What Does an Ideal Otoplasty Patient Look Like?

Ear surgery patients come in every shape and size. They range in age from five and up. Good candidates for surgery have realistic expectations for the procedure. The ability to listen, cooperate, and follow instructions is critical to success from ear surgery.

Can I Be Involved in My Child’s Otoplasty Procedure?

We encourage parents to play an active role in preparation for their child’s otoplasty. During the consultation, we meet with both parent and child. Parent, surgeon, and child work together for a successful procedure.

Otoplasty Surgery | Farmington and Hartford, CT

Reshape the Ears With Otoplasty Surgery in Farmington & Hartford, CT

Large, protruding, or misshapen ears are a common source of teasing. Children and adults alike often endure damaging comments about the appearance of their ears. Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that can reshape the ears, ensuring they complement your appearance and are in harmony with your other facial features. We perform ear surgery on patients both young and old throughout the Farmington Valley and Hartford County.

Interested in Otoplasty in Connecticut?

Contact Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery to learn more about your options.

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Reviews

Discover why patients trust Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery for their cosmetic and reconstructive treatment, from rhinoplasty and facelifts to brow lifts, injectables, and laser treatments. Read our Google reviews and experience exceptional care and outstanding results firsthand.

My experience with Dr. Karrer was wonderful! As an older patient, he calmed all my anxieties and made the journey exciting. No time is too late. He positively guided me through each step in order to achieve all my goals. Dr. Karter is top on my list! Love his new office too!!

- Linda Mancuso
Dr. Karter is a phenomenal Doctor who really cares about your well being and will go above and beyond to achieve exactly what you are looking for to get done. He is very patient and kind and actually listens. He took his time to explain everything that I would expect from start to finish and answered all of my questions. I never felt rushed in anyway even after the procedure. I am recommending him to anyone who is looking for a trusthworthy and honest Doctor that is Top rated in my book. His whole team is amazing as well! I am not sure of the longevity since I just got this done, but so far I am highly impressed! Thankyou so much Dr. Karter!!!

- Jackie
Dr. Karter has performed two procedures on me. First, I had a lower blepharoplasty and he did an awesome job!! It has been 2 years since and I am over the moon at how great they look! Second, I had a lower deep plane facelift, a platismaplasty, temporal brow lift and a lip lift. I am so happy with my results 6 months later. He is so gentle and caring about his work and really does an amazing job! He really knows what he's doing and explains everything to a tee. I can barely see my scars at 6 months and everything healed beautifully! He goes out of his way for his patients and actually came into the office to check on me on Thanksgiving day!! Can't beat that! Thanks so much to he and his staff for for everything!!

- Vicki Hogan
I recently had tear trough filler with Dr. Karter and he’s the best. So personable, knowledgeable, and patient. Highly recommend!

- Hanada Hamideh
I recently underwent a rhinoplasty procedure with Dr. Karter & I can confidently say that I am beyond thrilled with the results. From start to finish, my experience with Dr. Karter & his team was top-notch.

Not only does Dr. Karter have a great bedside manner, but he was also incredibly knowledgeable & able to answer all of my questions & concerns before the procedure. He made me feel at ease & confident in his ability to deliver the results I was hoping for.

The staff at the practice were also amazing - Erin was friendly, attentive, & made sure I had everything I needed. They were a true asset to the practice & contributed to making my experience a positive one.

But most importantly, the results of my rhinoplasty are truly amazing. I am so in love with my new nose & it has truly boosted my confidence. Dr. Karter was able to achieve the exact look I was hoping for & exceeded my expectations.

Overall, I highly recommend Dr. Karter for anyone considering a rhinoplasty procedure. They have the perfect balance of excellent bedside manner, knowledgeable expertise, & a wonderful staff that will make your experience a positive one.

- Annie J
Dr. Karter did an incredible job with my chin lipo. Everyone in the office was super helpful and informative. I felt completely prepared for the surgery and was thrilled with the results. I couldn't recommend him enough! Worth every penny of the reasonable price!

- Sydney Giuliano
Great , doctor! He is kind , the environment is clean and calming. The staff is beyond amazing ! 5 stars out of 5! For sure !!!

- ashley larson
I’ve considered chin lipo for a while and impulsively booked a consult with Dr Karter. It was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! He is incredibly kind and talented. I felt so comfortable here I didn’t even make a consultation with any other surgeons. I ended up getting chin liposuction and a deep neck lift. I’m almost a month post op writing this review and still experiencing a little swelling which is normal but I could cry over how great my results are looking so far.

Both Dr Karter and his assistant Erin have been over the top accommodating when it came to booking my surgery and my recovery!!! They gave me their personal numbers and I never felt like I was bothering them with all of my questions lol I recommend him to everyone

- J
Very thorough information regarding options. Welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommend!

