Otoplasty/Ear Surgery Houston

Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) is used to set a patient’s ears closer to the head or to reduce the ear size. The otoplasty procedure can be performed on adults, as well as children between the ages of 7 and 14. During the procedure, Dr. Lapuerta makes an incision at the back of the patient’s ear in order to expose the ear’s cartilage. The cartilage can then be removed or sculpted so that it provides a natural-looking fold for the ear. Ear surgery can also reshape the ears, fixing any abnormalities in order to restore the patient’s self-confidence.

Ear plastic surgery is perfect for anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their ears, and this unhappiness has led to lower self-esteem. The procedure is not just limited to adults; children must be at least 7 years old, since that is the age where ears are fully formed and stop growing.

In addition to being at least 7 years old, patients need to be in good overall physical health. Patients should also have a thorough understanding of what the procedure entails and realistic expectations regarding the results of their ear surgery. During an ear surgery consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will answer any questions the patient has, as well as make sure they understand every phase of the procedure.

The technique used during ear surgery will depend on the abnormality. First, there may be an insufficient amount of ear cartilage to support the fold of the ear or too much cartilage where the ear canal starts. Both issues will cause the ear to protrude outward, which will require ear pinning surgery to correct. In some cases, the ears may appear too large. Regardless of the condition, the cartilage will usually be addressed and either removed or reshaped. Then, the cartilage will be secured with sutures into a new position closer to the head. The incision is generally placed within the natural folds of the ear so scarring is not an issue.

All otoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure at Dr. Lapuerta’s on-site accredited surgical facility. The entire surgery typically takes about 2 hours to complete. After surgery, patients will be sent home with their heads wrapped in a compression bandage, which will later be replaced with lighter bandaging.

Initially, patients will feel discomfort if they attempt to move their ears. This will subside in a few days, but patients may be prescribed medication to help manage the pain. In addition to some discomfort, patients can also expect their ears to swell, ache, and appear red for one to two weeks following surgery. During this time, younger patients will need to be monitored so they do not touch or play with their ears during the healing process, and older patients should refrain from touching their ears. 

Patients can expect to return to work a few days after surgery. However, while patients can return to their everyday life only a couple of days after the procedure, they are advised to avoid vigorous exercise for up to six weeks following surgery.

The average cost for an otoplasty will vary depending on the complexity of the surgical case. However, the national average for this surgery ranges between $3,000-$5,000. Unfortunately, in almost all cases, otoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore is not covered by insurance.

However, Dr. Lapuerta is proud to offer flexible financing plans for his patients, giving them an affordable way to pay for cosmetic plastic surgery. Instead of having to come up with a lump sum of cash, our financing options allow patients to pay for any procedure in monthly payments. If the otoplasty cost is a little outside of your budget right now, ask us about our financing options to make the procedure affordable for you today.

If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your ears and are looking for a permanent solution, ear plastic surgery might be the answer. This simple, straightforward procedure can drastically alter the appearance of your ears, correcting any perceived imperfections so you can be confident in your appearance.

Dr. Lapuerta is an ear surgery expert, performing otoplasty in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Texas, for over two decades. Patients consistently rave about Dr. Lapuerta, leaving glowing reviews and testimonials about his amazing work. What sets Dr. Lapuerta apart is his commitment to clearly communicating with his patients in a relatable, down-to-earth fashion. Instead of answering your questions with medical jargon, Dr. Lapuerta makes sure patients understand exactly what to expect.

If you are interested in learning more about ear plastic surgery or would like to schedule an otoplasty consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today.