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Otoplasty in Carmel, IN

Improve ear position, projection, or symmetry with personalized otoplasty designed to create a more balanced appearance for children or adults.

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Unique Approach

Why Choose MPSG for Your Ear Surgery

At My Plastic Surgery Group, our plastic surgeons perform otoplasty surgery, also known as ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery, to help improve the appearance and positioning of the ears while maintaining natural facial balance. Otoplasty is commonly performed for patients with prominent, asymmetrical, or protruding ears who are seeking a more proportionate appearance.

Because every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique, our surgeons take a highly individualized approach to treatment planning. During your consultation, your surgeon will carefully evaluate ear structure, discuss your goals, and develop a personalized surgical plan designed to achieve natural looking results.

Dr. Rosi-Schumacher

“Otoplasty is about creating harmony between the ears and the rest of the face, not simply making the ears smaller or pinning them back. I understand how prominent or protruding ears can affect a patient’s self-confidence and, for children, can have a meaningful impact on body image and how they feel about themselves. I carefully evaluate the size, shape, position, and natural folds of each ear, as well as how they relate to the head and facial features. My approach is individualized and focused on creating subtle, balanced changes while preserving a natural appearance. The goal is not only to create ears that are more harmonious with the face, but to help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their appearance.”

— Dr. Rosi-Schumacher

Frequently Asked Questions

What is otoplasty?

Surgery to reshape or pin back prominent ears for improved symmetry and proportion. This procedure can “pin back” ears that stick out and, if needed, can reshape the cartilage so the ears rest closer to the head.

How long does surgery take?

Typically 2 hours under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

What is the recovery like?

There is mild discomfort after otoplasty surgery. Bruising and swelling begin to resolve by the first week. A headband is worn for 1–2 weeks. The full results are visible after several weeks. Patients may return to work or school in 3-4 days. Contact sports should be avoided for 3 weeks.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, once ears are repositioned and healed, results are permanent.

Who is a good candidate?

Children (usually 5+ years old) or adults with prominent or misshapen ears who are healthy. Having ears that stick out can be the source of teasing from peers and may result in self-esteem issues. This procedure can help restore confidence.

Combination Procedures

Otoplasty Before & After Results

Explore otoplasty before-and-after photos showing individualized changes in prominent or protruding ears, ear position, projection, symmetry, and balance with the face and head.

Patient A

Actual Patient | Carmel, IN

Patient B

Actual Patient | Carmel, IN

Questions & Answers with Dr. Aker

Will my ears be smaller after having otoplasty surgery?

They will look less protuberant and they may look smaller, but the actual size of the ear will be the same.

Will insurance cover this surgery?

Usually not. Typically, there is no medical need for otoplasty surgery.

How long is recovery following otoplasty surgery?

A dressing is worn around the ears and head for one week. There will be bruising and swelling as well. It is most important to protect them from bending or other trauma and we recommend wearing a headband at bedtime for 2-3 weeks.

I swim frequently. How will this cosmetic surgery procedure affect this?

One must have completely healed skin before swimming. A protective swim cap is advised for the first 6-8 weeks. Diving, as well as swimming in crowded pools, should be avoided to reduce risk of trauma.

Will my hearing be worse once I've had otoplasty surgery?

Hearing is not affected by operating on the outer ear in otoplasty surgery.

Is it true that younger patients have softer, more malleable ear cartilage than adults?

Yes. With normal aging, the ear cartilage becomes more fibrous and less pliable.

Is this surgery safe?

Otoplasty surgery is considered to be very safe. Anesthesia and preventative antibiotics are used.

Will I be more prone to ear infections if I have otoplasty surgery?

No.

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The Specifics

Ear Surgery Details

The Goal of Ear Surgery

Ear surgery, ear pinning, or otoplasty, is most commonly done to situate prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce the size of big ears. When ears display excessive protrusion out to the sides (termed “prominent” or “protuberant” ear), otoplasty is performed. Congenital misshapen cartilage is generally the cause of protruding ears.

The Process

Otoplasty, or ear pinning, is one of the few cosmetic procedures done on children and is most often done on those children who have been teased for having big ears and who are suffering from self-esteem issues because of it, although it can be performed on adults as well. The surgery is done using outpatient general anesthesia. Otoplasty surgery changes the cartilage framework by increasing the antihelical fold which is just inside the rim of the ear, and reducing the enlarged conchal cartilage which is the deepest concavity of the ear. The incision is hidden by placing it behind the ear. Internal non- removable sutures are used to secure the cartilage.

Results & Recovery

After otoplasty surgery, the patient awakens with a bulky head-wrapping for a dressing. This is to be kept in place and dry for one week. Early redness and swelling are to be expected. It is helpful to wear a tennis headband for protection when sleeping. During the first several months, slight relaxation or partial reprojection of the ears is very common.

The Cost of Ear Surgery

Otoplasty pricing typically ranges from $4,100–$4,600 depending on surgical complexity and individualized treatment planning. A consultation is required to provide a customized surgical quote.

Get Started with MPSG

Request an Otoplasty Consultation at Our Carmel, Indiana Location

Meet with the surgeons at My Plastic Surgery Group's Carmel office to discuss ear shape, projection, symmetry, and age-appropriate treatment planning. We welcome families and adults from Indianapolis, Westfield, Fishers, Zionsville, and across Central Indiana.

Book Your Consultation Now!