Ears

Good candidates for ear surgery are healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing. Also, they should have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for the ear surgery. In addition to adults dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears, good candidates should be healthy and without untreated chronic ear infections. Children that are good candidates should be at least 5 years old and have ear cartilage stable enough for correction.

The average cost of cosmetic ear surgery is about $3000-$7000 for both ears. Costs can vary widely as a surgeon's cost may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used as well as the geographic location of the procedure. The cost can also vary according to surgical facility fees, anesthesia fees, prescriptions, post-surgery garments and any medical tests. Although ear surgery is generally performed for cosmetic purposes, some procedures may be covered by health insurance when it is performed to restore hearing function.

Ear surgery offers almost immediate results in the case of protruding ears. The results are visible when the dressings that support the new shape of the ear during the initial phases of healing are removed. With the ear permanently positioned closer to the head, surgical scars are either hidden behind the ear or well hidden within the natural creases of the ear. The results of more extensive ear surgery and reconstruction may appear in stages over time. As long as the patient follows any post-surgical instructions, the results should be permanent.