Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping) in Scottsdale, AZ

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Prominent or misshapen ears can affect facial balance and make you feel self-conscious at any age. At our Scottsdale practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Hecht offers a lasting solution by reshaping or repositioning the ears to achieve a more natural appearance. He performs personalized ear-reshaping surgery for both children and adults.

Otoplasty Scottsdale

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, improves the size, shape, or position of the ears. It is commonly performed to correct ears that protrude, appear uneven, or have developed with structural differences.

A cosmetic ear pinning procedure brings the ears closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage and creating a more balanced appearance. Depending on your concerns, the procedure may also address asymmetry, oversized ears, or congenital ear irregularities.

Why do both children and adults need otoplasty?

Many physical characteristics can make a person feel self-conscious. One of them is protruding ears, which can lead patients, particularly children, to seek cosmetic procedures.

Children can be cruel, and as such, children with ears that protrude a distance many people would consider too far often face teasing and name-calling, such as “Mickey Mouse” and “Dumbo.” Children are typically the most likely candidates for otoplasty, but this procedure can be performed on individuals of any age, as long as the ears have reached their full size. This usually happens at age 5 or 6.

Even if the ear distortion is mild, it can affect a child’s life, which is why, in this particular procedure, it is best to do it as early as possible. The earlier it’s done, the less trauma children will endure.

Adults can also benefit from ear reshaping surgery to enhance self-confidence. Adults frequently choose this procedure along with other facial plastic surgery procedures. An otoplasty is not necessarily about pinning the ears back; rather, the ears can also be reduced in size, rendered more symmetrical, or simply reshaped. The exact type of otoplasty chosen by the patient and surgeon will depend on the ears’ current appearance and the desired outcome.

Otoplasty (Ear Reshpaing) Before and After Photo Scottsdale

Otoplasty Gallery

View before-and-after pictures

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* Individual results may vary.

If you are interested in an otoplasty, ear reshaping surgery in Scottsdale for yourself or your child, you must know exactly how the procedure is performed and what to expect. A before-and-after gallery of our past otoplasty procedures is available here. A successful facial plastic surgery procedure is dependent on a positive rapport between the surgeon and the patient.

In the consulting stages before the procedure, trust should develop. This trust should be grounded in the surgeon’s strong medical expertise and the patient’s realistic expectations of how the surgery will go. During a consultation and subsequent appointments, Dr. Hecht will be able to answer any questions that you have.

Is Otoplasty The Right Choice For You?

You may be a candidate for ear correction surgery for protruding ears if you:

Feel self-conscious about the size, shape, or position of your ears.
Have ears that protrude noticeably from the head.
Have fully developed ear cartilage, typically around age five or older.
Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations.
Want a long-lasting solution rather than temporary concealment with hairstyles or accessories.

Pediatric and adult otoplasty options are available, allowing treatment to be tailored to each patient’s age, anatomy, and cosmetic goals.

What to Expect Before and During the Procedure

What happens during the consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will closely examine the structure of your ears and discuss options for addressing the issues. Even if you only technically need correction of one ear, surgery will likely be recommended for both ears to create the most symmetrical and natural appearance possible.

After you decide together that this procedure is what you need and it’s determined that you are a good candidate for surgery based on your current health, Dr. Hecht will discuss the procedure with you. At this time, you must ask any questions you may have so that you are as informed as possible about the surgery.

After taking a thorough medical history, our staff will explain the surgical facility where your procedure will be performed, the cost, any additional costs, recovery time, and the type of anesthesia to be administered. In most cases, young children will receive general anesthesia, while adults and older children will receive a combination of a local anesthetic and a mild sedative. Normally, this procedure will take about two hours to complete.

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I trust and recommend Dr Hecht

“I have been a patient of Dr. Hecht for several years and have had a few different services done. Every experience has been outstanding and the staff is very delightful. I trust and recommend Dr. Hecht and his staff.”

How to prepare children undergoing otoplasty surgery

Preparing young children for otoplasty surgery requires a gentle and supportive approach to ensure their comfort and understanding throughout the process. As parents and caregivers, there are several steps you can take to help your child prepare for this transformative procedure while alleviating any anxieties they may have.

Open and honest communication: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your child about the otoplasty surgery. Explain why the surgery is necessary and discuss its benefits. Use simple and age-appropriate language to help your child understand the procedure without overwhelming them with medical jargon.

Choose the right time: Timing is crucial when discussing the surgery with your child. Choose a calm, relaxed moment to have the conversation, and avoid having it right before bedtime or during stressful situations. Be patient and allow your child to process the information at their own pace.

Answer questions: Encourage your child to ask questions about the surgery and address any concerns they may have. Reassure them that it is natural to feel a bit nervous or scared, but emphasize the positive outcomes that await them after the surgery. Be prepared to answer questions multiple times, as young children may need repeated explanations to grasp the concept fully.

