336.600.5258 Greensboro, NC
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Introduction to Ear Surgery

We’ve all heard the one-liners about people with prominent ears. But for those people, those statements can be a source of shame or deep embarrassment. We cannot choose our genetics, but in this day and age, we can decide whether to make adjustments to our appearance, especially when we know it can improve our self-esteem and self-worth. No longer will you have to put up with comments about ears that stand out, if you come to see Dr. Collier Pace in Greensboro, NC for Ear Surgery.

What is Ear Surgery?

Ear Surgery, also known as Otoplasty, is a procedure to change the shape, position, or size of the ears. It can also correct a birth defect of the ear structure. Otoplasty can be done at any age after the ears have reached their full size — usually after age 5 — through adulthood. Otoplasty is typically done on both ears to optimize symmetry. Otoplasty won’t change the location of your ears or alter your ability to hear. Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face.

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What are the benefits of Ear Surgery?

When it comes to Greensboro Ear Surgery, benefits can range from medical to cosmetic, but in general, Dr. Pace has seen his patients enjoy the following:

  • Can be performed at almost any age
  • Corrects prominent ears
  • Increases self-confidence
  • More natural facial appearance
  • Permanent results
  • Treatment is safe

Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you must make this decision for yourself, not to benefit anyone else. Your image and self-worth belong to you, and Otoplasty is one method to help improve it.

Who are the best candidates for the Ear Surgery procedure?

There are a number of things to think about before deciding whether this is the right surgery for you. Teenagers and adults who are good candidates for Ear Surgery in Greensboro are generally:

  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for ear surgery
  • Nonsmokers

Body issues related to low self-esteem can be corrected by surgery, but it is important not to make your decision on this alone. During a consultation session, Dr. Pace will talk extensively about the benefits of Otoplasty with you and learn more about your desired outcomes to help make a more accurate determination of your candidacy.

What’s the first step?

The first step to getting ear surgery is to call our office for a consultation. During the consult, Dr. Pace will assess your needs and desired outcome, and determine the best course of treatment. He will look over your medical history, and tell you more about how Otoplasty can potentially benefit you. The consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions about the treatment options so that you can make an informed decision.

Your surgical plan will take into consideration the potential for small ear adjustments to impact the balance and proportions of your entire face, and will always incorporate the least invasive facial surgery techniques available to reduce the risk of complications and minimize your discomfort. Once your plan is created and you agree with our direction, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your surgical date.

What to expect on the day of Ear Surgery surgery

When you arrive at the medical facility, Dr. Pace will walk you through the surgical process so you know every step. You will then be administered anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable and minimize pain.

Dr. Pace will begin by making an incision on the back of your ear. He will create an incision discreetly placed behind the ears, employing a combination of cartilage scoring and suturing techniques to augment and restructure the fold, before gently excising surplus cartilage and skin. If necessary, additional sutures on the back of the cartilage can be placed to bring the entire ear closer to the side of the head. Internal, non-removable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

The final step is to close the incision, done by external stitches. Dr. Pace uses individualized techniques on each patient, taking care not to distort other structures and to avoid an unnatural “pinned back” appearance.

Once the surgery is complete, bandages will be applied to keep the ears in place while the incisions heal and your recovery process begins.

Ear Surgery Recovery

Before leaving the surgical center, Dr. Pace and his team will ensure you are given all the information necessary for a smooth and safe recovery. The bandages applied are put in place to keep the surgical site clean, protect it from trauma, and support the new position of the ear during initial healing.

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed for any reason. Failure to do so may result in the loss of some of the correction and may require secondary surgery.

To keep pressure off your ears, avoid sleeping on your side. Also, try not to rub or place excessive force on the incisions. Consider wearing button-down shirts or shirts with loose-fitting collars.

A few days after otoplasty, Dr. Pace will remove your bandages. Your ears will likely be swollen and red. You may need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for a few weeks. This will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed.

How much does Ear Surgery cost in Greensboro, NC?

The cost of Ear Surgery in Greensboro, NC, will depend on your surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Pace will thoroughly go over all the steps and assess your intended focus areas and problems. You will discuss your intended goals and concerns so that he can give you an accurate picture of what will be possible for your procedure. It is important to ask as many questions as possible so that you feel comfortable about the procedure and make an informed choice.

Why choose Dr. Pace?

As a board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon with both the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), you are in good hands with Dr. Collier Pace. As an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), he is an expert in his industry, specializing in Aesthetic/Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Hand, Facial Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery. With years of experience and a passion for helping you look and feel your best, there is no one else you should trust with your cosmetic needs in Greensboro, NC. Dr. Pace treats every patient as an individual and will work to ensure you are happy with your treatment plan and satisfied with your results.

Dr. Pace sitting on a chair smiling.
Portrait of Dr. Pace at his practice in Greensboro. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Collier Pace | Greensboro Plastic Surgery.

Schedule your consultation

There’s no reason you or your child should have to continue through life with prominent or sagging ears. If you are interested in Ear Surgery in Greensboro, NC for either you or a loved one, please don’t hesitate and contact Greensboro Plastic Surgery. You can request a consultation through our website or call us directly and a member of our team will be more than happy to get you a consultation with Dr. Collier Pace.

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At Greensboro Plastic Surgery, we believe that knowledge is power, which is why we are open and upfront about every aspect of your procedure. We have created a page to address any of your concerns and help you make the best decisions for you and your body. Please read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out and set up your consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.

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