Prominent ears are one of the few things people are teased about as children and quietly self-conscious about for the rest of their lives. Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the cartilage so the ears sit closer to the head — a change that stops being noticed the day after it heals.
These figures are typical ranges, not a promise. Anesthesia, operating time, recovery and how results settle vary with your anatomy, your health history and the plan you and Dr. Swenson agree on. Your individual details are confirmed at consultation.
Through an incision behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped and secured so the ear folds and sits the way it should. It isn't about making ears smaller — it's about position and the natural fold that's usually missing.
This is one of the few facial procedures appropriate for children, because the ears reach near-adult size early. Doing it before or around the start of school can spare a child years of self-consciousness. Adults get exactly the same operation, often after decades of styling their hair around it.
Frequently only one ear protrudes, or one more than the other. Symmetry is the goal, so a one-sided correction is common and entirely reasonable.
Ears that protrude noticeably from the head, or an absent antihelical fold — in adults, and in children once ear growth is largely complete.
Will the scar be noticeable?
It sits behind the ear, in the crease against the head.
When can they go back to school or work?
Usually about a week, with activity restrictions a bit longer.
Can just one ear be done?
Yes — matching to the other side is the goal.
Does it change hearing?
No. This is purely the external ear.
A surgical consultation with Dr. Swenson is $75. That's an hour of a surgeon's attention, not a sales appointment with a coordinator. To be straightforward with you: the fee does not apply toward the cost of a procedure. Some practices credit it — we don't, and we'd rather you know that now than find out at checkout. Vue does not bill insurance, so all procedures, including those done for functional reasons, are self-pay. You'll get an exact quote before you commit to anything.