248-289-7300 Troy, MI

Otoplasty

Otoplasty In Detroit Metro

Introduction

Introduction to Otoplasty

The ears frame the face, and just like with a great piece of art, a bad frame can either enhance or distract from the beauty contained within its borders. When one or both ears are prominent, misshapen, or asymmetrical, it can draw attention away from the eyes and detract from the harmony of the face.

Dr. Andrew Compton is based in Troy, MI, and is highly experienced in various types of cosmetic ear surgery, including otoplasty (ear pinning), revision otoplasty, ear lobe reduction, and macrotia reduction surgery. Otoplasty is one of Dr Compton’s favorite surgeries, and he does it frequently. He loves any surgery where he gets to use very precise sutures to reshape the anatomy and create a natural result that is immediately obvious. Otoplasty can create a significant change in someone’s appearance with a low-risk, in-office surgery that requires minimal downtime and pain. Read on and schedule a consultation to learn whether an otoplasty can help you achieve symmetrical, less noticeable ears.

Otoplasty

Otoplasty Results

Otoplasty Results

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A young woman with long, dark hair looks up and to the right, with a soft expression. Her hair appears to be blowing slightly, and she is wearing a black spaghetti-strap top. The background is a plain, light color with soft shadows. - Otoplasty in Troy, MI
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What is an Otoplasty?

Cosmetic ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a range of precision surgical procedures used to reshape, reduce the size, and improve the aesthetics of prominent or misshapen ears. These may include bringing the ears closer to the head, altering the ear shape, reducing cartilage size, or enhancing the natural contours of the ear. Dr. Compton has expertise in multiple techniques to achieve each goal and will create a custom plan for each of your ears based on anatomy. An earlobe reduction may be performed at the same time if needed to balance the ear proportions. Common techniques include reducing the cartilage and soft tissue behind the ear to help it sit closer to the skull, as well as scoring and reshaping the upper cartilage with sutures to create the correct shape of a normal-appearing ear. The key to its success lies in the meticulous precision of tuture placement, enabling each ear to be repositioned closer to the head with a better shape, resulting in a natural, symmetrical appearance. This surgical artistry is rooted in a deep understanding of ear anatomy, including the intricate bends and folds of the normal ear cartilage and skin.

Otoplasty for adult patients can be safely and comfortably performed using local anesthesia, with or without oral sedation, in our office procedure room. This limits patient risk and discomfort while making it convenient to get in and out of the office efficiently. Dr. Compton’s expertise in the science of otoplasty ensures that you can undergo this transformative procedure to achieve aesthetically pleasing and harmonious ears.

Who Are the Best Candidates for an Otoplasty?

An otoplasty procedure can be performed on patients of most ages, provided they are over 5 years old. In general, Dr. Compton recommends otoplasty procedures for patients who:

  • Have ears that stick out far from their head
  • Are at least 5 years old, though 6 or 7 years of age may have better participation
  • For minors, a parent and child who BOTH want to proceed with surgery
  • Have overly large or misshapen ears
  • Maintain realistic expectations for what can be repaired or altered with their particular ear shapes.
  • Are generally healthy and do not have significant underlying health conditions

Young patients may be considered for an otoplasty procedure, provided they exhibit tolerance for medical care, are interested in undergoing it, and are willing to participate in post-operative care. Depending on the case’s complexity and age, an otoplasty procedure may be performed in the office or operating room.

What Are the Benefits of an Otoplasty?

Patients in Detroit, MI, often request an otoplasty for the following benefits:

  • Reducing the size and appearance of prominent ears
  • Reshaping ears to more natural contours
  • Removing cartilage irregularities
  • Pinning back protruding ears
  • Reducing very large ears
  • Reducing large earlobes
  • Revision of previous otoplasty surgery
  • Reducing unwanted negative attention
  • Improving self-esteem
  • Reducing viewer distractions to natural eye contact
  • Creating better facial symmetry

What’s the First Step?

Dr. Compton welcomes all patients interested in an otoplasty procedure at his practice in Troy, MI, which is 20 minutes north of Detroit. Please schedule a consultation and arrive prepared to share your complete medical history. Dr. Compton will evaluate the condition of your ears, listen to your reasons for electing an otoplasty procedure, and make recommendations as to which techniques will best correct your various concerns. Please feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns regarding the otoplasty surgery during this time.

If both you and Dr. Compton agree that an otoplasty may be helpful in correcting your ear condition, Dr. Compton will draft a surgical plan that includes the location where the procedure will take place. Otoplasty is considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance carriers, and the surgical fees will be discussed, along with a quote, before you schedule your otoplasty procedure.

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What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

Before your surgery, Dr. Compton will meet with you to review the plan of action for your customized otoplasty procedure. He will be able to answer any additional questions or concerns you might have before the patient care team prepares you for the surgery.

Anxiety and pain medications may be given in the preoperative area if desired for patient comfort. The ears will be numbed with a local anesthetic to provide complete numbness. The surgery will take approximately 1 hour per ear, during which Dr. Compton will check in to ensure your complete comfort. The ears will be padded and wrapped for 48 hours following the procedure. If sedative medications were administered, transportation with a trusted friend or relative is mandatory.

Otoplasty Recovery

Patients in Detroit, MI, often request an otoplasty for the following benefits:

  • Reducing the size and appearance of prominent ears
  • Reshaping ears to more natural contours
  • Removing cartilage irregularities
  • Pinning back protruding ears
  • Reducing very large ears
  • Reducing large earlobes
  • Revision of previous otoplasty surgery
  • Reducing unwanted negative attention
  • Improving self-esteem
  • Reducing viewer distractions to natural eye contact
  • Creating better facial symmetry

How Much Does an Otoplasty Cost in Detroit, MI?

The cost of an Otoplasty in Detroit, MI, will depend on the extent of surgery required to
meet your aesthetic goals, whether one or both ears need correction, whether it includes
earlobe reduction and what depth of anesthesia is required. Patients will receive a comprehensive cost breakdown of their procedure at the time of their consultation but expect to pay between $4,500 – $10,000 with most patients around $6,500. Cosmetic otoplasty is not typically covered by insurance; however, we offer financing options

Why Choose Dr. Compton?

Dr. Andrew Compton is a Double-Board-Certified Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist and a Fellowship-trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (ABFPRS) located in the metro Detroit area. His extensive training has provided him with experience operating on all parts of the face and neck, and his expertise encompasses thousands of ear, nose, and facial surgeries.

Dr. Compton completed his residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, LA, where he trained under one of the most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons in the world. He followed this training with a fellowship at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the Washington University School of Medicine at the prestigious Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. This advanced fellowship training focused on both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including facelift, otoplasty, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), and rhinoplasty (nasal surgery).

Dr. Compton is a naturally talented artist who enjoys creating in various mediums, including photography, charcoal, acrylic paints, watercolor paints, pencil, and pointillism using pen and ink. His artistic eye and attention to detail allow him to excel in facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery.

Otoplasty FAQ’S

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