Otoplasty

The position and size of the ears can change the overall proportions of an otherwise balanced face. If the ears are large or prominent, they can be corrected with a surgery called otoplasty. At Texas Liposuction Specialty Clinic, you will be under the care of plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Payne, who brings years of craniofacial training and practice to every otoplasty he performs in Houston, TX. 

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure used to alter the shape, size or position of the ears. Even a few millimeters of repositioning can change how balanced the face appears. Dr. Eric Payne performs otoplasty for both adults and children. He has fellowship training in craniofacial and reconstructive plastic surgery and has detailed knowledge of the ear’s complex cartilage framework. 

What Otoplasty Can Correct

Protruding or Prominent Ears

Ears that extend more than around two centimeters from the side of the head are typically considered prominent. This can be caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold (the inner cartilage ridge that helps the ear lie flat) or an overly deep concha (the bowl-shaped area closest to the ear canal). Otoplasty reshapes cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head. 

Ear Asymmetry

Most people have some natural asymmetry in the shape or size of their ears, but when the difference is more noticeable, some people seek otoplasty. This surgery can adjust one or both ears to make the appearance more even. These adjustments may be made to the size, shape, projection or angle of the ears. 

Overly Large Ears (Macrotia)

Macrotia refers to ears that are disproportionately large for the patient’s head and facial features. This is different from prominent ears, which are often average in size but project outward. Ear reduction removes a wedge of cartilage and skin to make the ear smaller.  

Misshapen or Underdeveloped Ears

Some patients are born with ears that have an unusual shape, such as a pointed tip (Stahl’s ear), a folded-over upper rim (lop ear) or a cupped appearance. These result from irregular cartilage development during fetal growth. Dr. Payne’s craniofacial fellowship gives him experience in reshaping complex cartilage structures, which require a different surgical approach than standard ear pinning. 

Ear Deformities From Injury or Birth Defects

Trauma from accidents or sports can cause conditions like cauliflower ear that can permanently alter the shape of the ears. Certain congenital conditions, like microtia or an underdeveloped outer ear, can also be improved with this surgery. 

Types of Otoplasty

• Ear Pinning: Ear pinning is the most common type of otoplasty. It is used to change the position of the ears by reducing conchal depth and reshaping the antihelical fold. 
• Ear Reduction: Ear reduction removes a section of cartilage to create a smaller shape, using incisions that follow the ear’s natural contours.
• Ear Augmentation: This is performed when the ears are small or underdeveloped, often increasing the outer portion of the ear called the auricle. 
• Ear Reshaping and Reconstruction: Reshaping corrects structural irregularities like pointed tips or constricted ears.
• Ear Molding: Ear molding is an incisionless procedure that can only be performed on newborns who have ear cartilage that is soft and moldable.  

How Young Can an Otoplasty Patient Be?

Children can undergo otoplasty once their ear cartilage has matured. This usually happens around age 5 or 6. By this point, the ears have reached about 90% of their adult size, and the cartilage is firm enough to support the reshaping. Operating at this age also allows for the procedure to occur before school starts.  

What Happens During Otoplasty

Anesthesia

Often, adults and teens can have this surgery under local anesthesia with sedation. Younger children usually require general anesthesia so they can stay still and comfortable throughout the surgery. Dr. Payne will discuss which option is best during the consultation. 

The Surgical Process

During this surgery, Dr. Payne will make an incision in the natural crease behind the ear where the scar can stay hidden. Through this incision, he can reshape the cartilage. During an ear pinning procedure, he will score or fold the cartilage to create a more refined antihelical fold and then place permanent sutures to hold the ear in place. During a reduction, he removes cartilage and skin before sculpting the remaining tissues. Sometimes, cartilage grafts are needed to build up underdeveloped areas. 

Closing and Bandaging

Once the changes have been made, Dr. Payne closes the incisions with sutures and places a soft, padded bandage around the head to protect the ears and keep the swelling down. This bandage will need to be worn for several days after the surgery. 

