Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)

Ear correction, medically known as otoplasty can help children with protruding, prominent ears and increase their self-esteem. Children with large ears that stick out from the head are often victims of teasing from their peers, which can cause a life time of low self-confidence. Ear correction can address this by reducing the size of large ears, positioning them closer to the head. Although the procedure can be safely performed on adults, otoplasty is generally performed on children ages six to fourteen. Ear surgery can also help elderly people who have enlarged lobules (the bottom portion of the ear) achieve a more youthful looking appearance to the ears. Adult patients can also combine their otoplasty procedure with rhinoplasty (nose surgery) face lift, or BOTOX® Cosmetic procedures to attain the most optimal aesthetic enhancement. Combining cosmetic procedures also reduces recovery time by having multiple procedures performed in tandem.

Otoplasty most often employs the placement of a small incision behind the ear. Dr. Jason Leedy will sculpt the ears and, in some cases, remove cartilage to achieve the desired shape. Ear surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis under general or local anesthesia. Patients will experience some swelling and discomfort in the ears following the procedure; however, most individuals are able to return to normal routines after a week. It is important to be extremely careful not to bend the ears for at least a month after otoplasty.

otoplasty diagram

Non-Surgical Ear Molding

For newborns born with misshapen ears it is often possible to create a permanent improvement with non-surgical ear molding. In this technique Dr. Leedy creates a mold that is positioned on the ear and held in place with tape and glue. Each week for approximately 6-8 weeks the mold is redone creating a series of incremental improvements. Over this time the newborn’s ear are malleable due to circulating maternal estrogen and after two months the ear starts to harden. The molds can be discontinued at this time and the new ear shape is plainly visible. Dr. Leedy is one of the few physicians offering this wonderful technique that helps improve the quality of his young patient’s lives forever. The only problem with this technique is that it needs to be started within the first few weeks of life. Many pediatricians are unaware of the benefits of this technique and simply fail to refer patients in a timely fashion. If you know of someone who has a newborn that may benefit from this technique have them contact Dr. Leedy as soon as possible.

Your Consultation For Otoplasty

At the time of your consultation Dr. Leedy will review your medical history and discuss your desires and expectations. He will outline a plan to help accomplish your goals in the safest possible manner. If applicable, Dr. Leedy will provide 3D imaging to help simulate the results that are possible. You will have time to have all your questions answered. If you so desire we can arrange for a previous patient to talk to you about their experience. We approach the consultation as an opportunity to educate a patient about a procedure and you will never feel pressured or rushed to make a decision about what is right for you. All patients are provided the opportunity to return for further discussions about their procedure at no additional charge and if you decide to go forward there is always an additional consultation prior to the surgery. Educated patients are happy patients and your happiness is our only goal.

Financing Options

It’s something you’ve always wanted to do, but something else was always there to hold you back. Well, not anymore. We offer CareCredit, a card designed specifically for your healthcare needs. CareCredit can help you move forward with getting the procedure you’ve always wanted. With low minimum monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees, you can get your procedure sooner.