Is Otoplasty painful?

Otoplasty surgery isn’t considered to be a painful procedure because it’s performed under anesthesia, and is much more bearable when compared to other procedures. Patients will sometimes express feelings of discomfort because of the bandage that helps reduce swelling and preserve healing. Dr. Papanicolaou can also prescribe some temporary pain medication to make the first stage of your recovery more bearable, and we will also provide you with some directions that will help alleviate the pain or discomfort you may experience.

How many appointments will I need?

After your surgery, Dr. Papanicolaou will need you to return after a week so that he may evaluate your recovery and remove any sutures or bandages. After your first check-up, you can expect to return a few more times with an average of four and six follow-up appointments. These will usually take place around one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months.

How long until I see results?

Most patients can see immediate results, however, your ears will still be swollen, bruised, and still settling into position. You should notice your final, optimal results in about three months when your ears are fully healed.

Can I combine Otoplasty with other procedures?

Absolutely! Many of our Otoplasty patients in Orlando will combine their surgery with other facial contouring procedures to create a better profile, such as Rhinoplasty , Chin Augmentation, or Neck Lift . For you to make the best decisions for your aesthetic goals, please mention them to Dr. Papanicolaou during your consultation. He will be able to use his experience and expert eye to make the best recommendations for you.

What are the risks associated with Otoplasty?

Dr. Papanicolaou and his team place your health and safety as their top priority, which includes full disclosure when discussing procedures. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects, with the ones associated with Otoplasty including: Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injected agents Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Bleeding (hematoma) Blood clots Change in skin sensation Infection Pain, which may persist Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Skin contour irregularities Skin discoloration/swelling Unfavorable scarring If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Otoplasty Orlando | Ear Pinning Lake Mary

Woman in a sauna | Ear Surgery in Orlando

Introduction

Introduction to Otoplasty

The projection of one’s ears can be a very sensitive subject. It can lead to teasing, name-calling, and eventually, insecurities and problems with self-image. At Soma Plastic Surgery in Lake Mary, FL (just north of Orlando), we offer Otoplasty as a safe and effective way to treat protruding ears and attached earlobes for patients of all ages. To learn more about this procedure and determine if it’s right for you, please continue reading below.

Before & after photo gallery

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What is Otoplasty?

Ear pinning, which is medically known as otoplasty, is a procedure that helps to improve the appearance of prominent or misshapen ears. The surgery can place prominent ears closer to the head or reduce the size of large ears. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children between 4 and 14 years of age, though the surgery can also be performed later on in life. When performed at an early age, the surgery can help spare children and young adults the psychological challenges that can be associated with prominent ears.

What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

For a patient with larger or protruding back ears, there are so many wonderful benefits from Otoplasty in Orlando and Lake Mary, including:

Better ear proportions
Can be performed at almost any age
Corrects prominent ears
Increases self-confidence
More natural facial appearance
Permanent results
Treatment is safe

Who are the Best Candidates for Otoplasty procedure?

Otoplasty is ideal for individuals who are in good overall physical health and are unhappy with the shape, proportion, or size of their ears. However, as with any surgical procedure, patient circumstances are considered on a case-by-case basis to properly determine the best route for achieving the desired results.

Cupped ear (a small ear)
Earlobes with large creases and wrinkles
Large or protruding ears
Large, stretched, or torn earlobes
Lop ear (top of the ear folds downward or inward)
New ears can be constructed for patients who are missing them from injury or other causes.
Shell ear (no outer curve in the cartilage)

Close up of a mans ear | Otoplasty in Orlando

What’s the First Step?

If you are looking into an Otoplasty in the Orlando, FL area, your first step is to schedule your consultation with Dr. George Papanicolaou. When you come into Soma Plastic Surgery for your appointment, your ears will be evaluated by Dr. Papanicolaou who will answer any questions you have about the surgery, all while providing his professional insight.

You will also be asked questions regarding your medical history to give Dr. Papanicolaou a better understanding of what is required and to avoid any unnecessary risks. Once the two of you agree on every step of your procedure, he will create your personalized surgical plan.

Our Patient Coordinator will then be able to help schedule the date and time for your procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

On the day of your Otoplasty, you will begin in the pre-operative area, where you will meet the nursing and anesthesiology staff who will take care of you or your child during your procedure. Dr. Papanicolaou will also meet with you and your family before the procedure so that he may review the procedure with you, and discuss any last-minute questions you may have.

The patient will then be administered anesthesia so the procedure can be performed as efficiently as possible. Depending on what is discussed during your consultation, your anesthesia could be local, general, or intravenous sedation. If you have any specific questions, Dr. Papanicolaou will be happy to answer them during your consultation.

