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Ear Correction Surgery

Otoplasty

Protruding Ears - Asymmetric Ears - Lop Ears - Cancer

pretty face otoplasty ear correction

Ears that appear to protrude outward, are asymmetrical or misshapen, or look unnaturally big can negatively impact your self-esteem, especially when young. Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to result in a normal appearance. This procedure can also address torn earlobes or ears that have been damaged due to injury or trauma. Dr. Phillip Chang is a plastic surgeon in Leesburg, VA who has helped many women, men, and children move past their embarrassment of exposing their ears by undergoing this surgery. No matter the cosmetic issue, otoplasty at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Leesburg, VA allows a patient to proudly show their face at any angle with a newfound confidence. If you or your child are worried about the shape or size of the ears, make an appointment with Dr. Chang to find out about your options for ear recontouring.

Otoplasty surgery (cosmetic ear surgery) is a surgical procedure that will change the size, shape, and position of one or both ears. It does not affect hearing and can not change the location of the ears.

Ear reshaping surgery is most often performed using anesthesia, either general or IV sedation, especially if children are having the procedure.

Under special conditions, particularly in adults, the procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia and valium.

 

Common reasons include:

  • Protruding ears
  • Large ears
  • Asymmetric ears
  • Lopped or folded ears
  • Trauma
  • Birth defect
  • Elongated or torn earlobes

Ear reshaping surgery can be performed at any age; however, it is most common among children and is recommended before the start of elementary school but not before their ears have matured and reached their full size at around five years of age. This surgical procedure is a safe and effective surgery for a child.

If you feel embarrassed by the shape and size of your ears because they are misshapen or protrude outward, otoplasty can be considered to attain a normal appearance. 

Sufferers of a torn, stretched, or damaged earlobe, you may also be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery.

On average, children about 5 – 6 years of age are ideal candidates for otoplasty. While the ear is typically fully developed, the cartilage and tissues will still be soft, making it easy to reshape. This age is also good because it is before they start school or early in their education, so they can avoid being teased by classmates. Although many otoplasty patients are children, Dr. Chang also performs ear surgery on adults.

This will depend on the type of correction needed. It will either be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Patients over 16 years of age can have the procedure performed in our sterile operating room at our office.

The goals for the procedure, are to create a fold and to reduce the size of the conchal bowl. This is performed by placing an inconspicuous incision in the fold behind the ear between the ear and the skull. The area where the superior fold is supposed to be located is identified, weakened to allow for folding, and then sutured in such a way as to appear natural. A crescent of the conchal bowl cartilage is then removed to make it smaller. The remaining conchal bowl is then attached by sutures to the skull. The incision is then closed with absorbable sutures.

You are able to return home once the anesthesia has worn off. We do not recommend you drive yourself.

Once the procedure is finished and you are released to leave the hospital, you will heal and rest at home. Dr. Chang or a member of his team will send you home with instructions for recovery. 

Although the procedure is relatively simple, you should take it easy for the first few weeks to enable optimal healing. It’s very important to not rub, touch, or scratch the ears. Also, you should not lay on the ears, and instead sleep propped up for the first few days. Strenuous exercise should also be avoided during this time to help in the recovery process. 

You will be required to wear a complete head wrap for 1 week followed by a head band for 4 weeks

Most patients will be off of work for 1 to 3 weeks

Pain is minimal to moderate. You will be given narcotic pain medication.

Dr. Chang recommends seeing his otoplasty patients back within 3 – 5 days — at this time, Dr. Chang will take off the coverings and check you or your child’s surgical results. The outcomes are visible right away and the progression of results will continue to improve as the ears heal.

 

As with any surgery, there are associated risks. Because of the nature of the surgery, the scars are essentially invisible. Complications are rare but can include:

  • Infection particularly from the absorbable sutures
  • Widened or thickened scar
  • Asymmetry (unevenness between two sides)
  • Sensation – this is usually temporary
  • Over-correction

Unsatisfactory results may require additional procedures. Patients will generally be responsible for any associated facility fees. 

Your cost for ear surgery will depend on what is being performed (ear shaping, pinning, earlobe repair, or a combination). 

Once Dr. Chang has listened to your concerns and goals, he can create your surgical plan and estimate costs. So you can focus on getting the results you need instead of costs, Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.

The ears typically mature faster than other parts of the face and body, which is why an otoplasty can be performed on younger patients with long-lasting results. Dr. Chang will assess the ears of you or your child and then talk to you about realistic results and how long they should last. Even as the rest of the face and body changes due to age and gravity, the changes to the ear will be minimal. If there are dramatic changes to the ears due to an injury, a second otoplasty may be performed.

Many ear issues, including ears that are too large or stick out, are symmetrical so both ears will need to be corrected. The final shape that the surgery will aim for will depend on the initial structure of the ear and how cartilages are placed. However, if only one ear needs to be changed, the size and shape will be altered to match the other ear.

When he develops your treatment plan, Dr. Chang will let you know whether one or both ears will be addressed.

The popularity of large earrings and ear gauges have made earlobe repair a popular surgery at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center. If you are interested in having earlobe repair or reconstruction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chang. He will examine the damage and let you know what may be done to restore your earlobes.

Otoplasty Ear Correction

Starts at $7000

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Otoplasty in Northern Virginia

Dr. Phillip Chang Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun VA

Dr. Phillip Chang is a leading plastic surgeon in Loudoun County who specializes in surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the breast, body, face, and skin. He is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is the founder of Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Leesburg, VA. Dr. Chang is dedicated to providing high-quality service that concentrates on the unique needs and concerns of his patients. He believes combining attentive care and minimally invasive techniques is the best avenue for achieving beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Chang is thrilled to be serving the greater northwest area of Washington, D.C. with top cosmetic care that is dependable and trustworthy.

Interested in learning more about Dr. Chang? Click here.

We are based in Leesburg, VA. Located as part of the Lansdowne medical complex, you have access to our 24-7 state-of-the-art facility as well as access to Lansdowne hospital. We are based directly across the road from INOVA hospital. There is ample parking, elevators to bring you to our third floor offices, and welcoming staff to sign you in.

We are proud of our surgeries and cosmetic procedures and love that our patients are happy too. They like to shout it out on Google, Yell, Facebook, and right here on our website. Check out our reviews here.

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All potential patients receive either a phone, virtual, or in-consultation for free.

During the consultation we will discuss your treatment wishes and expectations. This is the time to ask us lots of questions to really understand what is involved, what the costs will be, and what is expected of you. This is also a great time to get to know Dr. Chang.

Aesthetica has received numerous awards from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, New Beauty, Best of Loudoun, Posh 7 Top Picks, and Dr. Chang is internationally known for his lectures and advances in precise surgical technique as demonstrated through his unique mini-facelift procedure.

We have three execeptionally talents cosmetic nurses:

  • Melanie Schwarz, RN, BSN
  • Katy Down, RN, BSN
  • Angela Westbrook, RN, BSN

Read more about us – we can’t wait to meet you!

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