Toronto Otoplasty (Earlobe Augmentation, Ear Set Back, Ear Pinning)

What is The Cost of an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty surgery costs can vary depending on the individual needs of each patient, but for the highly-skilled services of the Toronto Plastic Surgeons, pricing starts at $6,999.

Recovery Period Following an Otoplasty?

It takes 3 weeks to recover from an otoplasty procedure.

How Long Does it Take to Perform an Otoplasty?

Depending on the case and the desired results, an otoplasty procedure takes 2.5 hours to complete.

What is an Otoplasty

Otoplasty or Set Back Ear Job improves the position, proportion, or shape of the ear. Most commonly this involves repositioning ears closer to the head when they stick out too far (Dumbo ears). The cosmetic otoplasty surgeon creates a more pleasing and natural shape to the ear(s) to bring a greater sense of facial balance.

Torn earlobes or elongated earlobes from earrings can also be fixed and small earlobes can be enlarged.

Otoplasty is an appropriate choice of procedure for those suffering low self-confidence as a result of the appearance of their ears. Correcting aesthetic concerns, however small, can have a significant impact on one’s overall appearance and self-esteem.

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty candidates should be in good physical and mental health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the expected results. The patient will have overly large, protruding, or misshapen ears that they want correcting.

The surgery is commonly performed on children (as early as age five) when the ears have stopped growing. Performing the surgery at an early age is advantageous as the ear cartilage is nearly fully grown but still resilient.

Otoplasty Benefits

Confidence Boost

Correcting large, protruding, or misshapen ears can give patients a renewed confidence.

Improve Facial Balance

Enjoy a balanced and symmetrical face that looks more attractive.

Feel Good Wearing Earrings

Wear earrings without worrying about drawing attention to your ears. 

Post-Injury Restoration

Otoplasty can restore one or both ears to its original state after injury.

Otoplasty Risks & Complications

Like every procedure, ear pinning surgery comes with a small chance of potential complications. To minimize the likelihood of complications, the best thing to do is to select a trusted, experienced surgeon. The team at the Toronto Plastic Surgeons has years of experience performing Otoplasty. Significant complications are uncommon and, in the rare event they occur, are expertly managed.

• Scarring: Special care is taken when making incisions to minimize visible scarring. 
• Skin Sensation Changes: Change of sensation in the ear is usually only temporary for a couple of weeks.
• Stitching Problems: Internal stitches can protrude to the surface causing inflammation.
• Asymmetry: Using a skilled surgeon reduces this risk of ears becoming asymmetrical during the healing process.

Why The Toronto Plastic Surgeons?

Patients come from around the world to undergo procedures by Dr. Bell, one of Canada’s leading cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Bell has performed tens of thousands of cosmetic procedures and has been named one of the world’s best plastic surgeons by W Magazine.

Dr. Bell customizes every procedure to the patient’s specific needs and provide long-lasting results. Rest assured that, with the Toronto Plastic Surgeons, you’re in safe hands before, during, and after the procedure.

Different Types of Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a procedure that is used to correct a wide array of ear conditions. It’s for this reason that there are different types of otoplasty available depending on the patient’s condition. 

Ear Augmentation

Ear augmentation is used when the earlobe is underdeveloped. The earlobe can be small from birth or can shrink and shrivel after facelifts. The surgeon can inject filler into the ear or use the patient’s own fat through grafting. Once completed, the ear is the desired size.

Otopexy or Set Back Otoplasty

Those with protruding ears undergo an otopexy. This is the process that pins the ears back, so they no longer stick out.

Ear Reduction

When the pinna or earlobe is too large, the patient can undergo an ear reduction to bring the size of the ears into proportion with the face.

How is an Otoplasty Performed?

The otoplasty procedure begins with anesthesia (either local, general, or IV sedation) being administered by the surgeon.  

The surgery is usually carried out through a small, hidden incision made along the back of the ear. Through the incision, cartilage and ear shape is modified. There are different methods possible to reshape and adjust the cartilage – the best method for you will be discussed during your initial consultation. 

Internal sutures are used to hold the contoured cartilage. The whole surgery lasts between 1-2 hours, and patients will return home the same day.

Preparing for an Otoplasty

Before the procedure date, there are certain steps to follow which will shorten the recovery period and lessen the chance of any complications:

• Stop smoking 2 weeks prior.
• Avoid aspirin and blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks prior. 
• Stop drinking alcohol 1 week prior.
• Avoid eating and drinking 8 hours before surgery.
• Prepare your home for a recovery period (pillows, ice packs, pre-made meals, etc)

Our surgeons will provide additional guidelines during your initial consultation. For optimal results, the guidelines must be followed.

What to Expect Post Otoplasty Surgery

Patients can go home the day of the procedure. After the otoplasty surgery, patients can expect some numbness and discomfort around the ears which can be managed with pain medication. 

When discharged from our centre, the patient will be dressed with a bandage over their ears. This has to be worn for the first week to maintain the ear shape and prevent bleeding or swelling. The bandage cannot get wet, so sponge baths are necessary for the first week.

Pinnaplasty Recovery

Week 1: The first week after surgery should be spent resting. Pain medication may be used to manage the expected initial discomfort. 

Week 2: The dressing worn to promote healing is removed and most patients return to work or school. Exercise and low-impact activities can also be resumed. 

Week 3 onward: Mild bruising will have subsided by this point and contact sports and strenuous activities can be resumed after 2 months. Patients must continue to wear a headband while sleeping for the first 3 months.

Otoplasty FAQ

The Toronto Plastic Surgeons has performed many otoplasty procedures over the years and in this time we’ve answered many questions and queries from potential patients. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked otoplasty questions. During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to ask any of your personal questions.

Is Getting an Otoplasty Painful?

Patients will experience moderate pain after the otoplasty procedure. Pain and swelling will remain for the first few days and are often managed with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medicine.

At What Age Can a Person Receive Otoplasty?

The Toronto Plastic Surgeons only perform adult cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic Ear Surgery patients should be at least 16 years old and have stopped growing and developing.

Are the Results of Otoplasty Permanent?

Yes. The physical results from an otoplasty procedure are immediate and should last for a lifetime. Even for children who receive the treatment at an early age, there is no evidence to suggest that they will ‘grow out’ of the ears.

Will My Hearing Be Affected?

Otoplasty does not affect hearing. The procedure involves only correcting the outer ear, not the middle or inner ear.