Reconstructive or cosmetic ear surgery, technically called otoplasty, helps people from Washington, DC; Arlington and Ashburn, Virginia; Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Maryland; and surrounding cities improve their appearance and self-confidence. This procedure can “pin back” ears, reshape them, reduce them in size, or make them more symmetrical. Both children and adults are candidates for ear surgery, also known as otoplasty. Whether you or your child will be undergoing otoplasty, safety is of the utmost importance. Dr. Houtan Chaboki has extensive experience performing otoplasty and provides a safe, caring environment for his patients and their families.
Cosmetic ear surgery is called otoplasty by plastic surgeons. Washington DC and northern Virginia patients may seek cosmetic ear surgery to reshape and resize the ears. Ears that are large or protruding often have a genetic component and seen across generations in families. Plastic surgeons often will recommend waiting until a child's ear is... Read More
Otoplasty is plastic surgery to reshape the ear. Washington DC and northern Virginia patients may seek cosmetic surgery to reduce the size of "cup" or "floppy" ears. Large ears or protruding ears have a genetic component and often seen in families. While most otoplasty procedures involve both ears, sometimes only one ear requires surgery to p... Read More
Ears should not draw unnecessary attention when looking at a person's face. Large, protruding, or asymmetric ears tend to draw one's eye toward to side of the head, instead of the eyes which is more desirable. Otoplasty, cosmetic surgery to reshape the ear performed by plastic surgeons, makes the ears less noticeable by modifying&nb... Read More
The ears have several standard features in addition to individual characteristics for each person. The ears, however, should blend in with the rest of the face and not draw unnecessary attention. Protruding or large ears may draw one's eye toward the side of the head instead of the central face and eyes, which is more desirable.... Read More
Ears come in various shapes and sizes, but generally should not stick out too far from the sides of the head. Occasionally, the ears may protrude more than desired. Otoplasty, plastic surgery to "pin" the ears back, helps to reshape and reposition the ears to become less prominent. This DC area woman had always wanted to re... Read More
Ears are made of cartilage of various shapes, sizes, and stiffness. Ear cartilage as a child is generally soft and becomes stiffer in adulthood. Ears generally should be balanced without drawing too much unnecessary attention. Cartilage that is relatively large, protruding, or asymmetric will result in ears that tend to draw one's e... Read More
This man from Maryland had a broken nose from a sports injury. He also had nasal congestion and obstruction, in addition to twisted nose from injury. The nose was severely deviated with a droopy tip. He underwent functional rhinoplasty via an endonasal approach, septoplasty, and cartilage grafting. His nose has improved symmetry and better ba... Read More
Otoplasty, cosmetic surgery to reshape the ear, is performed by plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, and otolaryngologists. Ear reshaping is often performed via an incision hidden behind the ear to modify the underlying ear cartilage. While some patients will have surgery as a child, many patients wait until adulthood to have otoplasty.... Read More
Adults often choose to combine their ear surgery with other cosmetic facial sculpting procedures such as rhinoplasty at our practice in Washington, DC. Dr. Chaboki frequently performs these procedures and can discuss your options with you.
In Washington, DC, ear surgery should not be performed for children until the ears have reached full size, usually around age 5 to 6. However, because protruding ears may cause self-consciousness and poor adaptation at school, Dr. Chaboki believes that otoplasty should be performed as soon as possible after the ears are fully developed. While you are under general anesthesia or sedation, he will make a small incision either behind or in front of the ear that will be carefully placed to minimize scarring. He will reshape the cartilage and keep it in place with internal sutures.
Dr. Chaboki can also reconstruct torn earlobes which may occur as a result of heavy earrings, metal allergy, or trauma. In some cases, the earlobe is stretched from the prolonged weight of heavy earrings or the hole from the piercing becomes very elongated. The ear lobe also naturally becomes big or long with age and should be corrected along with a facelift for Maryland area patients. Splits in the earlobe, stretched piercing holes, or long ear lobes are easily repaired in the office with local anesthesia. After a healing period, Dr. Chaboki may re-pierce your ear if you so choose.
Houtan Chaboki, MD
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Certified by both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Chaboki has extensive knowledge of the intricacies of the face and neck. When you choose him for your procedure, you’re choosing one of the most reputable facial plastic surgeons in DC, as well as a nationwide leader in
preservation rhinoplasty.
Otoplasty procedures vary, and the cost depends on the details of your surgery as well as other considerations, including the fees charged by the surgical center. We will provide you with a personalized quote after your consultation with Dr. Chaboki. You can learn more about how we determine the cost of this and other procedures on our Fees & Financing page.
Ear Surgery FAQs
Can I combine cosmetic Ear Surgery with other facial surgery?
Yes, it’s generally preferred to combine procedures. First, by combining surgery, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, and you may save money on fees. Secondly, tissue modified from one area may be used for another surgical area. Lastly, the recovery process following surgery would only be once, and you minimize downtime by avoiding two separate procedures. Commonly combined procedures with ear surgery include the following:
When can I resume regular exercise after ear surgery?
Strenuous activities or exercise after plastic surgery will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising, until an appropriate healing time has been allowed. This restriction during the recovery period varies based on the operation performed and patient’s medical condition. Light activities, such as slow walking, may be performed soon after anesthesia. Heavy activity, such as aerobics, yoga, cycling, running, heavy lifting, or similar vigorous activities are allowed after 2 weeks from the procedure. Contact sports are generally allowed after 6 weeks from surgery.
Will I need time off work after ear surgery?
Most patients do not require any time off from work, and may even return to work on the same day. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for ear reshaping (otoplasty) or combined procedures.
What is recovery like after ear surgery?
Downtime after cosmetic procedures may be a few hours to several days, depending on the specific procedure and areas treated. Office procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if any anesthesia is required. Surgical procedures are performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. Anesthesia normally wears off within the first 24 hours after surgery.
Does insurance cover ear surgery?
Dr. Chaboki provides the finest in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at affordable prices, and participates with most insurance plans. Plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine, which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. If your procedure is medically indicated, some portion of the cost may be covered. The office accepts insurance in applicable cases and will, if you wish, contact your insurance company to find out if your procedure will be covered. Insurance coverage varies greatly for patients, however, ear surgery may be partially or fully covered.
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