Otoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Englewood and Denver, CO
An otoplasty is a procedure designed to improve the appearance of the ears by reshaping and restructuring the ear cartilage and tissue. Otoplasty can be performed as a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure, and it can be performed to address congenital deformities, irregularities caused by injury or trauma, or to improve the aesthetic appearance of the outer ears. Congenital ear abnormalities are more common than one might expect and can be seen in approximately 15-20% of newborns. (1)
If you are interested in addressing the appearance of your ears, look no further than Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery!
Dr. Mario Imola is the Medical Director and founder of Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery. He is an accomplished, double board-certified facial and reconstructive plastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience dedicated to helping each patient enhance their own natural beauty. Regarded as one of the country’s foremost facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Imola has established himself as a leading expert in his industry, specializing in a variety of procedures, including otoplasties.
Dr. David M. Kowalczyk is a double board-certified head, neck, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for implementing the latest cutting-edge surgical technologies and techniques in his procedures. Additionally, he is 1 of 2 physicians in the state of Colorado who are Level II certified experts in the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation Division of Independent Medical Examiners for ENT and Plastic Surgery of the Head & Neck.
To schedule your personal consultation with either Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk, please call our Denver office at (303) 839-7980 or contact us online.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Otoplasty
Otoplasties are a type of procedure designed to reshape and restructure the ears for either aesthetic reasons or to address deformities caused by injury, trauma, or birth defects. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk can perform a variety of techniques to help reshape the ear, including ear pinning, ear reshaping, ear reduction, or ear reconstruction.
Ear pinning is one of the most common types of correction, reducing any abnormal protrusion by folding the cartilage closer to the head. Ear reshaping is a method that helps reshape the cartilage to correct any irregularly shaped ears. Ear reduction can help reduce the size of enlarged or disproportionate ears, and reconstructive otoplasty can help reconstruct the external structure of the ears to help correct any congenital deformities. (2)
Conditions That Can Be Addressed by Otoplasty
Even though this procedure is only performed on the external part of the ears, there are many conditions that otoplasty can help address. These conditions may include:
- Microtia: Absent or underdeveloped ears
- Macrotia: Abnormally enlarged ears
- Lop Ear: Ears that are folded down or folded forward
- Stahl’s Ear: Pointed ears or ears that contain extra creases
- Cryptotia: a condition that causes the upper ear cartilage to be hidden beneath the skin. This condition may also be referred to as “hidden ear” or “buried ear”.
- Cauliflower Ear: Inflamed and deformed ears caused by the separation of cartilage and its nutrient supply.
Benefits of Otoplasty
Patients can experience many benefits after undergoing otoplasty, including:
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appearance: Otoplasty can create a more balanced appearance between the ears and other facial features, contributing to a more proportionate and symmetrical look.
- Variety of Application: Otoplasties can correct a variety of ear conditions, such as Lop ear, Stahl’s ear, microtia, and more.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Many patients report an improvement in their confidence and self-esteem after experiencing the results of their procedure.
- Long-Lasting Results: Once healed, the results of otoplasty are permanent, allowing patients to enjoy their new, natural-looking appearance for years to come.
- Tailored Treatments: Each procedure is customized to each patient’s individual anatomy and ideal aesthetic, ensuring personalized care and attention.
- Minimal Scarring: Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk can both place incisions in discreet locations, leaving minimal visibility once fully healed.
To learn more about how otoplasty may benefit you, please contact us online or call our Denver office at (303) 839-7980.
Suitable Candidates
Suitable candidates for otoplasty are those interested in reshaping their ears for either cosmetic reasons, to address congenital deformities, or to correct visual irregularities caused by injury or trauma. Children may be suitable candidates if their ears have already developed 80-90% of their adult size, typically between the ages of 5 and 6 years old. (2)
All candidates interested in otoplasty should be in good overall health, free from any underlying medical conditions that may inhibit healing. Patients should also be non-smokers or prepared to quit until fully healed. Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk will determine each patient’s candidacy during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
At Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery, we ask that each patient schedule an appointment for a personal consultation. The purpose of this meeting is not only to allow Dr. Imola and Dr. Kowalczyk to meet each patient, but to understand how they can best help. They will first examine the structure of each individual’s ear and the degree of prominence before conversing more about their medical history, concerns, and desired results. From there, each patient’s personalized procedural plan will be designed. Pre and post-operative instructions will also be provided, as well as a written quote. Each patient is asked to be prepared to converse openly about their concerns and ideal aesthetic, as their consultation is time dedicated to them and their specific procedure.
