Enhance Your Facial Frame

Ear tuck, or otoplasty, is a procedure performed for a condition known as prominent ears. It reliably pins back the ears closer to the head and reduces the size of large ears with a very high success rate. Other types of ear reshaping can be used to treat such conditions as abnormal folding of the ear, unusual smallness of the ear, or the absence of key landmarks of the ear. There are also procedures to treat torn or stretched out earlobes and other traumatic injuries to the ear.

Dr. Smart is a *board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon trained by one of the top craniofacial surgeons in the world and has performed numerous corrective surgeries of the ear for both prominent ears and congenital absence of the ears. If you are considering ear surgery for either your self or your child, the following can help answer a lot of your questions. However, every patient's case is different and Dr. Smart can answer all of your questions and give you a thorough understanding of your options at a personal consultation.

*American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate?

Ear reshaping can be performed on anyone of any age. Children are usually not operated on until they are five years of age. By that time the ear is almost fully grown and this is the age that most children begin to notice certain things about their appearance and also coincides with preschool and the inevitable teasing of other children.

What can I expect at my consultation?

At your consultation, Dr. Smart will discuss your past medical history as well as the risks and limitations of surgery. He will ask questions to determine what your goals are and whether they can be met. He will also demonstrate to you what you can expect from your procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Most otoplasties are performed under general anesthesia through an incision on the back of the ear. The most common technique involves sculpting the ear through a combination of suturing techniques with or without the removal of a small amount of cartilage. The permanent sutures that are placed pull the ear in closer to the head creating the natural curves of the ear that were missing.

What is the recovery like?

Most otoplasties are performed on an outpatient basis. Sometimes one night is spent in the hospital, especially if the surgery is being performed on a child. When you wake up there will be a soft bulky dressing around your head helping to shape and mold the ears. At your first office visit a couple of days later that dressing will be removed and replaced by a lighter headband type dressing. This is worn for several weeks. The pain of otoplasty is usually minimal and can be relieved with oral pain medication. If there are sutures to be removed, they are taKenout one week after surgery. Children can usually return to school after one week. Sports and other activities that could result in trauma to the ears should be avoided for six weeks.

Where is the surgery performed?

Your surgery will either be performed in the fully accredited ambulatory surgery center in Dr. Smart's building or at one of the hospitals where he maintains privileges.

Will the results be long lasting?

In most instances the results of otoplasty are permanent, if initially allowed to heal correctly.

Will my insurance cover the procedure?

More and more insurance companies are considering this to be a purely cosmetic procedure and deny coverage for otoplasty. You can call your insurance company directly to inquire whether they cover this procedure.

How much will the procedure cost?

At the end of your consultation, Dr. Smart's patient coordinator will go over your personalized quote with you that includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist’s fee, and facility fee.

Contact Frisco Plastic Surgery Today

If you are interested in an upper or lower eyelid lift surgery, contact our Plano-area office located in Frisco, Texas. With years of experience in facial plastic surgery and an eye for artistry, Dr. Ken Smart offers his patients beautiful cosmetic surgery results that can restore the youthful appearance of the face.