Is an Otoplasty Painful?

The otoplasty surgery isn’t painful, as patients will be under anesthesia. However, patients should expect minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort post-surgery. Your surgeon will give you cold compresses and pain medication as needed to help with these symptoms.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Dr. Gentile will require you to return to the practice a week after surgery to remove any sutures and monitor recovery. He will also always inform you when you need to return for a follow-up appointment.

How Long Until I See Results?

Patients will see the impact of the surgery immediately. The initial results will continue to improve over the next 4-6 weeks as any residual swelling subsides. However, patients are recommended to wait until three months after the surgery to see the final position of their ears.

Can I Combine an Otoplasty With Other Procedures?

Yes, you can! Our patients who received an otoplasty in Akron considered combining it with other facial enhancement surgeries, such as a rhinoplasty or a lip lift. Patients are encouraged to share these ideas of combined procedures with Dr. Gentile during their initial consultation so that he can incorporate them into their treatment plan.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty in Akron has some risks associated with it. Patients are advised to learn about them before planning the procedure. Some of them include: Allergies to surgical accessories Anesthesia risks Asymmetry Blood clots Change in skin sensation Hematoma Infection Pain, which may persist Poor wound healing Possibility of revisional surgery Skin contour irregularities Skin discoloration/swelling Tear in the ear lobe Unfavorable scarring If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gentile Plastic Surgery so that we can help as soon as possible.

Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Procedures?

Yes, it is very common to combine blepharoplasty with other surgeries, such as a facelift or rhinoplasty, and body contouring procedures, such as liposuction or breast procedures.

What Are the Risks Associated With Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery also has associated risks. Patients are encouraged to do their research and make themselves aware of them before the procedure. Some are listed below: Bleeding Infection Scarring Dry eyes Eyelid asymmetry Temporary numbness Vision changes Ectropion or eyelid malposition: In some instances, the eyelids may turn outward (ectropion) or have an unnatural position. This can usually be corrected with further treatment. If you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please call us at Gentile Plastic Surgery immediately.

How Do I Find the Best Eyelid Surgery Plastic Surgeon in Cleveland?

Patients are recommended to do their research on the best craniofacial plastic surgeons in the Akron and Youngstown area, reading upon not only their educational, research qualifications, and hospital affiliations but also their practical patient reviews, bedside manners, and experience level. Lastly, it is also highly encouraged that patients schedule a consultation with the surgeon to see how they feel in person. Ultimately, it is always a patient’s choice to engage with a procedure and/or surgeon, and they are encouraged to spend the time before making a choice.

Youngstown & Akron, OH

Otoplasty

Introduction

Introduction to Otoplasty

An otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to alter the shape, position, or size of the ears. Some reasons for otoplasty include rebuilding an ear after trauma or injury, correcting misshapen ear or ear lobes, addressing missing cartilage in ears, or simply addressing protruding ears. If you are interested in learning more about otoplasty in Youngstown, Akron, and the greater Cleveland area, please schedule a consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Gentile of Gentile Plastic Surgery.

Close-up of a young woman with long dark brown hair and light-toned skin. She has light brownish-green eyes and a serene expression. She is wearing a black sleeveless top and a pearl necklace, with one hand resting on her head and the other on a beige surface. The background is a soft beige tone. - Otoplasty in Youngstown, OH

What is an
Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that targets resolving any congenital or circumstantial deformities of the ear structure. It is mostly performed to address a congenital condition known as prominauris or ear protrusion. An otoplasty specifically addressing ear protrusion is called an “ear pinning” surgery. You may also undergo an otoplasty if you have ears that have been damaged by trauma.

What are the
benefits of an
Otoplasty?

Our patients who received an otoplasty in Cleveland enjoyed its long-lasting results and a boost in their self-confidence. Other benefits include:

Flattening of ears
Increased facial symmetry
Increased definition in ears
Repairs malformed ear cartilage
Resolves deformities

Who are the
best candidates
for an Otoplasty?

The best candidates for a Cleveland otoplasty will be those who are looking to address some aesthetic or functional challenges with their ears. Some characteristics of ideal candidates will include those who:

Have deformities or misshapen ears
Have protruding ears
Maintain realistic expectations
Need revision of ear placement
No underlying medical conditions
Non-smoker

What’s the
First Step?

The first step in getting an otoplasty in Akron is to schedule your consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Gentile. During your appointment, he will talk to you about your medical history, your aesthetic and functional goals, and any expectations or concerns you might have. In the case of repair, he will want to know the history and cause of the damage. As he examines your ear, he will share more about the best techniques to employ, including incision placements. At this time, he will also outline the procedure, its risks, benefits, and associated recovery timeline.

If you both decide to proceed with the procedure at the end of the consultation, Dr. Gentile will draft a customized surgical plan. You can then take this plan to our patient coordinator, who will help you schedule your surgical date, discuss pricing options, and share any pre-operative instructions.

What to Expect
on the Day of
Otoplasty Surgery

On the day of your otoplasty in Akron, Dr. Gentile and his staff will receive you at the practice and get you settled in the surgical suite. A member of the staff will review your surgical plan to ensure you are fully comfortable with proceeding. Once you are comfortable with the plan, a board-certified anesthetist will administer anesthesia.