After the procedure is performed, you or your child will be taken to the recovery room. An ear dressing will be in place that may be removed the next day at your post-operative visit or at home by you. All otoplasty procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, and you will be sent home with detailed post-operative instructions and pain medication. We will call you on the night of surgery to ensure that you are doing well and to answer any questions.

Otoplasty Recovery

For the first few days following an Otoplasty, the patient’s ears must remain bandaged to hold their place and heal as intended. The bandages are then removed and replaced with a lightweight headband that relieves the pressure but also continues to keep the patient’s ears comfortably in place to continue healing properly. Five to seven days after the surgery, the patient no longer needs to wear the headband and is permitted to return to work or school. Typically the surgeon will allow vigorous exercise after three weeks; however, activities that may result in the bending or hitting of the ear should be avoided for at least six weeks.

Cost

How Much

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Orlando?

The cost of Otoplasty in Orlando will depend on the extent of correction and the individual patient, among other various factors. During your consultation with Dr. Papanicolaou, he will go over the procedure and develop your plan. Once this surgical plan is made, our Patient Coordinator can provide you with a complete pricing breakdown.

Soma

Why Choose Us?

Why Choose Dr. Papanicolaou?

Dr. George Papanicolaou is known for his artistic approach to plastic surgery and his ability to create natural-looking results that enhance each patient’s unique features. Dr. Papanicolaou completed his fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern, where he was trained in an array of cosmetic procedures of the face and body by the leaders in the field. He is well-known for his compassionate and caring approach to patient care, taking the time to listen to each patient’s concerns and goals and working closely with them to create a personalized treatment plan that achieves the desired results. Dr. Papanicolaou is double board-certified with The American Board of Surgery (ABS) and The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Photo of Soma Plastic Surgery office building

Schedule Your Consultation

Ear pinning and the various forms of ear surgery that we offer can do so much to change your life for the better. If you want to take control of your appearance, Otoplasty in Orlando is a wonderful option, especially when you come into Soma Plastic Surgery. To schedule your consultation with Dr. George Papanicolaou, please request an appointment through our website or call us today!

Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) FAQs

Otoplasty surgery isn’t considered to be a painful procedure because it’s performed under anesthesia, and is much more bearable when compared to other procedures. Patients will sometimes express feelings of discomfort because of the bandage that helps reduce swelling and preserve healing.

Dr. Papanicolaou can also prescribe some temporary pain medication to make the first stage of your recovery more bearable, and we will also provide you with some directions that will help alleviate the pain or discomfort you may experience.
After your surgery, Dr. Papanicolaou will need you to return after a week so that he may evaluate your recovery and remove any sutures or bandages. After your first check-up, you can expect to return a few more times with an average of four and six follow-up appointments.

These will usually take place around one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months.
Absolutely! Many of our Otoplasty patients in Orlando will combine their surgery with other facial contouring procedures to create a better profile, such as Rhinoplasty, Chin Augmentation, or Neck Lift. For you to make the best decisions for your aesthetic goals, please mention them to Dr. Papanicolaou during your consultation. He will be able to use his experience and expert eye to make the best recommendations for you.
Dr. Papanicolaou and his team place your health and safety as their top priority, which includes full disclosure when discussing procedures. As with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects, with the ones associated with Otoplasty including:
- Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations, or injected agents
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Blood clots
- Change in skin sensation
- Infection
- Pain, which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Skin contour irregularities
- Skin discoloration/swelling
- Unfavorable scarring
If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

TestimonialsWhat our patients
have to say

Eve F.

Dr Papanicolaou is the best! Very knowledgable and caring! So glad I found him! I definitely recommend putting your trust in him. Awesome office staff. They make you feel like family. Cant say enough good things about the whole staff.

C.V. Fig

Dr. Papanicolaou is the BEST Plastic Surgeon in Central Florida. He is smart, caring and honest.. I have been his patient for over two yrs. His staff is available, responsive and accommodating. They treat you like family. I feel very fortunate and grateful that I found Dr. Papanicolaou. He helped me during a very difficult process.

Yamile K.

Dr. Papanicolaou exceeded my expectations, he is a master at his craft, the entire process was relatively painless, his nurses are amazing, so caring. Also the Florida surgical center was great, they treated me like a princess. Overall I cannot be happier with my experience, I highly recommend Soma Plastic surgery.

Sheila O.

Dr. Papanicalou and staff are exceptional. The process was smooth from beginning to end and I am so pleased with the results. Very natural and as close to perfect as possible. I highly recommend Dr. Papanicalou!

Swandra W.

Dr. P and all of the staff are wonderful. They were amazing to me at the most vulnerable time in my life. I am thankful to have such caring, thoughtful, skilled, knowledgeable and talented human beings to reconstruct the damage that cancer caused. Forever grateful.

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Ear Pinning (Otoplasty) in Orlando