Otoplasty in Toronto (Ear Pinning Surgery)

Young or old, people have been seeking out otoplasty (ear augmentation, or ear pinning) for decades to correct abnormally large or protruding ears that can cause self-esteem issues and facial asymmetry. By correcting the shape of the folds of your ears, the Toronto Plastic Surgeons team will help you regain the confidence you desire to get a shorter haircut or show off those new earrings.

Dr. Thomas Bell is Toronto’s go-to otoplasty and plastic surgery expert, with 25+ years of experience performing aesthetic medicine procedures. Dr. Bell will approach your ear augmentation with a carefully created treatment plan that addresses your needs. Say goodbye to protruding ears or feelings of embarrassment when wearing your hair up – Dr. Bell is ready to discuss your concerns during your consultation so he can revamp your self-esteem and your facial symmetry!

What is an 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.

Different Types of Otoplasty

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.

Who is the Best Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty candidates should be in good physical and mental health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the expected results. Do you struggle with overly large, protruding, or misshapen ears that need correcting and affect your self-esteem? If you answered yes, then you may be an excellent candidate for ear surgery.

This 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. However, we offer this procedure for people of all ages.

Your Otoplasty Surgery Consultation with Dr. Bell

Otoplasty or Set Back Ear Job (Dumbo ears) 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). Torn earlobes or elongated earlobes from earrings can also be fixed and small earlobes can be enlarged. No matter your concerns, everything can be discussed during your ear surgery consultation.

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.

During your consultation, we will discuss your ear surgery and run through exactly what the surgery will entail.

• We will ask questions regarding your medical and drug history and family health.
• You will be advised to avoid smoking and drinking as well as certain medications (aspirin and anti-inflammatories) before your surgery to ensure optimal results.

You should also come prepared with questions as one of the main steps before your consultation, such as:

1. Is anesthetic being used during this procedure? Which type?
2. How will this procedure be performed?
3. Can I see before and after pictures of the procedure results?
4. What are the risks associated with this procedure?
5. Can I combine this treatment with another treatment?

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Toronto?

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 $8,999. If you would like to combine your otoplasty surgery with other treatments, ask Dr. Bell about combination costs during your consultation.

Is Otoplasty Covered by OHIP?

Since otoplasty is an aesthetic, elective procedure, it is not covered by OHIP. To find out if there are financing options or clinic deals available to you, discuss costs with Dr. Bell during your initial meeting.

How to Prepare 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, including:

• 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.

How is an Otoplasty Performed?

Your otoplasty surgery will begin with local anesthesia 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.

Dr. Bell and his team of otoplasty experts will put you at ease during your ear augmentation as they utilize the latest technologies, vast experience, and state-of-the-art methods to ensure you get results that boost your confidence and correct your facial symmetry.

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.

Otoplasty Recovery

Patients can go home on 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.

How long is the recovery after an otoplasty?

It takes 3 weeks to recover from an otoplasty procedure. Dr. Bell will provide follow-up appointments whenever necessary to ensure optimal healing and results.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1: Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated during this time. You may need to wear mild compression dressing around your ears, and they will feel swollen and sore.

Day 3: Your swelling will begin to decrease and you will be able to see healing improvements.

Day 5: Many patients begin to feel comfortable by this point in their recovery and return to work. If you have a physically demanding job, stay away from work for a few more days. Compression bandages will be removed around this point.

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

3 months onward: You will be fully healed and the swelling will be completely gone.

Otoplasty Benefits

Otoplasty boasts many benefits, from improved self-confidence to correct symmetry in the ear lobes and helix. Some benefits of cosmetic ear surgery include:

• 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.
• Show Off Your Favourite 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 like Dr. Bell. Some complications that can occur include:

• 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.

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?

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

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.

Is Otoplasty Safe?

Yes, cosmetic ear surgery is a safe, common procedure with few risks associated with it, especially when it is performed by an aesthetic medicine expert like Dr. Bell.