Ear Surgery in Ashburn, VA

Ear reshaping surgery can be performed at any age; however, it is often most common among children and is recommended before the start of elementary school. By six years of age, this surgery is safe and effective to be completed on a child. If you feel embarrassed from 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 may also be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery.

Ear reshaping surgery is performed using anesthesia, either general or IV sedation. Most often, the incision is placed around the back portion of the ear or within the inner folds. During this procedure, cartilage will be manipulated to create a new contour and natural-looking appearance. It is generally common for each ear to be addressed during otoplasty to make sure they appear symmetrical. After the procedure, the incisions are safely stitched together with sutures and wrapped so they are protected.

Once the procedure is finished and you are released to leave the hospital, you will heal and rest at home. Dr. Brown or a member of his team will send you home with instructions for recovery. It is very important to not touch, pick at, or scratch the ears. During recovery, you may be required to wear ear dressings and/or a headband. Also, you should not lay on the ears, and instead, sleep propped up for the first few days. Dr. Brown recommends seeing his otoplasty patients back within 3 – 5 days — at this time, Dr. Brown 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.

How much does ear surgery cost?

Costs for ear surgery will be based on what is being done (ear pinning, shaping, earlobe repair, or a combination of these). Once Dr. Brown understands your issues and wants, he will make your treatment plan and estimate expenses. In order to concentrate on receiving the outcomes that you want rather than prices, The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery takes several payments and a member of our team can help you obtain low-interest financing.

Will the results of ear surgery last?

Normally, the ears grow faster compared to other areas of the body and face, which is the reason why ear surgery can be done on younger patients with long-term outcomes. Dr. Brown will examine the ears and then talk about what to expect along with how long the outcomes may last. While the body and face can change dramatically from gravity and age, the impact on the ears is usually minimal. In the event there are significant modifications to your ears because of an injury, another surgery could be performed.

How old should my child be to consider otoplasty?

Typically, kids about 5 – 6 years old are perfect candidates for ear surgery. Although the ear is generally fully grown, the tissue and cartilage are still malleable, which makes it easy to alter. This age is also great as it is before they begin school or early in their schooling so that they can avoid teasing from their classmates. Even though a lot of ear surgery patients are young children, Dr. Brown also performs otoplasty on adults.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?

The most common problems, such as ears that are oversized or stick out, occur in both ears, which means both will need to be fixed. During ear surgery, Dr. Brown will adjust both ears to make them as symmetrical as possible. However, if just one ear has to be altered, the shape and size will be adjusted to mirror the untreated ear. When he creates your surgical plan, Dr. Brown will tell you if one or both ears need to be corrected.

What about fixing stretched or torn earlobes?

The trend of ear gauges and big earrings are making earlobe reconstruction a popular operation at The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery. If you are considering undergoing earlobe reconstruction, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brown. He will analyze your ear and then explain what might be done in order to repair your earlobes.