Prominent ears can be a lifetime embarrassment for people. It usually starts in childhood. Kids with prominent large ears or ears which stick out far from the side of the head can suffer endless taunting and name-calling from their peers which can result in poor self-esteem and low self-confidence.

This self-confidence can even carry on into adulthood if the issue is not resolved. It is not uncommon for adults who have always felt self-conscious about their ears to come in for Otoplasty surgery. They usually have spent most of their lives hiding their ears with their hair. They often give a history of never going swimming in public because of the possibility of having their prominent ears be noticed.

What Is Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure in which the cartilage is altered and/or the ears are pinned back closer to the side of the head. All incisions are carefully placed by Dr. Matthew Romans or Dr. Jeremy Silk in hidden areas, usually behind the ear.

Ideal Candidates for Otoplasty

People who want to reduce the prominence of their ears are good candidates for otoplasty. Birth defects and injuries can also affect the function and appearance of the ears. Those affected with such deformities may also undergo ear surgery to correct or improve the physiology of the ear.

If you have previously undergone ear surgery and are not satisfied with the results, you may undergo otoplasty again.

Your Consultation

Prior to surgery, you will need to come in for a consultation with your surgeon. He will perform a physical examination of your ear region. This helps determine the techniques needed for your desired outcome. You and your surgeon will also discuss your medical history, including any pre-existing conditions.

Ear Surgery Procedure

The ear surgery procedure starts with the administration of anesthesia. The choices are general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. This choice will be made based on the type and extent of work needed to be done.

Incisions are usually made behind the ear. Cartilage will be folded with sutures and excess skin will be removed as needed. Sometimes cartilage will be removed in the bowl of the ear, if needed.

Stitches will then be used to close the incisions securely. Bandages will be wrapped around your ear to help with protecting the ears after surgery. The whole procedure takes about two hours.

Healing and Recovery

In the days after surgery, you might experience itching and discomfort. Medications may be given by Dr. Romans or Dr. Silk to help ease these temporary issues. Avoid sleeping on your side in order to prevent applying pressure on your newly operated ears. Wear a hat or headband to protect the ears from trauma for the first few weeks after surgery.

Ear Surgery Cost

The total cost of otoplasty surgery varies on a patient-to-patient basis. Sometimes insurance will cover this procedure, especially in children who are experiencing severe psycho-social problems from the condition. Contact our office to see if you or your child may be a good candidate for Otoplasty.

To see the kind of results Otoplasty is capable of achieving, view our Before and After Otoplasty photo gallery by clicking on the button below.

Before & After
Before & After

* Individual results may vary.

Photo Gallery

View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Dr. Matthew Romans

View Before & Afters

Contact Us to Learn More

Find out more about ear surgery in Salinas to learn about the corrective benefits of the procedure. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Related Links

Care Credit
Care Credit
Care Credit
Care Credit

Get the care you need

For over 30 years, CareCredit has been providing a valuable financing option for treatments and procedures that typically are not covered by insurance, or for times when insurance doesn't cover the full amount. CareCredit is also used by cardholders to pay for deductibles and co-payments.

Testimonials

5.0 rating out of 148 reviews

  • A

    Anonymous

    Very polite and helpful at the front desk got me right in. Dr. Silk explained every aspect of the procedure I’m interested in also the options, great information. Thank you. SEE MORE

  • A

    Anonymous

    Your receptionists are extremely friendly and helpful. Dr. Silk took as much time as I needed to explore options and answer questions. I have already shared my satisfaction with your doctors and office with several friends. Thank you. SEE MORE

  • A

    Anonymous

    I have had nothing but excellent experiences every time I go to your office I let all my friends and family know about how great your office is. Thank you for making every visit great! SEE MORE

Contact Salinas Valley Plastic Surgery

    Contact Salinas Valley Plastic Surgery

      For informational purposes only, a link to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments web page is provided here. The federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires that detailed information about payment and other payments of value worth over ten dollars ($10) from manufacturers of drugs, medical devices, and biologics to physicians and teaching hospitals be made available to the public.

      The Open Payments database is a federal tool used to search payments made by drug and device companies to physicians and teaching hospitals. It can be found at https://openpaymentsdata.cms.gov.