- Dawn McCartan
Went I meet Dr karte for the first time I knew he was the perfect dr.he give you the confidence the support, he is so kind,I recommend Dr karter he's the best

- Maria
I am very satisfied with my procedure. Everything was so profesional and everybody at the office is very friendly.

- Julia Vázquez
The absolute best in every way! So, so happy! Nothing more needs to be said, except book an appointment with Dr. Karter, no need to look further.

- Anne C
PHENOMENAL, that is how I would describe my experience with Dr. Karter. He is a truly talented surgeon, and I cannot say enough good things about him and his staff. For the past 20 years I’ve always wanted a more pronounced jawline and it has always been an insecurity of mine. Over the past couple years of seeing myself on zoom meetings I’d become even more self-conscious and unhappy with my overall appearance, so I decided to do something about it, and I am so glad I did. From the minute I met with Dr. Karter for my consultation, I immediately felt comfortable. During our consultation I told him which areas of my face bothered me, and unlike other doctors I felt like he really listened. He offered several options and thoroughly explained the benefit of each. After that first meeting I cancelled all my other consultations because I knew had found the right Dr. I decided to do a chin implant, deep plane neck lift and buccal fat removal. Prior to surgery, his patient coordinator, Erin, made it a seamless process and an absolute pleasure to work with. I am now one month post op, and I am blown away with the results. I have never felt this good about myself; my only regret is not doing this sooner. Doing this is literally the best money I have ever spent on anything in my entire life. Thank you, Dr. Karter, for returning my self-confidence, I can’t stop looking in the mirror, you truly are a genius.

- JP Gilbert
I found Dr. Karter by accident, and I'm so happy I did. My genetic double-chin was killing my self-confidence for years; as early as my 20s with my weight at 115 lbs. From the day I submitted an inquiry form online, I was contacted by a patient care specialist, Erin, who answered all of my questions and was very patient with me. I have a very strict work schedule and Erin went out of her way to be sure I could secure the date that I wanted.

This was a major surgery and decision, but I was completely comfortable with it. I had my procedure a little over a week ago and I am blown away by the results already. During the healing process, Dr. Karter and Erin have been amazing, responsive and very warm. They truly care about all of their patients. If you have a double-chin, do not settle for simple lipo or a neck lift without first consulting with Dr. Karter. He is one of the only surgeons in the state who is known for his deep plane face lift and you will not get these results elsewhere! I will post pictures when I am done healing, but I could not wait to write a review.

- Melanie Scarlett
He is an amazing surgeon and perfected my rhinoplasty! It was better than I could have imagined and truly changed my life. He is very knowledgeable and an artist with his craft. Would recommend to anybody.

- anife odai
I absolutely love the results that I see after my lower lid surgery! I was apprehensive at first, but Dr. Karter totally put me at ease! He answered all my questions and gave me various options for what I was looking for, and I am so happy now when I look in the mirror! Thank you so much Dr. Karter!

- Dawn Kaplan
Dr. Karter is an artist, an incredibly talented surgeon, and he helped me plan the right approach to get the results I was looking for, removing years of aging from a 58 year old to have a natural, healthy, youthful look. It is UNBELIEVABLE how I now look the age that I feel. It's so natural that my sister commented that I look like a much younger version of me. Thank you so very much Dr. Karter. I never imagined that the investment in surgery would have had such a huge impact on my life!

- Sherie
Always pleasant experience even tho I don’t like needles but results are worth it all!!!

- Maria Higgins
I can't speak highly enough of Dr. KARTER's expertise and professionalism! I have tried few other places for Botox and Fillers and none came close! I highly recommend him to my family and all my friends.

- Julia Cordos
I am very grateful for having found Dr. Karter. He is a very skillful and talented doctor who I selected after reading his online reviews to administer my dermal injections. I will look no further as Dr. Karter is a truly compassionate doctor who listens to what you are trying to accomplish and answers any questions you may have before beginning the procedure.

- Gwenn
Dr. Karter is a wonderful and highly skilled surgeon. He patiently explained the procedures and made me feel at ease right away during my first appointment. Most importantly, he made me feel safe during my treatment.

- Dawn Hemard
A great experience! My daughter had her ears pinned and Dr Karter was caring, informative and supportive. The staff is top notch! Thank you!

- Kristen Kurtin
Dr. Karter is an absolute artist when it comes to rhinoplasty!

Ecstatic with my results, as they exceeded my expectations!

I look like me, just better!

Breathing is improved!

From the initial consultation, in depth details of what to expect, he answers all questions and concerns I had and made me feel very comfortable from the moment I sat in his chair.

Office staff is wonderful and very accommodating.

I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a plastic surgeon!!

