Ear Surgery: Q&A

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I Am Not Happy with Shape and Size of my Ears? (photo)

Hi , I am a male in my mid 40's and have not been happy with shape and size of my ears for some time - will otoplasty be successful at my age and what is the likely cost ? thanks

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by westernway

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (4)

Otoplasty for patient in their 40's

An otoplasty can be performed when a patient is in their 40s to reduce the projection of the ears. It will not alter the size of the ears. The cost of an otoplasty is around $4,200 which includes the operating room and surgeon’s fee for performing the procedure. Most otoplasty surgery is done under local anesthesia. An additional fee of around $600 is required if the patients desire general anesthesia.

Not Happy with Shape and Size of Ears?

Thank you for the question and pictures. It will be important for you to specifically define what it is about your years that you do not like. Keep in mind, that otoplasty surgery is designed to set the ears further back towards the scalp. It is not clear to me, based on your photographs, that your ears sit too far forward in relation to your scalp. Your photo does demonstrate a somewhat underdeveloped anti-helical fold area; this can be corrected surgically, if that... more

Otoplasty for Adults

I can see by your photos that there is some asymmetry with your ears. Otoplasty can correct your areas of concern, but no two ears will every be exactly the same. Otoplasty can be done with IV sedation, which is a bit more costly but also more comfortable for the patients, or the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. There are many different ways that plastic surgeons to perform otoplasy, so make sure you pick an experienced doctor. I've provided some additional information... more

Philip Young, MD

6 reviews

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Otoplasty for large ears.

Your ears after an otoplasty will be closer to your head and the shape can be made more symmetric but not perfectly the same. The cost varies by the amount of time it takes.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Otoplasty works well in adults

Otoplasty is often a procedure performed in children but adults can benefit from this surgery also. From your photo, I am guessing that the top of your ears protrude a bit more than you would like. This procedure is fairly easy, from a patient's standpoint. Most often, with adults, it is performed in the office under local anesthetic. The cost will vary depending on where you live but a ballpark figure for both ears would be $3,000.

Ear Asymmetry??

Yes, there is a difference between your right and left ears but, tear asymmetry can be common. Consider writing down the three things you do not like about your ears. For example, the ear lobule on the right does not look like the left. Then, take your concerns to a plastic surgeon to address. Yes, most likely something can be done but, make sure your concerns are addressed with your surgery/ surgeon. Best, Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

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Comments (4)

westernway
6 months ago

William , I understand regarding your comments - but my ears don't stick out that much , it is the size and shape that I don't like and that was what I was hoping could be altered - some people have said it can others not , what do you say ? thanks

westernway
7 months ago

Dr Tom Pousti , you are correct in your thoughts - my ears do not "stick out" that much (right more than left) and the major concern that I would like to correct is that the upper section of the ear is large and appears out of balance to the lower area - this is much more apparent on the right ear which in general is larger and more pronounced than the left ear , Really if the right ear could be made to look and lie in a similar fashion to the left that would be acceptable - is this a possibility ? thanks

westernway
7 months ago

thanks for the comments - my main aim would be to slighty reduce the size of the top part of the ear and attempt to make the ears look more alike - I forgot to add when I was about 5 or 6 , I had a accident where I damaged/tore my right hand ear and had to have hospital treatment to repair it - but can't remember much about it

SarahP (Community Manager)
7 months ago

Hi There,

Here's a link to the average cost of Ear Surgery reported by our community members.

Hopefully this helps!

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