Berkeley, CA
P. (510) 647-6450

Otoplasty

Otoplasty In Berkeley, CA

Ears Shaped for Natural Confidence

Expert Otoplasty
In Berkeley, CA

Misshapen or noticeably protruding ears can be a source of insecurity for many people. Whether your ears have been prominent since birth, you have suffered an injury, or you simply want to change their size, shape, or projection, otoplasty can help you feel more secure and confident in your ears.

​At Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery, David W. Chou, MD, personalizes each otoplasty to the specific needs, goals, and preferences of his Berkeley patients to optimize their results. If you are looking to improve the appearance of your ears, book a consultation with Dr. Chou to get started on your otoplasty journey.

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What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, addresses aesthetic concerns regarding the shape, contours, and projection of the ears. The goal of the procedure is to improve the appearance of the ears to match the other focal points of the face, including the nose, mouth, and eyes, creating a more symmetrical, harmonious profile. This can involve repositioning the ears closer to the sides of the head (ear pinning), reducing their size, or shaping them to correct misshapen ears.

Patients of all ages get this procedure, even children, as noticeably protruding ears can lead to bullying and cause insecurities to form.

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Combining My Otoplasty with Other Procedures

Many of our patients in Berkeley and the greater San Francisco area ask whether they can address multiple facial concerns in a single session, and the answer is yes! Dr. Chou has extensive experience combining procedures to help patients achieve widespread facial improvements with a single recovery period.

A neck lift removes excess sagging skin and fat from the neck, producing a more defined jawline and a tighter neck. This combination achieves comprehensive facial balance and a more youthful overall appearance to meet your desired aesthetic. 

Who Are the Best Candidates for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty helps a wide variety of patients across the San Francisco Bay Area. The best candidates qualify for otoplasty because they share the following characteristics:

  • Prominent ears that stick out noticeably far from the head
  • Asymmetry between the two ears
  • Large or misshapen earlobes
  • Structural deformities from birth
  • Deformities caused by injuries or trauma
  • Reasonable expectations
  • Do not smoke and are in good overall health

What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is beneficial in several ways. Our patients in Berkeley can benefit from otoplasty because of the following:

  • Less prominent ears closer to the sides of your head
  • Ears to match your goals of ear shape, position, and size
  • Enhanced facial harmony and balance
  • Natural-looking results
  • Permanent results
  • Improvements in asymmetry
  • Reduced feelings of self-consciousness
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How to Begin Your Otoplasty Journey

To have a successful otoplasty, a detailed plan must be created in advance. This will take place during your otoplasty consultation at our office in Berkeley. Patients come from all over the San Francisco Bay Area seeking Dr. Chou’s expertise in facial plastic surgery, which begins at the consultation.

  • Share your aesthetic goals for your ears and why you want to get otoplasty
  • Dr. Chou will take a thorough look at your ears and assess your skin quality and ear position
  • Dr. Chou will ask about your medical history, whether you have received any procedures in the past, and whether you have any allergies
  • He will show you reference photos of patients who have gotten the procedure, so you know what to expect
  • You’ll walk through the procedure in detail, including what happens during the procedure, how to recover efficiently, and when to see the results
  • Discuss any additional procedures that you may want to combine and add them to a personalized treatment plan based on the above factors

What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

Otoplasty surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area begins with a review of your treatment plan to ensure you and Dr. Chou are both on the same page. This will be the time to ask any questions you may have.

After changing into a surgical gown, you will be given local, twilight, or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the extent of your surgery.

The 1-2 hour surgery starts with small incisions hidden along the backs of the ears, so Dr. Chou can remove any excess cartilage, reshape the ears, and reposition them closer to the sides of the head to improve your facial profile and proportions. To complete the surgery, Dr. Chou will close the incisions with sutures and place surgical bandages around your ears.

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Otoplasty Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Otoplasty Care

Otoplasty requires following Dr. Chou’s instructions very closely to minimize risks and ensure your results look the way you envisioned. Rest is an essential part of the recovery process. As you sleep, lie on your back with your head slightly elevated to minimize swelling and headaches. You should also wear the specialized protective compression headband to keep your ears in position and prevent them from being bumped. Do not put pressure on your ears or wear headphones, which can also interfere with your healing. Shirts that open in the front or cardigans should be worn to avoid having to lift clothing over your head.

You are encouraged to take short walks during the first few days, but hold off on intense exercise until 3-4 weeks after your surgery.

Dr. Chou will prescribe pain medication to take as needed, especially during the first few days after surgery.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Berkeley?

Every patient receives a unique treatment plan tailored to their individual needs. Your goals will significantly influence the cost of your otoplasty in Berkeley. Alongside your goals, the amount of correction, how many ears are targeted, whether you change the size, shape, or projection of the ears, and the anesthesia fees will impact the overall cost.

Schedule a consultation at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery to find out how much your otoplasty will cost.

Why Choose Dr. Chou?

Dr. David Chou is one of the most highly regarded facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the United States. Based in Berkeley, he helps patients across the San Francisco Bay Area achieve symmetrical, proportionate ears to improve or complete their facial profile. He takes pride in delivering the most compassionate, high-quality care to his patients so that they feel comfortable with their experience from start to finish.

Prior to starting his independent practice at Redwood Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chou served as an Assistant Professor of Facial Plastic Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, caring for a diverse patient population and educating and training the next generation of surgeons. He is affiliated with several renowned organizations, reflecting his commitment to delivering consistent high-quality results, continuing his education, and deepening his mastery of facial anatomy.

He is double Board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

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