Otoplasty
in Charlotte, NC

Dr. Sean Freeman is a renowned facial plastic surgeon specializing in otoplasty, a cosmetic surgery that reshapes protruding or overly large ears. During a consultation, he carefully evaluates the patient’s ear structure to determine the best approach for improving symmetry and proportion. Otoplasty is customized for each individual to reduce prominence and create better harmony between facial features. As a double-board-certified professional with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Freeman delivers exceptional results, helping people feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance.
Otoplasty
in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Sean Freeman is a renowned facial plastic surgeon specializing in otoplasty, a cosmetic surgery that reshapes protruding or overly large ears. During a consultation, he carefully evaluates the patient’s ear structure to determine the best approach for improving symmetry and proportion. Otoplasty is customized for each individual to reduce prominence and create better harmony between facial features. As a double-board-certified professional with over 30 years of experience, Dr. Freeman delivers exceptional results, helping people feel more confident and satisfied with their appearance.
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What Is
Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that corrects protruding or overly large ears. During the procedure, Dr. Freeman reshapes the cartilage in the ears so they lay closer to the head. Children usually undergo otoplasty when they are nearly five years old. However, this operation can be performed at any age if the patient feels self-conscious due to their ear shape. The surgery typically takes one to two hours and is done under general anesthesia. It corrects prominent ears and improves the overall proportions and facial harmony. Patients return home on the same day to rest and recover.

Otoplasty
Before & After Pictures

TYPE OF OTOPLASTY

EAR RESHAPING

Ear reshaping corrects protruding or prominent ears. It involves carefully reshaping the cartilage so the ears lie flatter and closer to the head. This procedure can help improve the overall proportions and facial harmony.

Consultation & Preparation for
Otoplasty

Preparation for otoplasty involves several essential steps before the procedure. First, patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Freeman. He will examine the misshapen ears and explain the details of the operation. Dr. Freeman will also evaluate the structure of the cartilage and skin to determine the best surgical approach. Photographs will be taken from multiple angles for before-and-after comparison.
Here are some additional preparation tips:
Dr. Freeman will set appropriate expectations regarding the ear-reshaping process. Patients should know that complete healing may take weeks, requiring patience as swelling subsides and the final improved shape becomes visible. With proper preparation and aftercare, otoplasty can successfully improve the proportions of protruding ears.
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Otoplasty
Procedure

Otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure. The anesthesia team delivers medication through an IV line and monitors vital signs. Once the patient is entirely under anesthesia, Dr. Freeman begins the surgery.
Dr. Freeman makes incisions behind each protruding ear. These openings provide access to correct the cartilage and alter its shape/position. The incisions are behind the ear to hide any surgical scars.
Dr. Freeman removes or makes tiny cuts in excess cartilage to fold it into a more natural shape. He may also use sutures to hold the new ear structure as it heals.
In most cases, excess skin should be removed to achieve the desired ear shape. Dr. Freeman carefully eliminates small amounts of tissue to achieve the best cosmetic results.
Once the cartilage has been sculpted into the proper structure, Dr. Freeman closes the incisions behind each ear using sutures. Special care is taken to precisely line up the natural folds and contours behind the ears.
Light dressings or wrappings will be applied over the ears after surgery. General anesthesia is discontinued, and the patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours after waking up.
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Otoplasty Recovery

Patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first week of recovery. They also take pain medication and must sleep in a proper position with a support pillow. Patients should avoid touching their ears and follow our post-operative instructions.
Dr. Freeman recommends wearing a bandage for several days to support the healing process and preserve the new ear shape. After that, patients should put a small compression bandage around their ears at night while sleeping for four weeks. Any non-dissolvable stitches are removed on day 6. Dr. Freeman recommends avoiding situations that may result in accidental trauma to the ear for at least 4-6 weeks.
Most adult patients feel good enough to return to work in several days. However, some people take more time to rest and recover. Dr. Freeman recommends that children return to school after about a week when the bandage and sutures have been removed. The final results of ear surgery are usually visible within several months.
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Candidates for
Otoplasty

Children and
Teenagers

The most common candidates for otoplasty are children and teenagers with misshapen or protruding ears. At an early age, this biological feature may cause problems in social life and negatively impact self-esteem. Dr. Freeman can find a perfect solution for every young patient.

Adults

Adults with protruding ears that cause distress or self-consciousness may also consider this cosmetic procedure. It will improve their body image and confidence. Patients with stretched earlobes (due to heavy earrings or accidents) might also wish to undergo bilateral earlobe repair. This additional operation will remove stretched tissues and address other aesthetic concerns.

Good Health

Candidates for otoplasty must be generally healthy without underlying conditions or issues that could interfere with healing and recovery. Dr. Freeman carefully evaluates each individual to ensure safety and achieve optimal results.

Benefits of
Otoplasty

Otoplasty benefits both young and older patients. It can be life-changing and significantly improve quality of life. The potential benefits of this cosmetic surgery include:
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Cost of Otoplasty
in Charlotte, NC

The cost of otoplasty in Charlotte ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Factors that influence the price include the surgeon’s experience and credentials, the extent of the work needed, and the geographic location of the practice. Patients usually pay out of pocket since most insurance companies see otoplasty as a cosmetic surgery. Dr. Freeman provides accurate price quotes during the initial consultation. It is easy to book an appointment on our website or by calling our office.

What Makes
Only Faces
Different From Others?

Only Faces offers top expertise and excellent care for patients seeking otoplasty. Dr. Freeman has focused exclusively on facial procedures for over 30 years, making him one of Charlotte’s most experienced surgeons. Dr. Freeman is double board-certified and has pioneered new techniques, such as the SOOF lift blepharoplasty. Only Faces is uniquely equipped to help patients improve the look of their ears and achieve natural, harmonious results.
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