Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Plastic Surgery Affiliates offers Ear Surgery to patients in Nashville, Brentwood, Hendersonville and surrounding areas.

View Nashville Ear Surgery Before & After Pictures

What is Ear Surgery?

Whether you are a child or an adult, the appearance of your ears can play a big part in how you feel about yourself. Overly large, protruding or disfigured ears are not easily concealed and can cause emotional discomfort. For patients in the Nashville area, Tennessee plastic surgeon Dr. Mike Hueneke offers expert ear surgery, or otoplasty, to correct these sometimes embarrassing physical traits. The procedure creates a natural shape for your ears, bringing balance and proportion to your face. Whether the contours of your ears are due to genetics or damage from an injury, Dr. Hueneke and his staff at Plastic Surgery Affiliates can help. We welcome ear surgery patients from Nashville, Brentwood, Hendersonville and further afield.

Is Ear Surgery Right for Me?

One of the most common reasons for ear surgery is overly large ears, which are typically caused by a rare condition called macrotia. Another common concern for our otoplasty patients in Nashville are ears that stick out, in varying degrees, from one or both sides of their head.

Both children and adults can undergo ear surgery. However, children should be at least 5 years old or have ear cartilage that is stable enough for the procedure. All ear surgery patients should be in good health and have realistic expectations.

How is Ear Surgery Performed?

Otoplasty is typically performed using one of two techniques. The first method involves an incision that is made in the back of your ear. The exposed cartilage is sculpted and repositioned close to your head, and sometimes excess cartilage may need to be removed. The second technique for ear surgery requires a similar incision in the back of your ear. Your Nashville otoplasty surgeon will then remove some skin and use a small file to score the cartilage and then fold it back. No cartilage is removed with this method. Sutures will keep the new, aesthetically pleasing contours in place.

What Kind of Post-Operative Ear Surgery Care Can I Expect?

Once your otoplasty is completed, your head will be covered with a bulky dressing, which maintains the new position of the ears, protects them and aids the healing process. Dr. Hueneke will prescribe appropriate medication to help ease any discomfort. There will more than likely be some swelling, bruising and numbness, but that should subside within 10 days after the procedure. Most of our Nashville ear surgery patients are back to work in about seven to 10 days.

What are the Typical Results of Ear Surgery?

When you undergo otoplasty to correct protruding ears, you should see results almost immediately once the dressings are removed. More extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may take more time and several stages for the full outcome to be visible.

If you would like more details on what to expect from the procedure, peruse some Nashville ear surgery before and after pictures. Although every otoplasty operation is different, these images can help you visualize the possibilities.

What are Nashville Ear Surgery Costs?

It is important to remember that this is a very individualized procedure, so Nashville ear surgery prices can vary widely, depending on the extent of the operation. You can find more specific information about pricing, as well as other facets of the procedure, during a private consultation with Dr. Hueneke.

The caring and experienced staff at Plastic Surgery Affiliates welcomes patients from Nashville, Brentwood, Hendersonville and beyond. Please schedule a meeting today and learn first-hand why Dr. Hueneke has become one of Tennessee's top ear surgery experts.