Once you are numb, Dr. Gentile will begin by creating an incision. The incision is usually done behind the ears to mask it or in the inner creases of the ears. Once he has access to the elements, he will begin manipulating the tissue, cartilage, and skin to restructure the fold. He will continue this process until he has achieved your aesthetic and/or functional goals. In the case of an ear-pinning surgery, additional sutures on the back of the ear cartilage can be placed to “pin” the entire ear closer to the side of the head.

Without complications, and on average, an otoplasty can take anywhere between one to two hours to complete.

Otoplasty Recovery

After your otoplasty procedure, you will be monitored in the recovery room until the sedation wears off. Patients are recommended to have a family member or friend drive them home for full safety.

Patients are recommended to take a few weeks off from work and strenuous physical activity.

You will be given pain medication to manage any discomfort and antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Children may need to be monitored during the first 24-36 hours after surgery to ensure the initial surgical dressing remains dry and in place.

How much
does an
Otoplasty
cost in Cleveland, OH?

The cost of an Otoplasty in Youngstown, Akron, and the greater Cleveland area will depend on multiple factors, including but not limited to the complexity of the case, Dr. Gentile’s fees, and the type of anesthesia used. Patients are recommended to schedule a consultation so that they can receive their surgical plan and arrive at a price estimate.

Why Choose
Dr. Gentile?

Dr. Richard D. Gentile is a distinguished Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, teacher, and author respected internationally for his innovative artistry and technical skills. He founded the Facial Plastic and Aesthetic Laser Center in 1987 and serves northern Ohio in his specialized centers in Fairlawn and Boardman, Ohio. Before entering full-time private practice at Gentile Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gentile served as a Clinical Associate Professor at the Northeast Ohio Medical University and has served on the medical faculty of Case Western Reserve College of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Dr. Gentile is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS). Dr. Gentile is a Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (FAAFPRS) and has served as an executive officer (Treasurer) for the Academy and its research foundation in Alexandria, Virginia. His dual background provides a unique understanding of the complexities involved in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyes, and head and neck. He should be your first choice for your otoplasty in the greater Cleveland area.

Otoplasty FAQ’s

Otoplasty in Akron has some risks associated with it. Patients are advised to learn about them before planning the procedure. Some of them include:
- Allergies to surgical accessories
- Anesthesia risks
- Asymmetry
- Blood clots
- Change in skin sensation
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Pain, which may persist
- Poor wound healing
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Skin contour irregularities
- Skin discoloration/swelling
- Tear in the ear lobe
- Unfavorable scarring
If you experience any long-lasting or concerning reactions during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gentile Plastic Surgery so that we can help as soon as possible.
Eyelid surgery also has associated risks. Patients are encouraged to do their research and make themselves aware of them before the procedure. Some are listed below:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Dry eyes
- Eyelid asymmetry
- Temporary numbness
- Vision changes
- Ectropion or eyelid malposition: In some instances, the eyelids may turn outward (ectropion) or have an unnatural position. This can usually be corrected with further treatment.
If you experience any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please call us at Gentile Plastic Surgery immediately.
Patients are recommended to do their research on the best craniofacial plastic surgeons in the Akron and Youngstown area, reading upon not only their educational, research qualifications, and hospital affiliations but also their practical patient reviews, bedside manners, and experience level. Lastly, it is also highly encouraged that patients schedule a consultation with the surgeon to see how they feel in person. Ultimately, it is always a patient’s choice to engage with a procedure and/or surgeon, and they are encouraged to spend the time before making a choice.

Reviews

4.7 – 325 Reviews

Great Consult!

Had a great consult with Dr. Gentile and I’m very happy I chose his facility. He offered several great options for my needs, and I’m excited for my upcoming treatment!! Excellent staff, and office is very warm and welcoming!!

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S.C (Google Review)
Excellent

Dr. Gentile and his whole staff were excellent. Rose is always super sweet and a wealth of information. My nurses Theresa and Debby were fantastic. It is definitely a place to go for all your facial surgery needs. The center was clean and well organized. I will definitely recommend them to all my friends. I am very satisfied!

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L.P (Google Review)
Patient For 25 Years

I have been a patient of Dr Gentiles for over 25 years. The staff is nice and professional. Dr Gentile is world renowned and is highly educated and respected in the field of plastic surgery.The facility is beautiful. If you are considering any of the procedures he offers, don’t look any further. I have been trusting him for a very long time and have never had any problems with any procedure. I highly recommend his practice.

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R.L. (Google Review)
Excellent Care

Every visit I have with Dr Gentile I get excellent care and wonderful results. His staff is knowledgeable and friendly. It feels reassuring that I am getting world renowned treatment and care from such an accomplished physician.

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N.J. (Google Review)
Exceptional Service

Dr Gentile is an exceptional surgeon. His level of expertise goes without saying. My experience with him and his entire staff has been amazing. their professionalism is displayed with every visit and treatment. I would highly recommend Dr Gentile’s for any surgery, procedure, or treatment. He’s the best!

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D.R. (Google Review)

Schedule a
Consultation

If your ears are having aesthetic or functional troubles, consider learning more about otoplasty in Akron, Youngstown, and the greater Cleveland area at Gentile Plastic Surgery. Schedule your consultation today with double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Gentile, and a helpful member of our staff will assist you.