How Long Do Otoplasty Results Last?

Have you ever looked in the mirror, caught a glimpse of your ears, and thought, I really wish I could change how my ears look?

If so, you don’t have to keep wishing without taking action.

At Frederick H. Watkins, MD, our expert team, led by Dr. Watkins, specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to create positive change in the lives of our patients. If you’re worried about your ears, we can help improve your appearance with a permanent procedure called otoplasty. Here’s how it works.

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery, corrects structural abnormalities such as ears that are protruding, overly large, misshapen, or missing cartilage. A skilled plastic surgeon, Dr. Watkins prioritizes natural-looking results that complement the rest of your facial features and enhance your appearance. We don’t want a drastic change that’s highly noticeable.

Surgeons usually perform otoplasty on people who have congenital abnormalities, but the procedure is also used to repair injuries from traumatic events such as car wrecks, dog bites, or sports injuries. About 5,000 of these procedures are done each year in the United States.

When we perform otoplasty, the results are permanent, unlike the temporary solutions you may have considered. You’ll never have to worry about how your ears look again. Three different types of otoplasty include:

Ear pinning

You’ll want this if you have prominent ears that stick out. We bring your ears closer to your head and reshape any malformed cartilage.

Ear reduction

This option works well for people who have oversized ears. We remove tissue to make your ears smaller.

Ear augmentation

If you have very small ears or ears that haven’t fully developed, we increase the size of your outer ear, usually with a tissue or cartilage graft.

What should I expect from the otoplasty procedure?

Before your surgery, Dr. Watkins meets with you to assess your situation and discuss your goals. He reviews your health history and outlines a plan to ensure your expectations are met. 

The procedure is usually outpatient, which means you go home the same day. Anesthesia is necessary, but it can be either general (where you’re asleep) or local. It usually lasts 1-3 hours, depending on your specific situation. 

Afterward, you’ll likely experience some soreness, redness, itchiness, and swelling. You’ll notice visual improvements in 2-3 weeks, with full results and recovery coming within 6-8 weeks.

Because the results last the rest of your life, your appearance and self-esteem will both receive a boost as a result of the procedure. If you’re interested in otoplasty, schedule a consultation today. Dr. Watkins and our team are here to walk you through the process. 

Call our location nearest you — Rockville, Maryland, or McLean, Virginia — or use the “Request Consultation” button on our site to book your appointment.