Involve your child in the decision-making process: Empower them by including them in certain aspects. Let them choose their favorite comfort items to bring to the hospital, or discuss their preferences for post-surgery activities during recovery.

Educate your child about anesthesia and recovery: Explain that they will be asleep during the surgery and will not feel any pain. Reassure them that the doctors and nurses will take excellent care of them throughout the procedure. Afterward, discuss what to expect during the recovery period, such as wearing a bandage and taking time off from certain activities.

Offer emotional support: Leading up to the surgery and during recovery, provide your child with emotional support and reassurance. Be present, listen to their feelings, and remind them that you will be by their side every step of the way.

By taking these thoughtful steps to prepare young children for otoplasty surgery, you can help alleviate their fears and uncertainties, allowing them to approach the procedure with confidence and trust in the medical team. The support and care you provide will make a significant difference in your child’s overall surgical experience and post-operative recovery.

An overview of ear surgery

Whether you are getting an ear pinning otoplasty or another type of ear surgery, the procedure will start with an incision right behind the ear. This will take place at the natural crease where the head and ear meet. Your facial plastic surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin to achieve the desired visual effect.

Some patients will require trimming of the cartilage to shape it into a more cosmetically pleasing form, then pinning it back to the ear with permanent sutures to secure the new shape.

In other cases, cartilage will not be removed. Instead, the surgeon will use multiple stitches to hold the existing cartilage in place permanently. After sculpting the cartilage, the surgeon will add sutures to hold everything in place until the ear is completely healed.

What to Expect Following an Otoplasty Surgery in Scottsdale

After the otoplasty procedure, Dr. Hecht will apply soft dressings to the ears, which should remain in place for a few days. Most patients will experience mild discomfort after the procedure. If you typically sleep on your side, for example, your sleep patterns might be altered for approximately a week to avoid putting pressure on your ears. Sometimes it is recommended that people wear headbands to hold the ears in place for about two weeks post-surgery.

The risks associated with otoplasty are minimal. After the skin and ears heal, a thin white scar remains behind the ear. However, this is nothing to be self-conscious about. This scar will be located in a natural crease behind the ear so that no one will see it. If you experience any unusual symptoms after surgery, you must report them to our staff right away.

What Benefits Will You Get from Getting Otoplasty?

A surgical ear contouring treatment can provide both cosmetic and emotional benefits. Depending on your treatment goals, otoplasty may:

Improve ear symmetry and proportion.
Reduce the appearance of protruding ears.
Create better facial balance.
Produce natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Restore confidence in your appearance.
Eliminate the need to hide your ears with hairstyles or hats.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?

The total cost of Otoplasty surgery in Scottsdale is determined by factors such as your medical examinations, surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery. Financing for otoplasty surgery is available through Prosper Healthcare Lending.

Do health insurance benefits cover otoplasty?

Typically, insurance will not cover procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes. However, a surgery that is done to improve or correct the results of a traumatic injury or genetic deformity could potentially be reimbursable, either completely or partially. It is your responsibility as a patient to check with your insurance carrier to obtain the information you need about what will be covered and what will not be covered for this otoplasty procedure performed at our Scottsdale office.

Why Choose Dr. David Hecht for Your Otoplasty in Scottsdale, AZ

Choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon is an important part of achieving natural-looking results. Dr. David Hecht, serving Scottsdale, is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, reflecting his advanced training and expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Recognized as one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council of America, Dr. Hecht has dedicated his career to facial plastic surgery. He takes a personalized approach to otoplasty, carefully evaluating your facial features and treatment goals to create balanced, natural-looking results while providing attentive care from consultation through recovery.

Beyond his private practice, Dr. Hecht volunteers through the FACE TO FACE humanitarian program sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He provides facial reconstructive care to patients in need. Dr. Hecht has also served as President of the Arizona Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and has been featured in numerous media outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my ears look natural after otoplasty?

The goal of otoplasty is to improve ear shape and position while maintaining a natural appearance. Dr. Hecht carefully plans each procedure to complement your facial features.

Will otoplasty leave visible scars?

Incisions are typically placed behind the ears where they are well concealed. Scars generally become less noticeable as they mature.

Is the correction permanent?

Otoplasty provides long-lasting correction of ear shape and position. Maintaining your results mainly involves protecting the ears while they heal after surgery.

Can otoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes. Some patients choose to combine otoplasty with other facial plastic surgery procedures to address multiple aesthetic concerns during a single surgical plan.

Will otoplasty affect my hearing?

No. Otoplasty changes the shape or position of the outer ear and does not affect your hearing. The procedure is performed on the ear cartilage, not the structures responsible for hearing.

Schedule a Consultation

As one of the most highly regarded plastic surgeons performing otoplasty in Scottsdale, David A. Hecht, MD, PC, is here to answer all your questions about the procedure. To confirm whether you are an ideal candidate for otoplasty, contact us today to schedule your in-person consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

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