Introduction to Otoplasty
During this procedure, Dr. Ho will carefully suture or stitch the cartilage of the ears to bring them closer to the head, ensuring they heal in the desired position. The ears are a sensitive part of your head, so you will need to find a surgeon with gifted hands, such as Dr. Ho, that you can trust to handle an area as delicate as this.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning, is a minimally invasive type of ear surgery that cosmetically alters the shape, position, or size of the ears. Achieving the look you desire from otoplasty will require the expertise of a skilled surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face and understands ear anatomy well. Dr. Ho specializes in otoplasty and performs each procedure according to the anatomic features and surgical goals of the individual patient.
Educational videos
The Otoplasty Procedure
Learn more about the ear pinning procedure and how it can subtly enhance your facial harmony with insights from Dr. Tina Ho.
What Are Issues That Can Be Addressed With Otoplasty?
Prominent ears
Protruding ears
Ear asymmetry
Congenital deformities
Trauma-related deformities
“Cauliflower ear”
Dr. Ho is experienced in improving all of these issues with Otoplasty and will discuss with each patient her customized approach for each type of issue.
Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho?
Dr. Tina Ho stands out among other surgeons in Philadelphia and Wayne as a female, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with dedicated training in facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike general plastic surgeons, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck.
She understands that a facial rejuvenation, whether surgical or non-surgical, is both an art and a science — a highly detailed and complex procedure that requires technical precision and an artistic eye to achieve natural, harmonious results. Dr. Ho stays at the forefront of modern products and techniques to deliver the most refined and lasting outcomes for her patients.
From the initial consultation to every follow-up visit, Dr. Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each patient. She takes the time to listen, plan, and tailor every step of the rejuvenation process to align with the patient’s unique anatomy for realistic aesthetic goals and ensure each person feels confident, supported, and deeply satisfied with their results. Her approach focuses on preserving the patient’s natural appearance while maximizing safety and minimizing recovery time.
Dr. Ho received advanced fellowship training under world-renowned facial plastic surgeons Dr. Dean Toriumi and Dr. Steven Dayan. Dr. Ho continually refines her surgical knowledge and techniques to offer the best outcomes for her patients by regularly attending national and international aesthetic meetings and learning from leading plastic surgeons across the country in the operating room setting. Her expertise extends across all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Ho is recognized regionally and beyond as one of Philadelphia and the Maine Line’s most trusted female facial plastic surgeons, with patients traveling from throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to seek her expertise.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Otoplasty?
Do your ears hang low? Do they visibly stick out and protrude? If so, an otoplasty, or ear pinning operation, might be exactly what you need to improve the appearance of your ears and boost your confidence. One of the most common conditions that motivate patients to seek otoplasty is prominent ears, or the abnormal protrusion of ears from the head. For individuals impacted by this abnormality, ear protrusion is due to an underdeveloped antihelical fold and/or hypertrophy of the conchal cartilage. Once an antihelical fold becomes malformed, it results in the helix propelling outward. This is referred to as prominauris, which is classified by an auriculocephalic angle exceeding 30 degrees. Hypertrophy of the conchal cartilage, or the bowl-shaped cartilage of the ear, can also cause the ear to protrude outward.
What to Expect During a Consultation for Otoplasty
After doing some research, you may decide that otoplasty could be a good option for you. Your consultation enables you to determine if otoplasty could provide you with the desired results and if the surgeon will be right for your needs. It also helps steer the direction of the procedure, enabling your surgeon to understand your vision and produce exceptional results.
During your consultation, Dr. Ho will share insightful information about the procedure with you so that you can make a more informed decision. It may consist of the following information on:
Recovery
After your otoplasty ear pinning,Dr. Ho will require you to wear a head dressing for 2-4 weeks to secure your ears in their new position. After two weeks into recovery you should be able to resume your original lifestyle. However, it is vital to know that pain and swelling during the healing process are expected. It may take most patients up to four weeks to fully recover from ear pinning surgery.
Associated Risks
Before the procedure, Dr. Ho will thoroughly go over potential risks of otoplasty ear pinning, the results you can expect to see, and any questions you may have before the procedure.
What should patients expect after Otoplasty?
Each otoplasty procedure is different and catered to the individual patient. Therefore, the extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness that occur after surgery will vary by patient. A compression dressing is placed around the ears and head at the conclusion of the surgery to prevent hematoma (blood fluid collection) or seroma (serous fluid collection) formation and to prevent the ears from reverting back to their original positions. Every otoplasty patient will follow-up with Dr. Ho the day after surgery for a dressing change and then one week after surgery for suture removal. Each patient will then follow-up again at weeks to months out at regular intervals for re-evaluation. The down time for otoplasty alone is usually minimal; most patients can return to normal daily activities apart from heavy lifting, straining, and strenuous activity the day after surgery. Patients should expect immediate bruising and swelling in the ears after surgery that can be managed well with adherence to the compression dressing and head elevation and typically resolve within a few weeks after surgery. Post-operative pain is usually managed well with prescribed pain medication. Improvement in the appearance of the ears is usually noted after most of the bruising and swelling has subsided. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-up with her patients to ensure that every patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.
Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD
The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.
Benefits of Elixir MD
Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.
Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.
Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.
Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.
Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty
Elixir Detox
This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.
Elixir Cellular Repair
Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.
Elixir NeoXcell
The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.
Elixir RoXium
RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
Otoplasty ear surgery can transform your appearance, but is it worth the cost? The average cost of otoplasty ear surgery can range from $9,000 to $11,000, and this amount typically varies from patient to patient. However, here are some general factors that are usually considered when calculating your otoplasty price.
Facility Fees
Facility fees are additional expenses that your practice will include in the cost of your otoplasty procedure. These are generally applied to cover the cost of operating a facility, so it can vary from establishment to establishment.
Anesthesia Fees
Anesthesia may not be required for your otoplasty. In the event that it is, a practice may apply a fee to your account to facilitate the anesthesia to you during your procedure.
Consultation Fees
Consultation fees are charges that will be applied to your bill, and since they are determined by your surgeon, they generally vary.
Doctor Experience Level
There is a relationship between ear surgery costs and your surgeon’s experience level. At Tina Ho MD, Facial Plastic Surgery, patients can experience the best of both worlds — a world-class cosmetic surgeon with exceptional service at a fair and reasonable price.
Location
Any location where there is a high demand for otoplasty, naturally, it will result in higher prices. If you are located in Philadelphia or select parts of the Tri-State area (Center City, the Main Line, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware), contact Tina Ho, MD Facial Plastic Surgery and see what otoplasty prices are like in your city.
Insurance Coverage
If you are thinking of undergoing ear pinning surgery, and you are wondering if your health insurance will cover your procedure, you should know that it is highly unlikely. Insurance companies classify otoplasty as a cosmetic procedure, which means it is not medically necessary. Since most health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic treatments, insurance coverage is generally not an option.
Although your health insurance may not cover otoplasty procedures, there may be payment plans available to help. For more information, reach out to Tina Ho, MD Facial Plastic Surgery and learn your options.
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Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.
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