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Otoplasty Columbus, Ohio

Otoplasty columbus ohio

Discreet Ear Pinning Surgery for Natural Confidence

Otoplasty is a safe, same-day cosmetic surgery that can reduce the appearance of prominent ears and enhance your natural look without changing who you are. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michelle Sieffert performs personalized ear reshaping procedures to bring protruding or asymmetrical ears into proportion with your face.

Achieve balance and confidence with Otoplasty (ear pinning) at Donaldson Plastic Surgery in Columbus, Ohio. We focus on natural results and patient well-being – helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance.

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Ear pinning surgery patient

What Is An Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, also known as cosmetic ear surgery or ear pinning, is a procedure that reshapes or repositions the outer ears for a more balanced appearance. It permanently draws the ears closer to the head to minimize the appearance of ears that “stick out” and correct issues such as asymmetry or irregular ear shape.

The ear cartilage is modified during an otoplasty so that the ears sit at a natural angle, in harmony with your facial features. This helps you achieve an aesthetic balance that you’ll love, so you can focus on looking how you want to look instead of hiding.

Frequently Asked Questions

This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The ear cartilage is remodeled and anchored closer to the head for a cleaner, tighter appearance. If one ear extends farther than the other, it is treated more aggressively so that both sides are equal after surgery. The incisions that are made are completely hidden behind the ears.

The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures by Dr. Michelle Sieffert once the necessary modifications have been made. Patients will receive post-operative instructions, including guidelines for care and recovery to ensure the greatest results. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after the surgery, but these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks.

Local anesthesia is used in most adult otoplasty cases. This means the area around your ears is numbed so you won’t feel pain, and you remain awake (with the option of a mild sedative to help you relax). Dr. Sieffert often prefers local anesthesia for ear surgeries because it avoids the risks and grogginess of general anesthesia and can lead to a quicker recovery.

That said, anesthesia is always tailored to the patient’s comfort. If you feel anxious or if the procedure is more extensive, sedation or general anesthesia can be utilized based on what’s safest and most comfortable for you. Dr. Sieffert will discuss the recommended anesthesia plan with you during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

For younger children undergoing otoplasty, general anesthesia is typically used to ensure they remain still and comfortable throughout the surgery.

Recovery from otoplasty is relatively quick. Most patients take about 5 to 7 days off work or routine activities to rest and heal immediately after ear surgery.

  • Within 1 Week: Your initial bandages are usually removed and you can resume light daily activities. You will need to wear a protective headband (especially at night) for a few weeks as your ears heal in their new position, but this won’t significantly interfere with most day-to-day tasks.
  • Around 2 Weeks: Much of the swelling and bruising has resolved, and you’ll be feeling more “back to normal.” Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or contact sports should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks following surgery, to ensure you don’t disturb the healing ears.
  • 1 Month After: Everyone heals at their own pace, but generally by the 1-month mark, patients are thrilled with their results and fully back to all normal activities.

Dr. Sieffert or another member of her trusted team will clear you for specific activities during your follow-up visits. The good news is that ear surgery does not typically require a long downtime — many of our Columbus otoplasty patients are pleasantly surprised at how easy and fast their recovery feels.

The Otoplasty procedure has a 96% Worth-It Rating according to realself.com — and for good reason. Ear pinning is a low-risk, high-reward procedure. After surgery, you are able to wear the hats and sunglasses you like, cut your hair short and swim without feeling nervous about showing your ears.

The cost of Otoplasty can range depending on your desired results. Unilateral ear surgery can start at around $3,000 and a bilateral repair starts at around $5,000.

Dr. Sieffert’s surgical team will provide a detailed quote tailored to your surgical plan during your consultation. Keep in mind that health insurance generally does not cover elective otoplasty, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure, and we do not accept insurance at our practice. We offer financing options and payment plans to help make your ear surgery investment more manageable.

Your Payment Plan Options

Yes – otoplasty results are intended to be permanent. Once the ear cartilage is reshaped and healed, it will remain in its new position for the long term. Your ears will not “spring back” to their former shape because the internal stitches and scar tissue will support the new folded cartilage.

Keep in mind that normal aging processes occur in all parts of the body, ears included, so over the course of many years, you may notice subtle changes to your skin or ear firmness (this is natural and happens whether or not you have surgery).

However, the improvement achieved by otoplasty in reducing ear protrusion or resizing the ear does not simply reverse over time. You can expect to enjoy the benefits of your ear pinning surgery indefinitely, with nicely positioned ears for the rest of your life.

Remember: Our team is always here for you. We’re ready to guide you if you ever have concerns about your ears or any cosmetic goals in the future.

Dr. Sieffert With A Lip Lift Patient

You May Be A Candidate For Ear Pinning Surgery

Ear surgery addresses a lot of different issues you may have with your ears. Otoplasty is customizable, so it can address a variety of issues including size, asymmetry and projection. A great candidate is in good general health and has realistic expectations. The human body, including the ears, can never be 100% symmetrical, but you will see transformative results with an Otoplasty.

As with any elective cosmetic procedure, ideal ear-pinning surgery candidates should be in overall good health, have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and understand the potential risks and benefits involved.

Embrace What Makes You Feel Uniquely Confident

Dr. Sieffert specializes in surgeries for the face, neck, and ears. She understands that these areas can’t truly (or should) be hidden. She has perfected her meticulous techniques to ensure that your results will look natural and any scarring will be minimal and hidden.

 

Are you ready to get the ear shape and face-framing you’ve always wanted? Have additional questions about the procedure?

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