Prominent or misshapen ears can cause emotional distress for both adults and children. Fortunately, otoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps reshape the ears and enhances their overall cosmetic appearance. It is a cosmetic procedure that may improve facial symmetry and achieve facial balance.
Dr. Greco’s surgical center is licensed to perform otoplasty and other facial procedures on patients 15 years of age and older. Our practice is located in Bala Cynwyd, which is conveniently located to provide otoplasty to patients on the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne, PA.
Otoplasty can be performed on patients who struggle with the following:
Before the procedure, you will have a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Greco. He will review your medical history, conduct an ear physical exam, and discuss your expectations and concerns.
Otoplasty techniques can vary based on the type of modification needed. Dr. Greco will make an incision behind your ears to remove excess cartilage and skin.
The cartilage is then folded into its proper position and held in place with internal stitches. Additional stitches will be used to close the incisions. The whole procedure takes about two hours and is performed under conscious sedation (twilight anesthesia).
The surgeon will place bandages at the site of surgery, which will be removed the next day. Some swelling is expected and normal after otoplasty. Sutures used to close the incision will be removed around ten days after surgery.
You will most likely be required to wear a headband over your ears, especially at night, to prevent injury during sleep. Dr. Greco will give you important aftercare instructions on post-surgery cleaning and care of your ears.
Split or elongated earlobes may be caused by the long-term use of heavy earrings or flesh tunnels that stretch the earlobes. Another cause of an earlobe tear could be accidental tugging on the earlobe when an earring gets caught in clothing or other material.
In such situations, split earlobe repair surgery can help. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes any excess tissue and uses fine, dissolvable stitches to join the split earlobe.
Recovery after a split earlobe repair is usually quick. It is safe to consider re-piercing your earlobe about 6 to 8 weeks after the surgery. However, to avoid the recurrence of the split earlobe, re-piercing should occur next to the repair site and not it.
As with other areas of the face, earlobes, too, can change with age. They lose volume and become deflated, resulting in fine wrinkles. A simple, in-office procedure where an injectable filler, such as RHA3 or JUVÉDERM®, can plump up the earlobes. This procedure can partially correct an enlarged piercing. The results of earlobe augmentation with filler may last up to one year because the earlobe is not involved with any significant movement caused by facial expressions.
On average, you can expect to pay about $8,500 for both ears to be treated, but the best way to find out how much your treatment will cost is to come in for your personal consultation. Every case is different, so we can only give a general range. The complexity of the case and Dr. Greco’s approach determine the exact cost that will be given in the consultation.
Dr. Timothy Greco is Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. He is skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS).
Dr. Greco focuses solely on plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you’re looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeon. Call (610) 465-1493 or check the doctor’s schedule online.
