An otoplasty treatment, which moves prominent ears further back on the skull, can be used to address a person’s projecting or bigger ears. Ear pinning can be used to not only pin back ears, but also to reshape them, reduce their size, and make them more symmetrical. For patients of all ages, this treatment is a much-appreciated repair.
The results of this surgery have been praised by patients of various ages. One of the few plastic operations that can be advised for children as young as five years old is this procedure. It can help to eliminate teasing and boost self-esteem and confidence during their crucial school years. Children can avoid the agony of bullying because of their prominent ears if they are treated early.
Prominent ears can have a negative impact on self-esteem, self-image, and self-confidence. Otoplasty can be a life-changing procedure in some situations.
The rear of the ear is where the incisions are done during otoplasty. This region is ideal for concealing scars. Even to oneself, they should be scarcely perceptible! Because the incisions are hidden behind your ear, you won’t be able to see them from the front, and you won’t be able to see them from the back either.
Otoplasty is not covered by insurance in most cases. Otoplasty is usually seen as purely aesthetic and not medically required. If an otoplasty is performed to treat a deformity or congenital anomaly, your insurance company may fund the procedure. It’s critical that you call your insurance company before your first appointment to find out exactly what the company will cover.
How much does otoplasty cost with insurance?
The cost of otoplasty varies, as it does with most operations. In the United States, however, the typical cost of otoplasty is roughly $3,000. (depending on your insurance policy). Unless you’re undergoing therapy for congenital or traumatic causes, it’s doubtful that your insurance will cover cosmetic surgery. In that instance, your insurance company may provide you with partial coverage.
How do I get my insurance covered by otoplasty?
The first step is to get medical advice from a surgeon. Tell the surgeon about your goals and medical history during your first meeting. Inquire about the dangers, benefits, expenses, and recovery, as well as whether your expectations for the outcome are reasonable.
You should also contact your health insurance provider. That way, you’ll know what, if anything, your insurance will cover before the surgery.
Ear reshaping surgery is only covered by most health insurance companies if it will fix a functional condition. It could, for example, be used to repair a hearing problem. If you get an otoplasty to address a deformity or congenital anomaly, your insurance company may pay it. However, if it’s simply for cosmetic purposes, it might not be covered at all. In that instance, inquire with your doctor about the charges and payment choices.
Does insurance cover ear surgery?
Elective surgery, accompanying issues, or further operation to improve the look of your ears are typically not covered by most health insurance plans.
Some procedures, especially when conducted to ease medical problems or restore hearing function, may be reimbursed by health insurance. For reimbursement or coverage, pre-certification is frequently necessary. Before undergoing any operation, make sure to check with your insurance company.
How much does a typical otoplasty cost?
The average cost of otoplasty, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, is $3,156. Depending on the plastic surgeon, your location, and the type of procedure used, the cost may be lower or higher.
Other fees may be incurred in addition to the procedure’s price. Fees for anesthesia, prescription medications, and the type of facility you use are examples of these.
Because otoplasty is commonly considered cosmetic, treatment is rarely reimbursed by insurance. That means you could have to pay for things yourself. To aid with costs, certain plastic surgeons may offer a payment plan. During your initial consultation, you can inquire about this.
Insurance may support otoplasty to help relieve a medical issue in specific situations.
Before the procedure, make sure to check with your insurance company to see if you’re covered.
Is an otoplasty worth it?
While adults aren’t subjected to the same level of ridicule as children, they frequently choose otoplasty to address a flaw they’ve disliked for years. Many adults want to change their ears to feel better about themselves after a lifetime of teasing. And the majority of patients say they would choose the procedure again. Otoplasty has a 96 percent “Worth It” rating on RealSelf.
What is the best age for otoplasty?
Children with prominent ears are frequently teased and bullied by their peers. According to studies, this behavior can have far-reaching implications for children, including low self-esteem, social problems, and even poor academic achievement. Because difficulties with hearing commonly begin when a child begins school, parents may want to explore otoplasty before that first day.
Once the ears are fully developed, otoplasty is a reasonably simple and safe treatment that can be performed at any age. This normally happens around the age of five, which is why the majority of ear pinning surgeries are done on children aged five to seven. However, there is no limit to when this treatment can be performed, and even adults who have never considered ear reshaping before can benefit from it.
How do I get my ears back?
Otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery, is a technique that alters the shape, size, or location of the ears. If you’re disturbed by how much your ears protrude from your head, you might consider otoplasty. If your ear or ears are deformed as a result of an injury or a birth condition, you may want to explore otoplasty.
Can ears be pinned back without surgery?
Between the ages of 5 and 6, when the ear is fully matured and the child is about to attend school, an incisionless otoplasty operation can be performed on a youngster. This period is particularly crucial because it is when a child’s self-esteem begins to grow.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate for Incisionless Otoplasty?
Anyone with projecting ears may benefit from incisionless otoplasty; however, eligibility for this treatment is determined by each patient’s unique anatomy.
What Can You Expect During a Consultation?
Otoplasty with no incisions entails a thorough examination of the ear abnormality and treatment of the deformity or protrusion. Dr. Pero will evaluate your medical history and check your ears during your appointment to see if you are a candidate for incisionless otoplasty. If you are a candidate for this operation, he will go over it with you in detail, detailing the procedures he will take to correct your problem.
If you have any questions regarding your planned treatment plan, you should ask them at your appointment so that you have a complete understanding of the procedure and realistic expectations.
How Is The Otoplasty Performed?
Sutures are passed directly under the skin without a separate incision in incisionless otoplasty. In carefully selected patients, this allows for faster healing, no scarring, and a fantastic outcome.
What Type Of Anesthesia Is Used For Otoplasty?
General anesthesia is frequently used on youngsters. To improve patient comfort, Dr. Pero conducts incisionless otoplasty on most teenagers and adults utilizing local anaesthetic with or without local sedation.
Is The Procedure Painful?
Following incisionless otoplasty, the majority of patients have no substantial pain or discomfort. Dr. Pero, on the other hand, may prescribe pain medicine if necessary.
Is Incisionless Otoplasty Performed On An Outpatient Basis?
Yes, incisionless otoplasty can be done in our North Texas clinic, surgical facility, or hospital as an outpatient procedure.
What Can You Expect After The Procedure?
You may notice some swelling and soreness, as well as some bruising, following the treatment. Within a few days, these symptoms should go away, and you can resume your normal activities.
After the surgery, there is no need to wear bandages. To protect your ears and promote good healing, wear a headband for one week and then at night for one month.
Are There Any Aftercare Instructions To Follow?
Rest in bed for the first night after the treatment, with your head raised with two pillows. You should also eat a bland diet your first night home and take any pain and discomfort medications as directed.
How Soon Can You Return To Normal Activities After The Procedure?
With incisionless otoplasty, there is very little downtime. Patients should avoid exercise for one week following the surgery and return to work or school within 1-2 days. To get the best benefits, it’s also a good idea to stay away from contact sports for 3 to 6 months.
Are There Any Complications Associated With Incisionless Otoplasty?
Incisionless otoplasty has a low risk of complications, such as asymmetry, suture failure, suture exposure, granuloma formation, or a reaction to topical ointments (e.g., bacitracin zinc/polymyxin B sulfate). In such circumstances, a revision technique to reach the desired result may be used.
Are Scars Visible After The Procedure?
Incisionless otoplasty produces a fantastic result with no visible scars in the right candidate.
Dr. Pero is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a double board certification who has completed hundreds of cosmetic surgeries.
- The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and The American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery have both certified him (ABOTo).