Ear Surgery
What is Otoplasty? Ear Surgery or otoplasty is a procedure to improve the shape, size and proportion of your ears to improve their balance and harmony with your face. This can be accomplished by setting your ears back to flatten them against your head or changing their shape, or size. Otoplasty is commonly performed in children, but is also performed in adult patients and has been shown to greatly improve self-confidence.
Depending on your anatomy and surgical goals, Dr. Capuano will reposition or remove cartilage through a small incision that is either hidden inside or behind your ear. Your ears can be pinned back by placing permanent sutures into the back of the cartilage to pull your ears closer to your head, by scoring the front of the cartilage to help them bend towards your head, or a combination of both techniques to achieve the look you are hoping for.
In addition, as part of your consultation, the Vectra 3D body imaging system will be used to simulate your post surgery results, so that you can see your ears in before and after photographs rather than someone else’s.
Otoplasty is a safe procedure performed by Dr. Capuano and available near you in Bergen County.
Next Step: Click here for Ear Surgery FAQs
Is This Surgery Right For Me?
The best candidates for ear surgery are otherwise healthy children, or adults who are nonsmokers, who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. Some of the most common concerns in patients who present for ear surgery include feeling that your ears are too large, too wide, or not in proportion to your face. Dr. Capuano can help determine if ear surgery is right for you, after careful examination of anatomy and consideration of your individual goals.
Ask the Doctor
Frequently Asked Questions
Length of Surgery
Ear surgery usually takes between 3 and 4 hours depending on the extent of correction needed. This surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and additionally using a local anesthetic. You will likely be discharged home the day of surgery.
Expected Recovery
Most patients are able to return to work within about 7 days. You may begin light exercise at 2 weeks, while 6 weeks is required, before returning to strenuous activity or lifting. Bruising may be present for up to 3 weeks. Because of swelling and healing tissues, the final appearance of your ears may not be evident until one year after surgery. Patients are instructed to protect themselves from direct sun exposure for 1 year, and to wear sunscreen. Silicone therapy is additionally used to improve appearance of scars.
Common Side Effects
Bruising and swelling, temporary tenderness, aching or throbbing, a feeling of pulling on your ears, redness, or numbness.
Surgical Risks
Risks include bleeding, infection of cartilage, hematoma, changes in skin sensation, scarring, asymmetry, unsatisfactory results requiring additional surgery
Dr. Capuano consistently achieves excellent results with ear surgery (otoplasty). He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he would be happy to discuss your options if you are thinking about ear surgery.
How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
Contact the office of the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery at (201)820-5280 to schedule an appointment.
Length of Surgery
Ear surgery usually takes between 3 and 4 hours depending on the extent of correction needed. This surgery is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and additionally using a local anesthetic. You will likely be discharged home the day of surgery.
Expected Recovery
Most patients are able to return to work within about 7 days. You may begin light exercise at 2 weeks, while 6 weeks is required, before returning to strenuous activity or lifting. Bruising may be present for up to 3 weeks. Because of swelling and healing tissues, the final appearance of your ears may not be evident until one year after surgery. Patients are instructed to protect themselves from direct sun exposure for 1 year, and to wear sunscreen. Silicone therapy is additionally used to improve appearance of scars.
Common Side Effects
Bruising and swelling, temporary tenderness, aching or throbbing, a feeling of pulling on your ears, redness, or numbness.
Surgical Risks
Risks include bleeding, infection of cartilage, hematoma, changes in skin sensation, scarring, asymmetry, unsatisfactory results requiring additional surgery
Dr. Capuano consistently achieves excellent results with ear surgery (otoplasty). He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and he would be happy to discuss your options if you are thinking about ear surgery.
How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
Contact the office of the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery at (201)820-5280 to schedule an appointment.