Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery for the ears. In ear surgery, Dr. Fedele can adjust the size, positioning or shape of your ears.

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About Ear Surgery

Dr. Fedele performs Otoplasty to help make the ears less noticeable, giving both children and adults more confidence in their appearance.

Protruding ears can be a source of embarrassment for children as well as adults. Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head. The surgery is done on children between ages four and fourteen, but it can be done on adults, as well.^[1]

The incisions for this procedure are hidden behind the ear and will fade with time. By scoring the cartilage of the ear and placing permanent sutures, the ear is folded back closer to the head and held in place.

Dr. Gregory Fedele is a Cleveland-area native and a regionally renowned plastic surgeon. He is highly trained in the latest plastic surgery techniques and he is guided by the highest aesthetic ideals of balance and symmetry. Contact us to learn more about our transformative procedures at the Art of Plastic Surgery.

Call (216) 464-1616 to get the conversation started. We also offer Virtual Consultations. 

Before and After Photos

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Benefits

Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure with minimal scarring and long-lasting results. Children who suffer the social stigma of overly large or misshapen ears and adults who have borne the burden of big ears their entire lives can correct the source of their insecurities with a safe and simple surgery. 

Candidates

The potential patient pool for otoplasty is broad. It is an uncomplicated procedure that can be performed on children as young as five years old, depending on when their doctor determines that their ears have stopped growing. Many parents opt for otoplasty if they are able to provide it to their children. Adults seeking ear surgery often had to forego the procedure when they were younger until they could properly pursue it independently as a financially solvent grownup. 

What Is the Best Age for Otoplasty?

Since unbalanced or big ears often appear at a very young age, many otoplasty patients are often (although certainly not exclusively) youngsters. As long as your ears have stopped growing, you may be a qualified candidate for ear surgery.^[2] The window of opportunity opens early, usually after age five. Although, in some cases, the surgery is done as early as age three.  

Meet Dr. Fedele

Dr. Gregory Fedele is an accomplished practitioner of both medicine and aesthetics. He integrates his deep appreciation for beauty into everything he does at his Cleveland-based practice, the Art of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Fedele or one of his knowledgeable and attentive staff will guide you through your initial consultation. As we learn about your medical history and get a deeper appreciation of your aesthetic goals, we will qualify you for ear surgery or an analogous procedure. If you are an eligible candidate, we may provide personalized instructions to prepare for your otoplasty at this time.    

Procedure & Recovery

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or under sedation with local anesthesia as an outpatient at an ambulatory surgery center. Otoplasty takes about two hours and you will spend about two hours in the recovery room.^[3] We will discharge you to go home when we determine you are stable. 

In the first three to four days the ears may throb or ache, but pain medication and head elevation will control this discomfort. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Otoplasty?

Most people are back to school or work in about seven to ten days. You may return to your exercise routine and other physical activities in four to six weeks. Following surgery, patients will need to leave the head wrap in place until removed by the surgeon.^[4] Once the initial wrap is removed, however, patients are usually asked to wear a headband for several weeks to help protect the ears as they heal. Even after you start to feel better, you should continue your doctor’s antibiotics regimen as prescribed. Continue to wear your headband for a month following surgery.

What Results Should I Expect from Ear Surgery? 

Otoplasty patients can look forward to a pair of ears that no longer protrude. Depending on the type of procedure, they may also enjoy improved earlobe size and shape. Dr. Fedele often performs earlobe reconstruction to correct overstretched earlobes due to piercing. Earlobe reconstruction can restore one’s ability to re-pierce the earlobe. Thanks to otoplasty at the Art of Plastic surgery, hundreds of our Cleveland-area clientele now experience ears that are more proportional to their face.

Complementary Facial Procedures

Dr. Fedle’s complete suite of Facial Procedures will restore and enhance your appearance by encouraging aesthetic symmetry to your face. Often, one’s misshapen ears are only the tip of the iceberg. So Dr. Fredle may apply his artistic eye to a whole host of plastic surgery procedures intended to augment every aspect of your looks. 

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

An Eyelid Lift or Blepharoplasty removes the excess skin on your upper and lower eyelids and removes excess fat from around your eyes. The result is a more open, rested appearance to your eyes. Dr. Fedele performs an Eyelid Lift procedure to enhance or improve the appearance of your eyes to give you a more rested youthful look.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty is the clinical name for nose surgery. Dr. Fedele can employ various techniques to reduce the size of an overly large nose or to build up a nose that is too small. He can manipulate the underlying cartilage and bone to change the visible outer characteristics of the patient’s nose. Your options are many, but, thanks to Dr. Fedele’s advanced imaging software, you’ll be able to see what different alterations look like on your face long before any actual surgery is done.

How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in Cleveland?

The cost of your personalized procedure shall depend on the particulars of your case. At your private consultation, our Art of Plastic Surgery team will conduct a brief physical examination and intake interview. We use this information to craft a treatment plan that is tailored to you. We will present your custom course of treatment and quote you an accurate cost at the conclusion of your confidential consultation. Financing options are available to help our patients find a payment plan that is a good fit for their personal circumstances. Our Referral Rewards Program offers additional opportunities to save. Contact us to schedule your confidential consultation at the Art of Plastic Surgery! 

The Sweet Sound of Self-Confidence 

Overly large or aesthetically imbalanced ears may first appear when one is quite young. Many otoplasty patients are children with compassionate parents who seek to avoid the inevitable years of schoolyard ridicule that can come with a pair of protruding ears. Dr. Fedele serves children and adults alike with his world-class plastic surgery skills. Since big ears are often genetic, Dr. Fedele can perform ear surgery on both child and parent, if the situation calls for it. None of us are immune to the slings and arrows often hurled at our self-confidence by our unkind and insensitive peers. At the Art of Plastic Surgery, we know how to bring out the best in you!  

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