Is Ear Surgery Painful?

Given that ear surgery is performed under anesthesia, you won’t feel anything during the surgery itself; however, you can expect to have swelling, tightness, bruising, and minor pain in the days following your procedure. Special garments and bandages will be used to control the swelling, and over-the-counter pain medications can also help manage discomfort. If, for any reason, you experience higher levels of discomfort during your recovery, let us know right away, and we can adjust your recovery instructions.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

With otoplasty, four key appointments are required: Consultation: To speak with Dr. Kawasaki, ask questions, and develop your surgical plan Pre-Operative Appointment: To ensure you’re medically cleared and to go over last-minute details of the surgery Surgery: When the otoplasty is performed Follow-Up Visit: This can be one or more visits that allow our team to monitor the progress of your healing and make adjustments if necessary Follow-up visits are important to ensure everything is progressing as expected and to avoid potential complications.

How Long Until I See Results?

The results of otoplasty are immediate. Though you will experience some swelling and bruising that can persist for several months, the majority subsides within the first week or two. As the rest diminishes, your final results will emerge within 3-6 months. Scarring will also fade significantly during this time, with the incisions being made discreetly behind the ears. After your full recovery, otoplasty results last a lifetime.

Can I Combine Ear Surgery with Other Procedures?

Yes, it’s often performed alongside other cosmetic enhancements for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This can include rhinoplasty , brow lifts, cheek surgery, or even chin surgery . It depends on your specific goals and concerns, but Dr. Kaweski can help you create a surgical plan that includes the necessary procedures to achieve your desired results.

What Are the Risks Associated with Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty can be safely performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Kaweski; however, as with any surgery, there are risks. This includes allergies, anesthesia risks, infection, pain, asymmetry or skin contour irregularities, blood clotting, or more. Dr. Kaweski will go over these risks with you in detail, along with the steps our team takes to minimize their potential, so that you can make an informed decision.

What Is The Recovery Time For Otoplasty?

Recovery is typically quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week.

Are The Results Of Ear Surgery Permanent?

Yes, the changes made during otoplasty are designed to be permanent, providing lasting satisfaction.

Will There Be Visible Scars After Ear Surgery?

Scars are minimal and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Ear Surgery
San Diego, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Ear Surgery

Discover newfound confidence with ear surgery. The otoplasty procedure is designed to refine the shape, size, or position of the ears, and is performed by Dr. Kaweski in San Diego, CA. Suitable for both children and adults, this transformative procedure aims to enhance facial harmony and boost self-esteem, making it a popular choice for those seeking cosmetic improvements or corrections from a young age.

Before + After Gallery

View Gallery

A close-up of a woman with her eyes closed and head tilted back, with wet hair and a hand near her ear, highlighting facial symmetry.

What is Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a versatile cosmetic procedure that reshapes the ears to create a more balanced, proportional appearance. It’s an effective solution for addressing overly large, protruding, or asymmetrical ears or deformities caused by congenital disabilities or injuries. Typically recommended for patients as young as five, otoplasty can prevent the psychological distress associated with peer teasing by correcting the shape or size of the ears early in life. This procedure can be stand-alone or part of a broader aesthetic enhancement plan, including facial implants or skin treatments.

Consultation: A personalized assessment to discuss your goals and the suitability of ear surgery for your needs.
Preoperative Prep: Guidance on preparing for the procedure to ensure optimal outcomes.
Surgery Day: Otoplasty is performed under appropriate anesthesia, with a focus on precision and patient comfort.
Postoperative Care: Post-surgery instructions are provided to facilitate a smooth and efficient healing process.
Recovery: Patients typically return to work or school within a week, with full recovery expected in three to four weeks.
Follow-up Appointments: Scheduled to monitor healing and confirm the success of the procedure.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Ear Surgery?

Ideal candidates in San Diego are individuals aged 5 and up who are in good health and are looking to improve the appearance or position of their ears.

What Are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?

Improved Facial Balance: Achieves a proportional relationship between the ears and other facial features.
Enhanced Self-Esteem: Reduces the emotional impact of unwanted attention or teasing.
Permanent Results: Offers a lasting solution that typically requires only one procedure.
Minimal Scarring: Incisions are concealed in natural ear creases or behind the ear.
Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within a week, with minimal downtime.

A friendly receptionist with dark hair standing behind a white marble front desk in a classically styled office with striped wallpaper and a gold chandelier.

What’s the First Step?

For those in the greater San Diego area considering otoplasty, Dr. Kaweski is more than happy to discuss your options during a consultation at her La Mesa practice. This is an opportunity to discuss your concerns and ultimate goals openly, and to ask any questions you have about the surgery. Dr. Kaweski uses this information, along with an examination of your ear anatomy, to develop a surgical plan that balances your concerns and goals. In some cases, advanced imaging technology can be used to get an idea of your potential results. If you feel comfortable moving forward, we can go over costs, financing, and pre- and post-operative instructions before scheduling your surgery.

