Introduction
An ear tuck (also known as otoplasty, ear surgery, or ear pinning) can correct various conditions and create more natural-looking ears. Ear surgery can help conditions including protruding ears, “lop ear,” where the tip seems to fold down and forward, “cupped ear,” which is usually a very small ear; and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. If you are looking to get ear surgery in Virginia Beach, get in touch with The Carney Center. Please read below for more information.
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that restores the natural appearance of the ears. It aims to reshape, resize, or reposition the ear to attain an aesthetically balanced facial harmony. The procedure does not impact hearing ability but only the structural appearance of the ear.
Here are the main types of otoplasty procedures:
Ear pinning is recommended for those with protruding ears. The surgery reshapes the cartilage to help the ears sit closer to the head.
As the name implies, this surgery is designed for patients with macrotia, a condition characterized by ears that are disproportionately large about the head.
In cases of microtia, where the ear has not fully developed, ear augmentation may involve cartilage or tissue grafting to increase the shape and size of the ear.
Patients who received an otoplasty in Virginia Beach reported an increase in their self-confidence. Other benefits include:
For most, otoplasty is performed on teens, adults, and sometimes children. It can be performed at any age after the ears have reached full size, usually around five to six years of age. Conventional wisdom suggests that the earlier, the better. People seek otoplasty for various reasons, including:
The first step in getting an otoplasty is to schedule a consultation at The Carney Center with one of our surgeons. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history before surgery. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of your ears is conducted to determine the most effective surgical approach. This is a great time to ask any questions about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and recovery profile. This is also the right time to discuss any desires for combined procedures that you may have.
Once you agree to proceed, your surgeon will design a surgical plan that you can take to our patient concierge for pricing and scheduling.
An otoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed at The Carney Center. It usually takes about two hours. Ear surgery is performed under IV Sedation.
One of the more common techniques involves making a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. This cartilage may be sculpted and bent back toward the head. Sometimes, a piece of the cartilage is removed to provide a more pleasing shape. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape and a more natural-looking fold. See results in our before-and-after ear tuck gallery.
On average, an otoplasty can take between one and two hours to complete without complications.
Most patients, adults and children, are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery. Immediately following surgery, a patient’s head is wrapped in a bandage to promote the best molding of the ear and assist with healing. Within two days, bulky bandages are replaced by lighter headband dressings. Stitches are usually removed or will dissolve in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so.
The cost of an Otoplasty in Newport News and Virginia Beach, VA, can vary depending on factors such as the type of procedure you get and your surgeon’s fees. It’s best to consult Dr. Carney for a personalized estimate based on your specific needs.
The Carney Center is a family-founded and run surgical institute that offers a wide range of aesthetic surgery with a particular focus on the face. Our surgeons strive for perfection in all aspects of their cosmetic practice to help patients achieve their goals. Patients would be in safe and expert hands for their otoplasty in Virginia Beach.
For over 30 years, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder Dr. Martin J. Carney has provided high-quality cosmetic surgery. He founded The Carney Center to deliver supreme patient satisfaction and care. Dr. Carney trained at some of the finest medical universities in the country and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify plastic surgeons. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Board-eligible plastic surgeon, Dr. Martin Carney III joined his father in the practice to serve the community. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles and multiple book chapters, and has presented at national aesthetic and plastic surgery meetings across the country. He serves as a peer reviewer for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Staying up to date with the literature, Dr. Carney III brings the newest and most innovative techniques in plastic surgery to his practice.
Both Dr. Carney and Dr. Carney III have hospital privileges in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital and Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital.
If you’d like to learn more about otoplasty, please watch our educational video below. Just select the procedure from the dropdown video menu below. You can also learn more about otoplasty from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you would like to speak with one of our surgeons personally about otoplasty, please request a consultation or contact us with your question.