To schedule a consultation at our Denver office, please contact us online or call (303) 839-7980.
Preparation
Each patient will receive a set of preparation instructions at their consultation, guiding them through how to sufficiently prepare for their otoplasty. Instructions may vary between patients depending on their lifestyle and procedure details, but should still be followed to ensure a smooth recovery.
Generally speaking, patients will be asked to temporarily refrain from certain medications and supplements, specifically those containing blood-thinning properties. The consumption of nicotine should also be ceased and refrained from until each patient is fully healed. Logistically, patients will need to pre-arrange transportation home, in addition to any time away from work or other social activities that may be needed.
Procedure
Each patient’s procedure will begin with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure that they remain relaxed and comfortable. Either Dr. Imola or Dr. Kowalczyk will then begin creating incisions behind the ear to help minimize any visible scarring. Any excess cartilage will be removed, while the remaining cartilage will then be reshaped and sutured to match the patient’s desired results. Once the corrections have been made, the incisions will then be carefully closed, and the surgeon will place wraps or bandaging over the ears to help protect them. While each procedure will vary in duration depending on the extent of correction, patients can expect their otoplasty to take approximately 2-3 hours.
Recovery
As otoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure, each individual will be released home on the same day as their appointment to continue their recovery. Patients should ensure they take time away from work and other social commitments to heal. It is common to experience swelling or bruising around the treated areas, but any discomfort may be managed through the use of medications. The surgeon will also ask each patient to wear a headwrap for several weeks to help protect the ears, as well as set them into their new position. Most people can return to work within 1-2 weeks, but are asked to continue refraining from physical activity or strenuous tasks for several weeks. Any further instructions will be provided and discussed with each patient during their personal consultation.
Results
Patients will be able to notice an immediate difference in the appearance of their ears after their otoplasty, but the full results will become more apparent as any residual swelling subsides. Individuals will be able to experience and enjoy ears that are no longer abnormally shaped or prominent. The effects of these changes can enhance the confidence and self-esteem of many, potentially leading to an improvement in the quality of their lives. Furthermore, the results of otoplasty are permanent, meaning patients will no longer need to worry about the size, shape, or overall appearance of their ears.
Cost of Otoplasty in Denver, Colorado
The cost of each patient’s otoplasty can vary, as each otoplasty procedure is fully customized to address individually experienced concerns. Each patient’s surgeon will provide them with a written quote during their consultation, once their procedure has been established. No matter what condition is being addressed, each patient can be assured they are receiving the most premium care for the most competitive price!
Additionally, Colorado Facial Plastic Surgery is partnered with multiple lending companies to help qualifying patients finance the cost of their procedure.
To discover the cost of your otoplasty, please schedule a consultation at our Denver office by contacting us online or calling (303) 839-7980.
FAQ
Is otoplasty suitable for children?
Yes, otoplasty can be performed on children once their ears have reached near full growth, typically around ages 5 or 6. Early intervention can help prevent instances of bullying and boost self-esteem.
What type of anesthesia is used for otoplasty?
Dr. Kowalczyk and Dr. Imola both use local anesthesia to perform otoplasties.
Will there be any visible scarring after my otoplasty?
Scarring is minimal as incisions are placed behind the ears to help diminish any visibility. Any concerns should be addressed during your consultation.
Will my otoplasty affect my hearing?
No, your otoplasty will not affect your hearing, as only the external structure of the ear is reshaped.
Can my otoplasty be combined with another procedure for more dramatic results?
Yes, each patient may complement the results of their procedure with another for a more dramatic transformation. Please reach out to our office for more information.
References
- Kennedy KL, Katrib Z. Otoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538320/
- Burns HR, Dinis J, Ding Y, Buchanan EP. Seminars in Plastic Surgery: Pediatric Ear Anomalies and Reconstruction. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2023;37(04):287-298. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1775888
