Otoplasty / Ear Surgery Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township

Name: Ear Surgery
Brand: Ocean Plastic Surgery
Rating: 4.9 (40 reviews)

Protruding or misshapen ears are a source of great self-consciousness.

Otoplasty for Reshaped, Balanced Ears

Young people especially suffer as others make fun of them. Ear surgery or otoplasty is a way to reshape the ears or “pin” them back so that they no longer protrude. Otoplasty is performed on both children and adults and can be done as soon as the ears have stopped growing, which is usually around age six. In some cases, the surgery can be very intricate and requires special expertise on the part of your surgeon. Dr. Stephen E. Small, D.O. has many years of experience performing ear surgeries, whether ear pinning procedures, reducing the size of the ears, making the ears better match one another, reshaping misshapen ears, or repairing ear injuries.

I highly recommend Dr Small. My procedure went very well and he was very reassuring.

A. Hahn

Everything you Need To Know Ear Surgery Overview

Meet Dr. Stephen E. Small A Dedicated, Compassionate Aesthetic Artist in Ocean County, NJ

Dr. Small’s path to aesthetic medicine began as a young child when he experienced a challenging burn accident and had to get plastic surgery. Thanks to the skill and kindness of his provider, he decided right then and there that he wanted to help people reclaim their appearance through specialized, cutting-edge techniques. Today, Dr. Small performs a broad range of restorative treatments for the face, skin, breasts, and body, helping patients of all ages to look and feel their absolute best. He believes patients are already beautiful – they just need a precision-minded cosmetic authority to accentuate their assets and celebrate their uniqueness.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon serving those in Toms River and Stafford Township, Dr. Small excels in reconstructive, laser, and cosmetic procedures. After obtaining his medical degree with honors from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), he pursued a competitive 5-year general residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford. Returning to his childhood interest in reconstructive techniques, Dr. Small completed an intensive one-year burn fellowship at New York Medical College, Valhalla. He also served as a resident and chief resident in plastic surgery for several years at Ohio University, South Pointe Hospital-Cleveland Clinic Health System.

Otoplasty Procedure Overview

Scope:	Otoplasty/ear pinning is performed to restore balance, proportion, and shape to oversized ears.
Anesthesia:	Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia can be used.
Treatment Time:	Ear surgery usually takes 1-2 hours to complete.
Recovery:	Most patients can return to work or school within a week after otoplasty. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.

Ear Surgery Before & After

View More Ear Surgery Results

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty (ear pinning) is performed to correct oversized, misshapen, or asymmetrical ears. Overly prominent ears can be especially problematic for younger patients, as they can lead to teasing, taunting, and bullying. For adults, imperfections in the ears can cause undue self-consciousness, inhibiting ease in social and professional situations.

Dr. Small utilizes advanced, innovative techniques to restore balance and harmony among the features, pinning the ears closer to the head so they are less conspicuous. After otoplasty, patients enjoy enhanced confidence and a broader range of hairstyle options.

woman smiling with hair in a low ponytail

What Are the Benefits of Ear Surgery in Toms River and Stafford Township, NJ?

When performed with consummate artistry by Dr. Small, a provider with over 18 years of surgical expertise, otoplasty offers patients the following noteworthy benefits:

Reduces excess cartilage
Combats asymmetry
Corrects oversized or stretched-out lobes
Pins the ears closer to the scalp
Creates a more balanced, attractive appearance
Enhances self-confidence and self-esteem
Long-lasting improvements
Natural-looking results

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

Otoplasty can safely be performed on children as young as 5 years old who suffer from protruding, oversized ears. Adults who are self-conscious about their ears can also pursue the procedure, provided that they are healthy, non-smoking, and realistic in their expectations. Dr. Small provides a comprehensive consultation process to ensure the procedure will meet your goals and leave you more satisfied with your appearance. He will include a physical assessment and thorough medical review and will answer all your questions in depth, empowering you to make the best decisions for your overall well-being.

The Otoplasty / Ear Surgery Procedure

Ear pinning involves recontouring the ear by reshaping it or bringing the ear closer to the scalp or head to correct the protrusion. Other types of ear surgeries are customized depending on what you wish to alter about your ears. Dr. Small will consult with you in detail about what you wish to change and what can realistically be accomplished through otoplasty. He will discuss the goals of the procedure with you in detail so that you know exactly what to expect. Often, incisions can be placed in discreet places, such as within the folds of the ears or behind the ear, making them essentially invisible.

Recovering from Otoplasty

Most patients can return to work or school within a week after otoplasty. You will have to wear bandages on your ears during that first week at least, and you will be restricted from using earbuds until your ears have healed. You must also sleep on your back for a period of time. Elevating your head will help to keep swelling to a minimum. Dr. Small will keep a close watch on your progress and will tell you everything you need to know to heal well. This will include avoiding certain things like alcohol, hair dryers, curling irons, and exercise for a little while.

looking towards small island from in between rocky walls

Ear Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Ocean Plastic Surgery P.A. and Laser Center today to find out more about how otoplasty can improve the look of your ears or the ears of your child. At our Toms River and Manahawkin locations, we serve patients from all over the New Jersey Shore and beyond, including Stafford Township, Barnegat, Lacey, Berkeley, Dover Township, Brick, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Jackson, Howell, Wall, Freehold, Manalapan, and Point Pleasant.

How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost?

Costs for otoplasty can vary depending on the techniques utilized, the extent of the changes requested, and whether ear pinning is combined with other aesthetic treatments. The average cost is $7,500-$9,000. Dr. Small understands how important it is to have clear financial expectations. He will offer you customized pricing once your private consultation has been completed.

Is Otoplasty Painful?

For children, Dr. Small typically recommends general anesthesia, which allows them to sleep peacefully through the whole treatment process. Adults can opt to undergo ear pinning under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Either way, discomfort is minimal. After surgery, soreness and tenderness at the incision sites can be well-managed with pain medications and proper rest.

How Long Until I See Results?

Once the bandages are removed, patients will be able to see notable changes in the size and shape of their ears right away. Swelling typically subsides within several weeks, allowing you to enjoy a more balanced, sculpted ear appearance.

Can I Combine Otoplasty With Other Procedures?

Yes! Dr. Small performs a wide array of transformative aesthetic procedures for the skin, face, breasts, and body. He can tailor your surgical plan to meet your unique needs, adding other treatment options as needed.

What Are the Risks With Otoplasty?

Dr. Small adheres to stringent safety protocols in order to reduce the likelihood of complications as much as possible. Despite this, otoplasty comes with certain risks that you should be aware of. These include the following:

Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Infection
Poor reactions to anesthesia
Scarring

Will Otoplasty Affect Hearing?

No. Otoplasty is strictly a cosmetic procedure and will not affect ear function in any way.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Undergo Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty can be performed on children as young as 5 or 6 as long as they are able to follow recovery instructions. The best time for ear pinning is usually during the child’s summer or winter break when there is plenty of time to heal and rest without distraction.

Get Started With Otoplasty in Ocean County Today!

Want to learn more about how otoplasty in Ocean County, Toms River, & Stafford Township can boost your confidence and provide you with a more positive self-image? Reach out to Dr. Small and his team today to schedule a private consultation.

Our offices are conveniently located along the beautiful coastline of New Jersey, offering a tranquil and restorative setting for your cosmetic journey.

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