- Victoria Velez
I couldn’t be happier with choosing Dr. Karter. You can tell he cares about his patients and it shows in his work. He’s very detailed oriented which I love! His staff went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and relaxed with the entire experience. I’d highly recommend Dr. Karter to family and friends.

- Aneta D
Dr. Karter is a highly skilled surgeon. I could not be happier with the results of my cosmetic procedure. From the initial consultation to the post-op visits, his professionalism, care, and attention was remarkable. Dr. Karter took the time to provide an in-depth discussion about the various treatment options, answer all of my questions, and provide an outcome that exceeded my expectations. The office staff is well-organized, polite, friendly, and highly accommodating. From start to finish, it was a great experience. To anyone looking for a plastic surgeon, I recommend Dr. Karter without reservation.

- Meg Gustafson
My daughter received exceptional treatment from Dr. Karter and his team. Her elective sinus surgery went smoothly and her recovery was quick. She was very comfortable! Dr. Karter is incredibly supportive and his work is impeccable. Highest recommendation!

- Denise Alfeld
I highly recommend Dr.Karter, He is so Knowledgeable and personable His work is as close to perfection as one can get!

- Kelly Stolarz
Dr. Karter is as close to perfection as one can get. He was so attentive and caring before, during and after my rhinoplasty procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Karter and would trust him with anything you’re thinking about “improving”

- Ashley Fennessy
Dr. Karter did an amazing job in repairing the damage to my nose and septum incurred during a fall. He was professional, caring and very thorough in his explanations of the surgery and of the options I could pursue. I also used this surgery to help restore my eyelids to their original shape. His skill was very evident in restoring my natural looks.

- patricia hamilton
Great experience with Dr. Seeley and his staff. I am breathing so much better at night. I have not been suffering from my usual nasal congestion and one sided headaches. Dr. Seeley also fixed an aesthetic issue during my procedure and I could not be happier with the results.Thank you!!xx

- M Heartx
Dr. Karter has great bedside manner, very thorough, and he made me very comfortable from the moment he stepped into the consultation room. He thoroughly answered all of my questions before, during, and after my surgery. I never felt rushed during my post-op appointments and overall was given excellent care. He performed an otoplasty on me in January of 2021 (took me a while to finally write a review) and I couldn’t be happier with the results. He gave me a new found confidence. Additionally, Dr.Karter as well as his office staff are very friendly and accommodating. He has my stamp of approval and I will be recommending him to anyone looking for a knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon.

- Maggie T
Dr. Karter did an outstanding job with my surgery. I could not be happier. His staff is awesome, everyone of them.

- Ken PESCATELLO
Dr. Seeley and his staff were excellent. They were caring, helpful and organized. Dr Seeley took the time to be very thorough about my procedure options for the results I was looking for along with pricing and availability. I felt confident in his abilities and felt comfortable sharing all my thoughts. After having my procedure I was elated with the results, I would highly recommend this establishment to all who inquire!

- jennifer arria
I am absolutely blown away at the results that Dr.karter was able to achieve on my chin liposuction! I cannot believe how incredibly professional and kind he was. He was able to explain everything to me so well that I had no problem understanding exactly what was going to happen. I cannot say enough good things about this whole office everyone is so kind as soon as you walk through the door! I will be recommending this office everyone!!

- Angel Ecker

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Ear Reshaping Surgery Basics

Otoplasty, a type of ear reshaping surgery, may also be referred to as ear remodeling or ear pinning. The treatment is designed to augment the size, shape, and protrusion of the ears to better frame the face. It is often performed on children, but we also treat adults who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. Older and younger patients alike can benefit from an ear transformation. Otoplasty is used to treat a wide variety of ear issues. At Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery, we use ear surgery to treat:

Ears that protrude from the sides of the head
Ears that are significantly larger than other facial features
Asymmetrical ears
Congenital ear deformities
Trauma to the ear and cauliflower ear
Earlobe repair
Ears that fold over on top (lop ears)
Dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery results (otoplasty revision)
Ear deformities from cancer (Mohs surgery)

A consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Karter or Dr. Seeley, can help you decide if ear pinning will benefit you or your child. Come in for an examination and consultation to learn more about your options for ear surgery in Farmington, CT, or Hartford County.

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The Otoplasty Procedure - What to Expect

Surgery to correct protruding ears begins with a small incision, placed behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear meets the head. Cartilage is repositioned or removed, as needed, and permanent sutures are placed to hold the ear in position. Other incisions may be needed for shaping and vary with each case. Any incisions on the front of the ear are placed in natural folds to minimize visibility after healing.

Since otoplasty surgery can address many different ear problems, the procedure can vary extensively. Your surgeon will give you a better idea of what to expect from your procedure during your consultation.

