Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Nova Cosmetic Center offers ear surgery to patients from Orlando and nearby locations.

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Before

After

Having ears that "stick out," can negatively affect the self-esteem of both children and adults. Ear surgery at Nova Cosmetic Center in Orlando can help boost the confidence of people who are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with their appearance. Also known as otoplasty, ear surgery moves protruding ears back toward your head and create the anatomic folds which may be missing. Dr. Jan V. Karlin and his skilled, compassionate staff understand how non-proportional or malformed ears can cause stress and unhappiness for men and women throughout Central Florida. Every year, we speak to patients from Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Apopka, Sanford and Winter Park about their options for otoplasty. We warmly encourage you to visit our office for a scheduled appointment, so we can answer any questions you may have about ear surgery.

Orlando Ear Surgery Before and After Pictures

Although there are no guarantees with any surgery, you can get a notion of what kind of results are possible by looking at our Orlando ear surgery before and after photos. By perusing these photos, you can make a more informed decision about the procedure.

Is Ear Surgery Right for Me?

Most of our patients in Orlando who undergo ear surgery have an ear or ears that are protruding or abnormally shaped. Ideal candidates for the procedure are adults and children who are in good health, both physically and emotionally. At Nova Cosmetic Center, we also want to make sure that you have realistic expectations about the procedure.

How is Ear Surgery Performed?

Our otoplasty in Orlando takes about two hours to perform and can involve moving, reshaping, adding or removing elements of the ear's structure. Younger patients typically require general anesthesia. Adults, however, can be administered local anesthesia alone, or combined with a mild sedative, and return home within hours of the procedure.

The technique for ear surgery involves an incision in the most inconspicuous site on the back of the ear. Sometimes a small file is passed to the front of the ear to gently score the cartilage. Then the ear cartilage is folded back. After marking the cartilage, stitches are placed through the back of the ear cartilage without going all the way through the front of the ear. Once a series of these permanent sutures are in position, they are tied down, folding the ear to create a normal, more pleasing contour. Sometimes cartilage is removed. At this point, the bowl (concha) of the ear can be tilted back if necessary, and any adjustments to the earlobe are made. The skin is then closed with an absorbable suture.

What is the Recovery Process for Ear Surgery?

When your otoplasty is complete, your head is wrapped in a thick bandage to help maintain the new position of the ears, as well as protect them and aid the healing process. You will need to return to Dr. Karlin's Orlando office within the first few days to have the bandage changed for a lighter one. You will be wearing a head band for a few days post surgery.

During your recovery, it is normal to experience mild to moderate pain, which can be controlled with prescription medication. For some of our ear surgery patients in Orlando, mild swelling may persist for many weeks. Bruising generally disappears within seven to 10 days, and stitches are usually removed within a week.

Most adult patients return to normal activity within several days after surgery, except for bending and lifting heavy items, but more complicated procedures may require a longer recovery time. Children can resume normal activities in seven days, but must be watched in playful activities for at least three weeks to avoid damage to the healing process. For both adults and children, the ears should not be bent for at least a month or more.

What are Orlando Ear Surgery Costs?

As with most plastic surgery, Orlando otoplasty prices fluctuate depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. If you want more details about what Orlando ear surgery might cost you, then please schedule an appointment with Dr. Karlin today. He and his staff at Nova Cosmetic Center are proud to offer otoplasty to the men, women and children in our extended Central Florida community. Our ear surgery expertise has enhanced the lives of patients in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Apopka, Sanford, Winter Park and further afield.