Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Conveniently located to serve Chicago and North Shore

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, can provide adults and children with a way to correct their large, protruding, or malformed ears and improve their comfort with their appearance. At MetropolitanMD, we have helped numerous patients by providing them with natural-looking results from their otoplasty in Chicago.

What is Otoplasty?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. Otoplasty can correct a defect in the ear structure that is present at birth that becomes apparent with development or it can treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

Ear surgery creates a natural shape, while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound beneﬁts to appearance and self-esteem.

Is a Otoplasty Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate for a Otoplasty if you wish to correct any of the following issues:

Protruding ears
Misshapen Ears
Large ears or earlobes

Otoplasty Surgical Techniques

Protruding Ears

Ears that protrude too far from the head may cause embarrassment or force you to wear certain hairstyles or hats to attempt to hide your ears. In these cases, ear surgery can be life changing. The procedure may involve placing stitches in the ear cartilage, removing a small section of cartilage, or both based on your unique ear structure.

Misshapen Ears

If only one ear is protruding, one is larger, or you have a “shell-shaped” ear, the problem can be corrected with a custom surgery. Surgery is often performed when a patient is younger while the ear cartilage is still soft and flexible. Many adults are also good candidates and seek otoplasty to correct misshapen ears.

Large Earlobes

Some people inherited very large, thick ears or earlobes, and choose to undergo surgery to remove excess skin and tissue to create a more aesthetic size.

Otoplasty Recovery

The recovery period averages seven to ten days. You may experience some bruising and swelling around the ears following your surgery.

You should rest with your head elevated to prevent excess swelling from occurring and limit your physical activity for a week following your procedure. Most patients return to work within five to seven days. After two weeks, most swelling should subside, and your final results will be visible.

Contact sports and wearing a helmet are discouraged for several months, and any activity which puts the ears in jeopardy of trauma should be avoided.

View More Before & Afters

The Cost of Otoplasty

The cost of your otoplasty in Chicago will be based on the techniques used and the work needed to provide the patients with their ideal results. Dr. Rachel can answer any questions you may have about the cost of your procedure and go over the payment options we offer. Financing options are also available.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or your child are bothered by the appearance of your ears and would like to know if otoplasty is right for you, contact MetropolitanMD today to schedule a consultation. Dr. John Rachel is a highly skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is dedicated to providing the best otoplasty results Chicago has to offer.

Your Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) will be performed in Dr. John D. Rachel's surgery center located in North Shore.

Schedule a consultation

Call Us Now: 847.832.6700

I have known Dr. Rachel for several years. First went to him to correct my pierced ears and from then had my neck done, Botox. He a gentle man with a wonderful bedside manner. He is so interested in how you feel. Thank you Dr. Rachel.

Otoplasty Surgery FAQ

How old does my child have to be to undergo ear surgery?

Otoplasty can be performed on children with nearly fully developed ears, which usually occurs around five to six years of age.
How long will my results last after Otoplasty surgery?

Otoplasty results generally will last a lifetime.
Can prominent ears correct themselves naturally?

Physical changes in the ears often occur naturally during the first six months after birth. After that time, if a physical abnormality exists, it may require some form of surgical intervention to correct.
When can I swim after Otoplasty surgery?

You will be able to swim approximately eight weeks after your surgery.
Can I pierce my ears after Otoplasty?

Patients interested in piercing their ears must wait at least two months after their surgery or until their wounds have fully healed.

Will the reconstructed area look exactly like it did before?

Skin cancer reconstruction restores the appearance and function of the affected area. While Dr. John D. Rachel, a leading Chicago skin cancer surgeon, uses advanced facial reconstruction techniques, each patient’s outcome can differ. Your specific results will depend on the size and location of the original skin cancer, the type of surgery performed, and your body’s healing process.
What kind of anesthesia is used?

The type of anesthesia used during skin cancer reconstruction varies based on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s health. For less extensive procedures, local anesthesia with sedation may be sufficient. However, for more comprehensive facial reconstruction after skin cancer, general anesthesia may be required. Dr. Rachel will discuss all options with you during your consultation.
What is the recovery time like?

Recovery times vary from patient to patient. You may notice significant improvements within a few weeks, but it can take several months for the full benefits to be realized and for the healing to complete. Dr. Rachel and his team will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and support throughout your recovery.
Are there any risks associated with skin cancer reconstruction?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved in skin cancer reconstruction. These can include infection, scarring, anesthesia reactions, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic results. Dr. Rachel discusses all potential risks with his patients and takes extensive measures to minimize them in every procedure.

Get your cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. John D. Rachel, Quadruple Board-certified cosmetic surgeon.