Otoplasty at Lakeside Cosmetic Center

The ears are an often overlooked but meaningful part of facial harmony. For patients who are self-conscious about the size, shape, or position of their ears, otoplasty can be a truly life-changing procedure. Whether addressing ears that protrude, appear disproportionate, or have been affected by a prior condition or surgery, otoplasty offers a refined and natural-looking correction. At Lakeside Cosmetic Center, Dr. Chelsea Obourn approaches every otoplasty with a highly personalized plan tailored to each patient's unique anatomy and goals.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance of the ears. It is most commonly sought to address:

Ears that protrude in a way that causes self-consciousness
Ears that feel disproportionate to the face
Ear deformities, including those sometimes seen following skin cancer resection

Otoplasty is appropriate for patients of any age who are bothered by the appearance of their ears, and is a procedure that many adults choose to finally address a concern they have carried for years.

Who is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for otoplasty if:

The position or projection of your ears causes self-consciousness or discomfort
The size or shape of your ears feels disproportionate or out of balance with the rest of your face
You have an ear deformity present, whether congenital or resulting from a prior procedure
You are in good overall health with realistic expectations for your outcome
You are ready to address a concern that has been on your mind and feel that now is the right time

A thorough consultation with Dr. Obourn will help determine whether otoplasty is the right approach and what technique will best address your specific concerns.

Cosmetic Considerations

Otoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure and is considered self-pay. It is not covered by insurance in most cases. Dr. Obourn will discuss all aspects of the procedure, including cost and surgical planning, at your consultation.

Dr. Obourn's Technique

Surgery is performed through a small incision hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, keeping any scarring discreet and well concealed. Dr. Obourn typically utilizes cartilage-sparing techniques, which involve the strategic placement of a series of sutures to gently reshape the ear without removing cartilage. That said, otoplasty is a highly customizable procedure and Dr. Obourn will develop your surgical plan based entirely on your specific concerns and goals. Your plan will be discussed in full detail at your consultation.

Where is the Procedure Performed?

Otoplasty can be performed comfortably in our office using local anesthesia with sedation, or in a fully accredited operating room (OR) under general anesthesia. Dr. Obourn will discuss the most appropriate setting and anesthesia option for you at your consultation.

Recovery

Recovery from otoplasty is generally very manageable. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

First few days: Some swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the ears is normal and expected. A headband or dressing is typically worn to protect the ears and support healing.
First week: Most patients are comfortable recovering at home. Dr. Obourn will provide specific instructions for care of the ears and any dressings during this time.
2 to 3 weeks: Swelling and bruising begin to subside. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities, though individual timelines vary.
4 to 6 weeks: Most normal activities, including light exercise, can gradually resume with Dr. Obourn's clearance.
Several months: Final results continue to refine as residual swelling fully resolves and the ears settle into their new position.

Dr. Obourn and our care team will provide you with detailed, personalized recovery instructions and are available to support you every step of the way.

Pre-Op Considerations

Prior to your otoplasty, Dr. Obourn will provide you with thorough pre-operative instructions. General guidelines typically include:

Avoiding blood-thinning medications, supplements, and alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery
Stopping smoking well in advance of your procedure, as smoking significantly impacts healing
Completing any required pre-operative labs or medical clearances
Arranging for a trusted adult to drive you home and assist you during the early days of recovery
Preparing your recovery space at home ahead of time for comfort and ease

All specific instructions will be personalized and reviewed thoroughly before your procedure date.

Post-Op Considerations

Following your otoplasty, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions from Dr. Obourn and our team. General post-operative guidelines often include:

Wearing a protective headband or dressing as directed by Dr. Obourn to support healing and maintain the new ear position
Avoiding any pressure, bending, or trauma to the ears during the healing period
Keeping the incision areas clean and dry as instructed
Avoiding strenuous activity and contact sports for several weeks
Protecting the ears from sun exposure during healing
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Obourn can monitor healing and address any questions

Our team is always just a call or message away if you have questions or concerns during recovery.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries potential risks that Dr. Obourn will review with you thoroughly at your consultation. Risks include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Hematoma (collection of fluid under the skin requiring drainage)
Pain
Asymmetry
Temporary or permanent paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins and needles, etc.)

Ready to Learn More?

If you are curious about whether otoplasty might be right for you, we would love to hear from you. Please complete our surgical inquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Complete the Surgical Inquiry Form.

Click here for Postoperative Instructions: Otoplasty