgery Time

An otoplasty takes 1 – 2 hours to finish. More extensive procedures will lengthen the overall surgery time.

What to expect for your

OTOPLASTY (EAR SURGERY)

Length

2 – 3 hours

Anesthesia

General anesthesia (occasionally local anesthetic with IV sedation)

in/outpatient

Outpatient

Duration of Results

Permanent

rISKS

Pain, bleeding, infection, incomplete improvement, recurrence

rECOVERY

Back to work with makeup: 1 week

More strenuous activity: 2 – 3 weeks

SIDE EFFECTS

Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain.

Final APPEARANCE

1 – 2 months for swelling to resolve completely

Without a doubt, I would recommend Dr. Marin and his exceptional staff to my family and friends. Like many women, I had fantasized about having an upgrade in the bra department but did not know who to turn to. Through valued recommendations, I found Dr. Marin and made an apt for consultation. From that first meeting, I felt at ease with his years of experience, approachable nature, medical expertise, and plethora of resources to aid in finding the right fit for me.  He explained everything in length and was aways open to questions. The whole process was seamless with no bruising, complications, and minimal medications. Dr. Marin and his staff could not have done a better job and are worth every penny to have the perfection he provides!

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Your New Look After Otoplasty

Your ears will settle into their final results after 1 – 2months. Prominent ears will be better positioned and proportioned with your face, significantly improving your appearance. Scars will be well hidden behind your ears. The results of otoplasty surgery are often long-lasting and should be permanent.

Recovery & Scars

You will wake up in a private recovery room with soft, compressive bandages over your ears. These need to stay on for up to 1 – 2 days after surgery, or until your ears stabilize in shape and position. Ear surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you may return home after Dr. Marin clears you to do so.

Full recovery can take up to 2 weeks. This helps ensure proper healing for your ears and prevents damage to your hearing. You may return to work after one week, with Dr. Marin’s permission. In the meantime, it is highly recommended to follow these post-op instructions:

  • Do not wash your hair with shampoo for 2 – 3 days.
  • You will be asked to wear a compressive headband over your ears for 1 – 2 weeks.
  • Sleep on your back with your head elevated for one week, or until bruising and swelling goes down.
  • Avoid strenuous activities or exercises for 2 – 4 weeks.
  • Avoid submerging your ears in water for 3 – 4 weeks.
  • You may prefer to wear a soft headband for one month, especially when sleeping. This helps prevent the inadvertent bending of the ear, which could compromise the early surgical result.