Preparing for Ear Surgery

Every surgery is different, which means your pre-op instructions will be unique to you. You can expect some common pre-surgical steps that include:

• Avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements
• Quitting all nicotine products to avoid restricting blood flow to healing tissues
• Arranging transportation after your surgery
• Preparing your recovery space before surgery day, including food and medications
• Wearing button-down or zip-up clothing to avoid pulling a shirt over your head
• Following all instructions regarding food and drink before the surgery 

Otoplasty Before and After Photos

You can visit our online otoplasty gallery to see more patient results from Dr. Payne. These images show everything from ear pinning to reshaping, so you can visualize what may be possible for your ears. 
View Otoplasty Post Op Instructions

Otoplasty Recovery

The First Week

Swelling and discomfort are normal during the first few days, and there will be some bruising in the surgical area. You can manage pain and soreness with pain medications, and cold compresses can be used to minimize swelling. Keep your bandage on and follow all of Dr. Payne’s instructions for incision care. When you rest, sleep with your head elevated on two or three pillows and avoid sleeping on your side. Pressure on the ears can cause discomfort and keep them from healing as effectively. 

Weeks Two Through Four

After Dr. Payne removes the bandage and any stitches at the end of the first week, you can transition to wearing a soft headband to protect your ears. You will still have some swelling during this healing stage, and the ears will begin settling into their final position. As healing progresses, you can gradually increase your activity. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe to reintroduce workouts or other more intense activities. 

Long-Term Recovery

Residual swelling can still be present for several months after the surgery, and there can be subtle changes during this time as the cartilage and tissues heal. Once fully healed, your ears will feel natural to the touch and keep their new shape. Patients will need to avoid contact sports for at least six weeks and continue to wear a protective headband for five weeks after the surgery.

When Can I Go Back to Work or School?

Most adults will be able to return to desk work within five to seven days. Children can go back to school after the first week, but should skip physical education and playground activities for several more weeks. If a patient has a physically demanding job, Dr. Payne will recommend taking several more weeks off work before resuming their full duties. You will get specific, individualized guidance about activities that are based on your healing progress and the type of surgery performed.  

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Houston?

A typical starting price for otoplasty in Houston is $ 4,000. This varies from case to case because of factors like procedure complexity and anesthesia type. This cost includes the surgeon’s fee, operating room facility fees, pre- and post-operative visits, aftercare supplies and more. We offer transparent pricing and partner with several financing companies to give our patients more options. Anesthesia fees can be an additional cost, depending if you choose general anesthesia.

Is Otoplasty Covered by Insurance?

Otoplasty is considered a cosmetic, elective surgery and is generally not covered by insurance. Insurance usually only covers procedures that are needed to help with medical conditions, such as hearing loss as a result of a deformity. You can reach out to your insurance company to find out more about your policy. 

Why Choose Dr. Eric Payne for Otoplasty in Houston

When seeking a surgeon for a delicate procedure like an otoplasty, you should look for a surgeon who has both the experience to perform a quality surgery and the compassion needed to relate to their patients, whether adults or children. It is also important to consider reviews from past patients. Dr. Eric Payne has experience and cares deeply for his patients. He is:

• Board Certified in Plastic Surgery: Dr. Payne holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which requires years of approved training and ongoing education. 
• Fellowship-Trained in Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery: After his plastic surgery residency, Dr. Payne completed a fellowship in Dallas that focused on the bone and cartilage structures of the face and skull and pediatric plastic surgery.
• Experienced in Reconstructive Surgery: His two-year reconstructive fellowship at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston included microsurgical techniques that allow him to address complex reconstructive needs in adults and children.
• Committed to Personalized Results: Your otoplasty will be planned around your facial proportions and personal goals.

Committed to Philanthropy: Dr. Eric Payne spends vacation time each year traveling to locations around the world, serving people in need through Leap Global Missions.