Otoplasty Recovery

Patients return home the same day as their procedure, often one to two hours after surgery is complete. After ear surgery, the ears are bandaged with special dressings that support the ears as they heal. This bandaging is temporary, and results from the procedure will be immediately visible after the bandaging is removed. The otoplasty headband must remain in place until the surgeon instructs otherwise. Parents must help children avoid touching the bandages, so the ears can heal properly during their otoplasty recovery. Patients should plan on missing about a week from work or school. Minor activity restrictions may be in place for about six weeks.

Ideal Candidate for Otoplasty

An ideal candidate for ear surgery is someone who is physically healthy and has realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery. The procedure is suitable for both children and adults. Here are some specific criteria:

For Children

Typically aged five or older.
Able to follow instructions and cooperate during both the pre-operative and post-operative phases.
Experiencing psychological distress due to the appearance of their ears, such as teasing or bullying.

For Adults

Unhappy with the appearance of their ears due to their size, shape, or protrusion.
Seeking improvement, not perfection, in the appearance of their ears.
Non-smokers, as smoking can complicate both the surgery and the healing process.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries certain risks and potential side effects. It’s important to discuss these with your surgeon during your consultation. Potential risks and side effects include a change in skin sensation, asymmetry, scarring, infection, and a need for revision surgery. However, working with our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons significantly reduces these risks and side effects.

Ear Surgery and Children - What Age Can I Consider Otoplasty for My Child?

Otoplasty can be performed any time after the ears reach their full adult size. This usually occurs around five to six years of age. We find that performing the surgery early, usually before the child starts Kindergarten or first grade, can help prevent the negative consequences associated with teasing. Ear size is only one factor in determining if a child is ready for surgery. We want our young patients to understand the procedure and to play an active role in their care. Children should be able to listen and follow directions well. Cooperation is essential for a successful procedure and to minimize complications in surgery preparation and recovery. When preparing for ear surgery on a child, we communicate with both the parents and the patient. This is a team effort (parent, child, and surgeon) and we’ll all work together to achieve the best possible result for our patient. Surgery on children can be difficult. Our surgeons have worked with many young children and understood how to communicate with them to alleviate fear and anxiety. Additionally, we perform our pediatric otoplasties at a free-standing children’s ambulatory surgery center, specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the pediatric population We love our young patients and find that working with children is among the most rewarding work we do. Ear surgery on children is often performed during the summer or around school holidays to minimize time missed from school. If the procedure is scheduled during the school year, patients typically miss one week of classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will ear surgery affect hearing?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and does not affect hearing.

How long will otoplasty results last?

Results are lifelong. Children who receive ear surgery will retain their ear shape and placement into adulthood. We also perform revision otoplasty on adult patients who are unhappy with childhood otoplasty results.

Will I have scarring after ear surgery?

Ear surgery incisions are carefully placed to minimize scarring. Most incisions are made on the back of the ear. Incisions are also placed in natural creases and folds on the front of the ear as needed. Most patients find their incisions are practically imperceptible after they’ve fully healed from surgery.

Is otoplasty painful?

Some discomfort is normal after ear surgery, but post-operative pain is minimal and well-controlled with pain medication, as needed. Most children do not need prescription pain relief and can use over-the-counter options should discomfort occur.

Why should I consider otoplasty for my child?

Children with misshapen ears often endure significant teasing. Otoplasty at a young age can stop this teasing before it starts, and before a child has developed negative feelings about their appearance. Young children also have softer, more malleable cartilage. This gives the surgeon more options and flexibility for reshaping the ears.

Can I be involved in my child’s procedure?

We encourage parents to play an active role in preparation for their child’s surgery. During the consultation, we meet with both parents and the child. Parents, surgeon, and child work together for a successful procedure.

How much does otoplasty cost?

The cost of otoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and other factors. It’s best to discuss the cost during your consultation, as it can be tailored to your specific needs.

Is otoplasty covered by insurance?

Otoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. However, partial coverage may be possible if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes to correct a congenital deformity. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider.

Can otoplasty be reversed?

Otoplasty results are generally permanent, even though otoplasty revision surgery is possible if you’re unhappy about your primary surgery results.

How long after otoplasty can you sleep on your side?

It’s generally recommended to avoid sleeping on your side for at least 2-3 weeks after the procedure to prevent putting pressure on the ears. Our surgeons will provide specific post-operative instructions regarding sleeping positions. You will also wear an otoplasty headband during your recovery to ensure optimal healing.

Schedule an otoplasty consultation for yourself or your child by calling Connecticut Facial Plastic Surgery at (860) 676-2473. We have conveniently located offices in Farmington and Avon, CT to serve patients throughout Hartford County.