Otoplasty in Las Vegas

The ears reach approximately 90% of adult size by age 5-6, making this the earliest recommended age for otoplasty. Early correction allows children to avoid teasing during school years. However, there is no upper age limit — adults of any age can benefit from the procedure. The ideal time is whenever the ear prominence causes distress or self-consciousness.

During the procedure, you will not feel pain due to anesthesia. Post-operatively, most patients describe a dull ache, tightness, or throbbing sensation for the first 2-3 days. This is well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Children typically recover faster and report less discomfort than adults. By day 4-5, most patients require only over-the-counter pain relief.

Yes. The goal of otoplasty is to create natural-looking ears that are in proportion with the rest of the face. Dr. Troell avoids over-correction, which can create a "pinned-back" appearance. A well-performed otoplasty produces ears that look naturally positioned — as though they were never prominent. Slight asymmetry between ears is normal and expected, as it exists in nature.

No. Otoplasty addresses only the external ear (pinna), which is the visible cartilage and skin portion. It does not involve the ear canal, middle ear, eardrum, or any hearing structures. Your hearing will be completely unaffected by the procedure.

In the vast majority of cases, otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage heals in its new shape and maintains the corrected position. However, a small percentage of patients (approximately 5-8%) may experience partial relapse where one ear gradually moves outward somewhat. If this occurs, a revision procedure can address it. Wearing the protective headband at night as directed during recovery is important for maintaining results.

For adults and older teens, otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The ears are numbed and you are relaxed but awake. For younger children, general anesthesia is used so the child remains still and comfortable throughout the procedure. Dr. Troell will discuss the best anesthesia option during your consultation.

Otoplasty typically takes 1-2 hours depending on the complexity of the correction and whether one or both ears are being treated. Ear pinning for protruding ears is usually on the shorter end, while more complex reshaping procedures may take longer. It is an outpatient procedure — you go home the same day.

Most children return to school within 7-10 days after otoplasty. The surgical dressing is removed within the first week, and by day 10 any visible bruising can usually be concealed by hair. Contact sports, playground activities, and PE should be avoided for at least 6 weeks to protect the healing ears from being bent or struck.

The incision for ear pinning and most reshaping procedures is placed in the natural crease behind the ear, where it is completely hidden from the front view. Even from behind, the scar fades significantly over time and is concealed by the ear itself. Ear reduction scars are placed within the natural folds of the ear. Most patients find their scars barely perceptible within a few months.

Otoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance. However, in some cases where ear deformity is congenital and causes functional issues, or when the procedure is performed on a child for psychological reasons related to severe teasing, partial coverage may be available. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to discuss your specific situation.