Otoplastyin Dallas
Sets back and reshapes prominent ears, for children and adults.
Ears That No Longer
Announce Themselves.
Prominent ears aren't disfiguring, but they draw attention in a way that a hairstyle or accessories can't fully hide. Children can become self-conscious about them once they start school. Many adults have thought about their ears for decades before doing anything about it.
Ears usually stick out for one of two reasons: the inner fold of cartilage (the antihelix) never formed fully, or the bowl of the ear (the concha) is too deep. Dr. Schwartz reshapes the cartilage to correct whichever is responsible, working through a small incision hidden in the natural crease behind the ear. He often adjusts both ears even when only one bothers you, so they match. The aim is ears that sit in proportion with the face and draw no attention.
The Procedure
Ears stick out for different structural reasons: an underdeveloped antihelical fold, an overly deep conchal bowl, or excess cartilage. Dr. Schwartz examines each patient's ears to find the cause. The technique (cartilage scoring, suture setback or conchal reduction) depends on the cause.
Otoplasty is appropriate once ear cartilage has reached near-adult stability, typically around age five or six. Correcting prominent ears before school age can spare a child years of self-consciousness. The procedure also works well for adults, whose cartilage is firmer.
Dr. Schwartz places the incision in the crease behind the ear or within the inner folds, and reshapes the cartilage with permanent mattress sutures to recreate a natural fold. The aim is ears that look normal, not pinned back.
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Dr. Schwartz typically uses general anesthesia for children, so the experience is painless and free of stress. Many adults choose IV sedation or local anesthesia instead, depending on how complex the correction is.
After surgery, the ears are bandaged to protect the new shape while the cartilage sets. For the first week you sleep on your back. Most patients return to work or school within 4 to 5 days, once the first dressings are removed. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least three weeks.
Most patients need both ears corrected. Dr. Schwartz adjusts each ear separately, setting how far each one sticks out so the two look balanced. The improvement shows almost as soon as the bandages come off, and the result keeps improving as swelling subsides over the following weeks.
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Non-clinical details in patient stories have been changed to protect privacy.
All photographs are of actual Edition Plastic Surgery patients. Individual results may vary.
Otoplasty Stories
What to Expect
Recovery from otoplasty is straightforward. The most important thing is protecting the ears while they heal.
Your Consultation
Dr. Schwartz examines both ears, finds the specific cause of prominence or asymmetry, and plans the surgery to correct it. He explains how far the ears can be set back, how closely they can be made to match, and what the operation can and cannot correct, and answers every question directly.
Surgery Day
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, done under general anesthesia for children and under IV sedation or local anesthesia for most adults. It typically takes one to two hours for both ears. A light compressive headband dressing is put on at the end of surgery, and you wear it home.
Early Recovery
The headband dressing is worn continuously for the first week. Mild soreness and tightness behind the ears are normal, and for most patients over-the-counter pain relief is enough. Sleep on your back during the first week. A follow-up appointment within the first seven days is for a dressing change and check.
Return to Normal Life
Most patients are comfortable in public within seven to ten days. With your hair down, the correction shows immediately and the ears look natural. A softer headband is worn at night for four to six weeks to protect the ears during sleep. Contact sports and anything that risks a blow to the ears are restricted for six to eight weeks.
Final Results
Once residual swelling fully resolves at four to six weeks, the final ear position and shape are set. The result is permanent; the ears do not return to their original position.
Why Choose
Dr. Schwartz
The goal of otoplasty is an ear that draws no attention and doesn't look corrected. That takes a careful look at the cartilage, a technique chosen for the specific cause, and a conservative setback, so the ears look natural rather than over-pinned. Dr. Schwartz brings the same anatomical judgment to otoplasty as to every other procedure he performs.
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Is This Right for Me?
Otoplasty suits children and adults whose prominent ears make them self-conscious and who want a natural, permanent correction.
Common Reasons
Patients Choose This
- You (or your child) are at least five or six years old, so the ear cartilage is stable enough to reshape.
- Your ears stick out noticeably or are misshapen.
- Your ears don't match each other.
- You are self-conscious about your ears.
- You have a torn or damaged earlobe.
- You are in good general health and want a permanent, natural-looking result.
- You have realistic expectations.
Things to Consider
Before Proceeding
- You (or your child) are younger than five. Dr. Schwartz waits until the ear cartilage is stable enough for surgery.
- You have an ear infection or a skin condition that could affect the incision or your recovery.
- You smoke. Dr. Schwartz requires you to stop all nicotine before surgery, because it slows healing.
- You have a medical condition that is not under control and could slow healing or affect your safety.
- Your ear has an unusual structure. Dr. Schwartz may then recommend a different reconstructive technique.
- You expect the two ears to match exactly. No two ears do.
Dr. Schwartz will examine your ears, explain what the correction can realistically achieve, and advise on timing, including whether a younger child should have it now or wait.
Frequently Asked
Answers to the questions Dr. Schwartz hears most often from otoplasty patients and their families.
Dr. Schwartz generally recommends waiting until a child is at least five or six years old. By this age, the ear cartilage has reached near-adult stability and is firm enough to reshape. Correcting protruding ears before a child starts elementary school can spare them self-consciousness during those years. The procedure works just as well for adults, many of whom have thought about their ears for decades before having it done.
Recovery is relatively straightforward, and most patients return to work or school within 4 to 5 days. A protective headband is worn continuously for the first week, then at night for four to six weeks to protect the new position of the cartilage. Soreness behind the ears is mild, and over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough. Dr. Schwartz asks that you avoid contact sports or impact activities for six to eight weeks and sleep on your back for the first week.
The incision is typically placed in the natural crease behind the ear. It can't be seen from the front and is well hidden from behind. Once healed, the scar usually fades to a fine line. The aim is ears that look natural, not 'operated on', and the incision does not affect wearing earrings or other jewelry.
Yes. Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the ear cartilage with permanent internal stitches. Once the cartilage has healed in its new position, the ears do not return to their original prominence. Very gradual changes can occur over several decades with normal aging, but the correction itself is permanent.
Yes. Dr. Schwartz corrects each ear separately in the same operation. Ears are never perfectly symmetrical, but the difference can usually be reduced. A torn or stretched earlobe can be repaired in the same procedure: the lobe is rebuilt to a natural, rounded shape and can typically be re-pierced once healed.
Otoplasty is a common procedure, but no surgery is without risk. Possible complications include minor asymmetry, infection, or internal suture visibility. Dr. Schwartz will review your medical history at the consultation.
The cost depends on how complex the correction is: reshaping the cartilage of both ears, a single ear, or rebuilding an earlobe. You receive an all-inclusive fee quote after your consultation, with no hidden fees. Financing is available.
Recovery & Concierge Care
Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day, wearing a headband that protects the reshaped cartilage and limits swelling. Dr. Schwartz sees you the next day, then typically at one week, three weeks, two months, four months and six months, adjusted to how you are healing. He does almost all follow-up visits himself, and at each one he gives you a specific plan for the weeks ahead. You leave with instructions for the headband and for sleeping on your back, and a timeline for returning to each activity.
The office can be reached 24 hours a day. After-hours calls from patients recovering from surgery go directly to Dr. Schwartz, so an important question never waits until morning. The recovery is planned so that any responsible adult can look after you at home. If you would rather have a nurse caring for you at home or in a hotel, we can arrange it.