SPECIALTY

AESTHETIC

SURGERY

How Long Does Otoplasty Surgery Take?

Our surgeons, Dr. Moskowitz and Dr. Mashkevich specialize in surgeries involving the face and neck. This also includes the ears, making them highly qualified to perform otoplasty (ear surgery) on you or your child. 

What is Otoplasty Surgery?

Few cosmetic procedures can or should be performed on children. However, most of the patients seeking otoplasty fall into younger age groups. Ears that stick out, have an unusual appearance, or appear too large can make children and adults self-conscious. Since ears have reached their full size by age five, most children whose ears have finished growing can have an otoplasty

How Does Otoplasty Surgery Work?

Your surgeon will use an incision behind the ear to access the ear cartilage. Manipulating this cartilage can change the shape or size of the ear. It can also change the angle of the ears, so they lay flatter against the head instead of protruding. 

How Long Does Otoplasty Surgery Take?

Typical otoplasty surgery takes about two hours. A more complex procedure could take longer. Because many young otoplasty patients might feel very nervous or not able to sit for that long, most otoplasties happen under general anesthesia. 

What Results Will I See From Otoplasty Surgery?

Otoplasty can provide results to address any aspect of your ears that makes you feel self-conscious. These can include:

  • Ears that look too large for the head
  • Ears that have an unusual shape that you do not like
  • Ears that protrude from the head
  • Other cosmetic ear issues

Results of otoplasty become visible immediately, although there may be bruising and swelling in the areas of altered cartilage. As the swelling goes away over a week or two, you will see your final results. 

What is Recovery Like From Otoplasty Surgery?

You or your child will wake up in the recovery area, where you will rest under observation before we allow you to go home. We will prescribe pain medication for the first 24 to 72 hours. For the first few days, you will have a bandage to wear around your head that protects your ears and keeps them in place so they can heal. You should prepare to take five to seven days off from work or school. Recovery can take a few weeks. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty Surgery?

If you feel like your ears look too large, stick out too much, or have a shape you dislike, you may be a good candidate for otoplasty. Unlike other procedures which can only be performed on adults, otoplasty patients are often children. Patients should be in good health, and ideal candidates do not smoke. 

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about Fat Transfer? Schedule your consultation or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck. 

*Individual results may vary.

Share This Post

More To Explore

For your safety | Manhattan & the Upper East Side

To ensure the safety of all of our patients, staff and visitors, we ask that you comply with the following: 

PATIENTS AND VISITORS MUST WEAR A MASK WHILE IN OUR OFFICE, REGARDLESS OF VACCINATION STATUS.

WE ASK THAT PATIENTS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY NO MORE THAN ONE OTHER VISITOR.