Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery or an ear tuck, is a cosmetic or reconstructive procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reconstructs the ears to create a harmonious appearance. The term comes from the Greek words oûs (“ear”) and plassein (“to shape”), describing the surgery’s goal: to shape the ear to better fit your facial proportions.
Patients who are self-conscious about ear size, projection, shape, or symmetry often choose otoplasty to:
Whether performed for cosmetic reasons or as reconstructive surgery, otoplasty often makes a profound difference in appearance and self-confidence.
Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation for adults or general anesthesia for children. During surgery, Dr. Patt makes discreet incisions—usually behind the ear or within its natural folds—to reshape cartilage and adjust ear position. Stitches secure the new contour, resulting in ears that appear more balanced and natural in proportion to the face.
Recovery from ear surgery is relatively straightforward:
Results are long-lasting, with minimal scarring hidden in natural creases.
Our med spa and clinical specialists offer advanced, physician-directed therapies designed to enhance recovery and reduce downtime after facial plastic surgery. These innovative treatments include:
Each treatment is tailored to your specific procedure and stage of healing to support a faster recovery and smoother results.
While otoplasty focuses on improving the shape and position of the ears, many patients choose to combine their ear surgery with other facial procedures to create overall harmony and balance. Because Dr. Patt specializes exclusively in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, he can safely and artistically integrate otoplasty into a personalized treatment plan that enhances your natural proportions.
Common complementary procedures include:
During your consultation, Dr. Patt will discuss your aesthetic goals and help you determine whether combining otoplasty with another facial enhancement can achieve the most balanced, natural-looking outcome for your specific needs.
As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving Houston for 25+ years, Dr. Bradford Patt combines surgical precision with genuine care to help you look naturally refreshed and confident. Consistently recognized in the Super Doctors® Texas Hall of Fame and as a Texas Monthly Top Doctor, Dr. Patt performs procedures in a QUAD A-accredited facility where your comfort and safety are the top priorities.
Learn More About Dr. PattThe cost of otoplasty in Houston depends on the complexity of your procedure, the type of anesthesia administered, and whether it’s combined with other facial surgeries. During your consultation, Dr. Patt will provide a personalized estimate based on your goals and treatment plan. To make your procedure more affordable, we offer convenient plastic surgery financing options.
Everyone deserves to feel confident and love the way they look! That's why we offer flexible financing plans, such as PatientFi and CareCredit®, designed to make your dream procedure more accessible, regardless of your budget. Our team will walk you through your options and help you find a plan that feels comfortable, so you can focus on what matters most: your dream transformation.
Explore Patient FinancingFor young children, the best age for otoplasty is typically around 5 to 6 years old, once the ears have reached or are near full size. However, the procedure can be safely performed at any age for teens or adults who wish to correct the shape, position, or symmetry of their ears.
Most patients experience only mild, temporary side effects such as swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising around the ears. In Dr. Patt’s skilled hands, otoplasty is considered a safe, well-tolerated, and effective procedure.
The results of otoplasty are typically permanent. Once healing is complete, the ears should maintain their improved contour and symmetry for a lifetime.
If you’ve been considering an ear tuck in Houston or want to learn more about otoplasty surgery, trust your care to Dr. Patt, one of Houston’s leading facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Request your consultation online or call us at (281) 640-2426 to get started.
