Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
Refining the shape, position, or proportion of the ears can bring a natural sense of balance to your facial features. For those who feel their ears are too prominent or asymmetrical, ear surgery in Newton, MA, offers a lasting solution.
Dr. George Volpe personalizes this procedure for children, teens, and adults. Our team at New England Plastic Surgical and Aesthetics focuses on achieving natural-looking results that enhance your profile.
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What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, commonly referred to as ear pinning, is a cosmetic ear surgery procedure that alters the size or position of the ears. It is effective for addressing ears that appear too prominent or asymmetrical. Otoplasty can be performed on one or both ears to create a more balanced appearance.
If your ears are large, protruding, or asymmetric and cause you concern, otoplasty may be the appropriate procedure for you. For some children, protruding ears may have a greater impact on their self-esteem due to teasing from others.
During the consultation, we would review all of your concerns and discuss the various alternative treatments to address them.
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Written onDecember 17, 2018
“Wonderful. Dr. Volpe was compassionate and courteous. It was obvious from his style that he believes in the procedure and his ability to produce quality results. I recommend him to anyone considering this procedure.”
Candidates for Ear Surgery
A consultation with Dr. Volpe is the best way to determine if ear surgery in Newton is right for you. Ideal candidates for otoplasty are typically individuals who:
- Are bothered by the feeling that their ears are too prominent
- Have asymmetrical ears in terms of size, shape, or position
- Are children (age five or older) with ear cartilage stable enough for correction
- Are healthy teenagers or adults with realistic goals for the procedure
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
The Otoplasty Surgery
Otoplasty can be performed as an office procedure under local or general anesthesia. It usually takes about one to two hours to perform. Most commonly, Dr. Volpe uses a modified technique. In this procedure, an incision is made on the back part of the ear adjacent to the junction of the ear with the head. This allows the scar to be well hidden.
A small ellipse of skin is removed, and stitches are placed appropriately to fold the ear back to a more normal position. In addition, the cartilage is etched to facilitate proper folding. When we perform this procedure under local anesthesia, we often have the patient look in a mirror during the folding part to verify the degree of setback of the ear.
Recovery & Results
After your surgery, we will have you wear a headband to protect your ears, depending on your level of activity. There tends to be mild swelling and possibly bruising, which can take one to two weeks to fully resolve. In general, it takes about six to eight weeks for complete healing.
Earlobe Repair
A common injury to the earlobe is a partial or complete split resulting from earrings. We call this a bifid earlobe. This may result from the long-term wearing of heavy earrings or from earrings catching on closing. I have heard that nieces and nephews are particularly adept at pulling on earrings. An incomplete split of the ear piercing hole may cause an enlarged hole that prevents the wearing of an earring, as the back may fall through.
Earlobe repair is a simple procedure performed under local anesthesia in the office. After numbing the earlobe, the edges of the split are freshened, and stitches are placed too close to the split. I use a modified stitch on the front of the earlobe to minimize any visible scarring. A small skin-colored tape is applied after the repair.
Earlobe Repair Recovery
Following the procedure, you may experience some swelling and bruising around the earlobe, but these issues will typically subside over the course of the recovery process. Pain is minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter medication. The stitches are removed in one week. Six weeks later, the ear is re-pierced to allow the repair to heal strongly.
Cost of Ear Surgery
The cost of otoplasty in Newton depends on several factors specific to your procedure, such as the complexity of the procedure (one ear or both), the type of anesthesia used (local or general), and the total time required for the surgery. Our team will provide a transparent breakdown of all fees. We also offer financing options to help patients manage their budgets.
Why Trust Dr. Volpe
Dr. George Volpe is a recognized leader in plastic surgery, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS). As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he brings decades of experience, international training, and mission work to patients from Newton, Boston, and throughout New England.
At Volpe Plastic Surgery, we are dedicated to patient safety and achieving natural-looking results. Our practice, also known as New England Plastic Surgical and Aesthetics, is built on a foundation of personalized care, where every treatment plan is designed to meet your specific goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule A Consultation
Contact Dr Volpe today to schedule a consultation at our Newton location for your ear surgery. We are here to provide you with the attentive, excellent care you need throughout the entire process and are dedicated to achieving the results you want.
