Otoplasty in Bucks County, PA & Hunterdon County, NJ
Is Otoplasty Right for Me?
Large or protruding ears are a common issue for adults and children. Otoplasty, ear reshaping surgery, is a safe and common procedure that helps to correct abnormalities and proportions of the ears. Men and women who wish to correct their deformed ears visit Buinewicz Plastic Surgery. Located in Flemington, NJ and Doylestown, PA, Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz, offers otoplasty to the residents of Bucks County, PA and Hunterdon County, NJ.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, ear reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that changes the proportion, size and position of the ears. For many patients, especially teenagers and children, otoplasty can help to improve their self-esteem. The results of the procedure depend on the changes being made. Ear pinning is performed to position the ears closer to the head. For patients who have ears that are positioned differently, ear repositioning creates symmetry. Oversized ears can be addressed during an individual procedure, or at the same time as other ear issues that need to be corrected.
What Can an Otoplasty Accomplish?
The otoplasty procedure is highly tailored to each individual’s unique ear concerns and aesthetic goals to improve the appearance of the ears and overall facial symmetry. Specific benefits of cosmetic ear surgery include:
- Pin back protruding ears closer to the head
- Reduced size or prominence of large ears
- Corrected asymmetry or uneven ears
- Improved self-confidence and alleviate insecurities about prominent ears
- Enhanced facial balance and proportion
Are You A Candidate For Otoplasty?
The best candidates for cosmetic ear surgery are those struggling with:
- Protruding ears that stick out from the side of the head more than desired
- Unusually large or wide ears that dominate facial profile
- Misshapen ears that are excessively angular, folded, or irregularly contoured
- Asymmetric ears that differ markedly in size, shape, or how much they protrude
If you think you might be a good candidate for otoplasty, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz. During your consultation, Dr. Buinewicz can evaluate your cosmetic goals and help you determine the best path forward. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the otoplasty process. Dr. Buinewicz will be able to explain exactly what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Buinewicz?
Surgeon experience is one of the utmost qualities to consider when seeking an otoplasty surgeon. Dr. Buinewicz is a triple board certified plastic surgeon, demonstrating expertise in all qualities of facial surgery. With over 25 years of plastic surgery experience, he has performed hundreds of otoplasty procedures and is passionate about furthering education in the cosmetic surgery community. Read more about Dr. Buinewicz’s experience or explore patient reviews.
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Questions For Your Consult
How Long After an Otoplasty Consultation Is the Surgery?
Generally, the time between your consultation and your otoplasty surgery will be somewhere between 1 and 6 weeks. The exact time between the two will depend on a few factors. One major factor is our practice availability, as Dr. Buinewicz performs your entire procedure. Additionally, some patients may need a few weeks to fully prepare for surgery, which may include discontinuing the use of certain vitamins, drugs and medications that can negatively interfere with treatment.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
The average cost of cosmetic ear surgery varies from one community to the other with some small variations. Factors such as the facility where the otplasty will be performed, the types of surgeries that will be performed, types of anesthesia to be used, and other issues come to bear on the final cost of the ear surgery. Hunterdon County and Bucks County otoplasties vary in price range according to these factors. Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa makes otoplasty surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. Our office provides a wide array of payment options, including easy financing. We also accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for otoplasties and other procedures.
What Happens During Otoplasty Surgery?
The otoplasty surgery begins with Dr. Buinewicz marking the precise areas behind the ears where incisions will be made. These incisions are strategically placed within the natural folds and creases of the ear skin to help camouflage any resulting scars. Once the incisions have been made, they provide access to the cartilage structure underneath. Dr. Buinewicz will then carefully sculpt, remove, or suture specific sections of cartilage in order to reshape the ear into better proportions and positioning. After the ear cartilage has been reshaped, the surgeon closes the incisions using sutures designed to minimize scarring. Soft dressings and a supportive head wrap are applied over both ears to protect them while they begin healing after surgery. The entire otoplasty takes 1-2 hours to perform.
How Long is Otoplasty Recovery?
The recovery time for otoplasty is fairly straightforward, with most patients making a full recovery in several weeks. Here is a general timeline of what you can expect during otoplasty recovery:
Week 1
Swelling and bruising peaks in the first 2-3 days after surgery. The head dressings we provide will need to stay on the ears for the first week, ensuring that the ears are not bent or bumped. Patients should sleep on their back with the head elevated to facilitate the healing process and prevent stress to the ears. Prescription pain medication can help manage pain and discomfort. Patients should rest, taking time off of school and physical activities, especially strenuous activities.
Weeks 2-4
The head dressings are removed after the first week, and will then be replaced with a headband that continues to support the ears throughout the rest of the recovery process. At this stage, bruising and swelling will continue to improve. Patients can return to work and school, but should continue to avoid swimming, contact sports and other physical activities that may cause trauma to the ears while they heal.
Weeks 4-6
After the first month, swelling continues to subside and the ears will begin to look normal again. Numbness and tingling should also diminish over several weeks. At this stage, most patients are ready to resume light exercise, although sun protection should be used while outdoors. Regular haircuts and styling can also be resumed.
Week 6 and Beyond
Swelling fully resolves approximately 6-8 weeks after surgery, with the new, permanent results fully visible. Patients can resume all regular activities after this point, although the ears may still be sensitive for several more weeks or months. For this reason, the ears should still be protected when participating in physical activities, and patients should take extra precautions when participating in contact sports.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do I Have to Wear a Headband After Otoplasty?
After the surgery, your ears will be bandaged in a head wrap for one week. The wrap keeps the ears in the desired position while protecting them. Once the wrap is removed, Dr. Buinewicz will require you to wear a headband. The headband keeps the ears in the desired position for two weeks, after which time you will no longer need to wear the headband.
Is Otoplasty Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Otoplasty surgery is almost never covered by health insurance since it is considered an elective, cosmetic procedure rather than a medically necessary one. You can expect to be responsible for the full cost of your treatment.
What is the Best Age for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is often performed between ages 4-14 before starting school to prevent bullying and self-consciousness. However, it can benefit patients of any age, including adults. The best time is when the ear cartilage is still malleable enough for reshaping and the patient desires change.
How to Sleep After Ear Surgery?
The ears will be highly sensitive after the otoplasty procedure, so you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your side or stomach during the recovery process. Instead, sleep on your back with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling. Soft pillows under or around the ears can also prevent bending while sleeping. Wearing your headband while you sleep is recommended, as it can help keep pressure off of the ears.
Is Otoplasty Permanent?
Yes, when performed properly otoplasty results are permanent. The ear cartilage is reshaped and repositioned surgically so the changes do not revert over time. The ears may continue growing for a couple years after pediatric otoplasty, but the proportional enhancements remain.
If you or your child are dissatisfied about your misshapen or out-of-proportion ears, contact us to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz. Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa is located in Flemington, NJ, and Doylestown, PA and offers otoplasty surgery. We also provide a variety of plastic surgery services for adults and children who reside in Hunterdon County, PA and Bucks County, PA.