How Does Ear Surgery Work?

Performed by Dr. Kaweski, ear surgery is an outpatient procedure in San Diego tailored to each patient’s specific needs. For children, general anesthesia is commonly used, while adults may undergo the procedure with local anesthesia. Incisions are strategically placed behind the ear or within its natural folds to minimize visibility. The surgery involves removing or reshaping excess cartilage and skin, then suturing the ear into its new position with possibly permanent internal stitches to maintain its placement. The entire process is carefully designed to ensure a natural, harmonious appearance.

A close-up shot of Dr. Kaweski in a surgical environment, wearing a colorful patterned scrub cap and blue gloves. She is carefully examining a patient's face under bright surgical lights.

A grayscale, faded image of a classical Roman-style female bust wearing a pearl necklace, positioned next to an orchid plant.

Ear Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Ear Surgery Care

Recovery from otoplasty is generally easy, with mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. For the first week or so, you will have bandages covering your ears to help with swelling and protect your incisions. You will have post-operative instructions to follow to maintain the results of your surgery during recovery. This can include:

Keeping your bandages ON
Medications to take
Avoiding excessive force, sunlight, abrasion, or motion
How to take care of and clean your ears

It is important to follow Dr. Kaweski’s instructions to keep your ears safe and free of infection or complications.

How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost of ear surgery in La Mesa and San Diego includes the procedure itself, facility fees, anesthesia fees, surgical fees, costs for medications, garments, medical testing, and more. Because of this, and the fact that no two surgeries are the same, exact pricing will be determined during your consultation with Dr. Kaweski. Our team will go over pricing and financing options, if needed.

Why Choose Us For Ear Surgery?

Expertise: Dr. Kaweski’s extensive experience in otoplasty guarantees high-quality results.
Personalized Care: Every procedure is customized to meet the individual needs and aesthetic goals of our patients.
Child-Friendly: Specialized techniques ensure the comfort and safety of our youngest patients.
Advanced Techniques: We use the latest surgical approaches for effective, natural-looking outcomes.
Dedicated Support: Our team provides comprehensive care from consultation through recovery.

A full group portrait of Dr. Kaweski and her team standing on the brick steps of their office. Dr. Kaweski is at the center in a white coat, surrounded by her professional medical and administrative staff in black scrubs and business attire.

Ear Surgery FAQ’S

Given that ear surgery is performed under anesthesia, you won’t feel anything during the surgery itself; however, you can expect to have swelling, tightness, bruising, and minor pain in the days following your procedure. Special garments and bandages will be used to control the swelling, and over-the-counter pain medications can also help manage discomfort. If, for any reason, you experience higher levels of discomfort during your recovery, let us know right away, and we can adjust your recovery instructions.
With otoplasty, four key appointments are required:
- Consultation: To speak with Dr. Kawasaki, ask questions, and develop your surgical plan
- Pre-Operative Appointment: To ensure you’re medically cleared and to go over last-minute details of the surgery
- Surgery: When the otoplasty is performed
- Follow-Up Visit: This can be one or more visits that allow our team to monitor the progress of your healing and make adjustments if necessary
Follow-up visits are important to ensure everything is progressing as expected and to avoid potential complications.
The results of otoplasty are immediate. Though you will experience some swelling and bruising that can persist for several months, the majority subsides within the first week or two. As the rest diminishes, your final results will emerge within 3-6 months. Scarring will also fade significantly during this time, with the incisions being made discreetly behind the ears. After your full recovery, otoplasty results last a lifetime.
Yes, it’s often performed alongside other cosmetic enhancements for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This can include rhinoplasty, brow lifts, cheek surgery, or even chin surgery. It depends on your specific goals and concerns, but Dr. Kaweski can help you create a surgical plan that includes the necessary procedures to achieve your desired results.
Otoplasty can be safely performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Kaweski; however, as with any surgery, there are risks. This includes allergies, anesthesia risks, infection, pain, asymmetry or skin contour irregularities, blood clotting, or more. Dr. Kaweski will go over these risks with you in detail, along with the steps our team takes to minimize their potential, so that you can make an informed decision.

Discover What’s Possible

Schedule A Consultation

At Aesthetic Arts Institute in San Diego, we’re more than just a Plastic Surgery clinic; we’re a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured, and natural beauty is celebrated. Dr. Susan Kaweski and her dedicated team are here to guide you through every step of your transformation. Speak with us, share your vision, and let us embark on this beautiful journey together.

Contact

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (619) 464 -9876

Ear Surgery San Diego, CA