Otoplasty- Outstanding Experience

Short version:
If you are specifically thinking of getting otoplasty and have the means, DO IT. It was so so easy, and that little change made a big impact on my life.
If you are considering any facial surgery, Dr. Schmidt should be your choice. He, Kaitin and Kristina are nothing short of exemplary. You will not be disappointed. How he made my ears so perfectly even, I'll never know. It was a five star experience from beginning to end.

Small example: I have to drive pretty far to get to the office and got stuck in Denver traffic, accidents left and right. There was no way I was going to make my followup appointment in time, and I was their last one for the day. I called and was told, "Don't worry, take it slow, we will stay and wait for you." Then Kaitlin stayed on the phone with me the whole time, guiding me through the traffic on her computer to find the best way there. Instant friend! She was wonderful, keeping me company while I was completely gridlocked. What a stellar human! And what a fantastic representation of that office.

Long version:
I have always wanted my ears pinned, as far back as I can remember, but the thought of surgery near my face (honestly any surgery at all) was frightening. In a sudden bought of courage, I started researching and calling offices. I was immediately impressed with Dr. Schmidt's office- Kristina was so prompt in responding and answering my many questions. I went to their office for an initial consult and knew they would be my choice immediately.
Kaitlin and Kristina are gems and really made a difference in a very new and uneasy situation for me. The office is clean and comfortable, and most important, Dr. Schmidt is what I wish every doctor could be: He is kind, personable, confident and I never felt rushed. He seemed the youngest out of my many choices of plastic surgeons out there in my area (which I see as a plus- many older doctors don't want to change with newer innovations and procedures) but you'd never know it. He was extremely professional and the work he did on my ears was nothing short of incredible. I can also appreciate he was personable and fun and didn't have that stiff aura like many doctors seem to exude. He technically is fairly far from where I live, over 60 miles away, and I passed many closer doctors to go to him. And I would again in a second.
I opted for the surgery under local anesthesia and was awake for the whole thing. I was extremely nervous about that part, but to my surprise, it was so painless and easy I was frustrated with my self that I didn't do it sooner. Seriously, SO EASY. Dr. Schmidt made small talk, worked quickly and deftly, and I was done in no time. I was so comfortable, at one point I almost fell asleep.
As for aftercare, I had my ears wrapped for the rest of the day and night. Yes, when the local wore off, my ears hurt pretty badly. But I'd say the initial "serious" pain lasted maybe 24 hours. The office answered my questions I had even emailed that night when I got home and called the next day to see how I was doing.
I had to have my ears wrapped for a while, which I didn't mind. Hardest part was not turning on your side when sleeping. My best advice is sleeping in a recliner and having one of those U-shaped traveling pillows. I was extra cautious and wore a headband while sleeping for a few months.
The scars healed quickly. As most say, your ears will be much closer to your head in the beginning, and eventually move a little further out as time passes.
For me, they hurt (a dull pain) for longer than expected, they feel kind of stiff and thick for quite a while. But I'd say, at about the five month mark, it just feels like your regular ears.
As for how the surgery affected me- It changed my world. Seriously. That little improvement, knowing my ears weren't sticking out and being a constant distraction in my mind, gave me such relief. Did other people care about my ears sticking out? I don't know. But the personal boost it gave me was everything. Personally, I feel I now look more serious and less juvenile. It was a huge boost in confidence and a much needed respite on my mental load.