Ear Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA

Ears that appear to protrude outward, are asymmetrical or misshapen, or look unnaturally big can negatively impact your self-esteem, especially when young. Otoplasty (ear reshaping) is a cosmetic procedure that helps to recontour the size, position, and shape of the ears to result in a normal appearance.

Before and After Photos

About Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)

Get the ears you’ve always wanted.

Dr. Francisco CanalesDr. Heather Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson are plastic surgeons in Santa Rosa, California who have helped many women, men, and children to move past their embarrassment of exposing their ears by undergoing this surgery. In fact, there is a procedure called the Furnas otoplasty, pioneered by Dr. Furnas’s father, also a plastic surgeon.

No matter the cosmetic issue, otoplasty at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa allows a patient to proudly show their face at any angle with a newfound confidence. If you or your child are worried about the shape or size of the ears, make an appointment with Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson to find out about your options for ear reshaping surgery.

Ideal Candidates

Ear Surgery

Learn More About Who Can Benefit The Most From Ear Surgery.

Ear reshaping surgery can be performed at any age; however, it is often most common among children and is recommended before the start of elementary school.

By six years of age, this treatment is safe and effective to be completed on a child. If you feel embarrassed from the shape and size of your ears because they are misshapen or protrude outward, otoplasty can be considered to attain a normal appearance. Sufferers of a torn, stretched, or damaged earlobe may also be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery.

How It Works

Surgical Techniques

Ear reshaping surgery

Discover how our ear surgery in Santa Rosa works. 

Ear reshaping surgery is performed using anesthesia, either general or IV sedation. Most often, the incision is placed around the back portion of the ear or within the inner folds. During this procedure, cartilage will be manipulated to create a new contour and a natural-looking appearance. It’s generally common for each ear to be addressed during surgery to make sure they appear symmetrical. After the procedure, the incisions are safely stitched together with sutures and wrapped so they are protected.

What to Expect

Here’s what you can expect when you undergo ear surgery. 

After your Treatment

Once the procedure is finished and you are released to leave the hospital, you will heal and rest at home. Our office will send you home with instructions for recovery. It’s very important to not touch the ears. Also, you should not lay on the ears, and instead, sleep propped up for the first few days.

Follow-up

Our plastic surgeons recommend seeing otoplasty patients back within 3 – 5 days — at this time, they will take off the coverings and check you or your child’s surgical results. The outcomes are visible right away, and the progression of results will continue to improve as the ears heal.

How much does ear surgery cost?

Costs for ear surgery will be based on what’s being done (ear pinning, shaping, earlobe repair, or a combination of these). Once our plastic surgeons understand your issues and wants, they will make your treatment plan and estimate expenses. In order to concentrate on getting the outcomes that you want rather than prices, Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa takes several payments, and a member of our team will help you attain low-interest financing.

Will the results of ear surgery last?

Normally, the ears grow faster compared to other areas of the body and face, which is the reason why ear surgery can be done on younger patients with long-term outcomes. Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will examine the ears and then talk about what to expect along with how long the outcomes may last. While the body and face can change dramatically from gravity and age, the impact on the ears is usually minimal. In the event there are significant modifications to your ears because of an injury, another surgery could be done.

How old should my child be to consider otoplasty?

Typically, kids about 5 – 6 years old are great candidates for ear surgery. Although the ear is generally fully grown, the tissue and cartilage are still malleable, which makes it easy to change. This age is also great as it’s before they begin school or early in their schooling so that they can avoid teasing from their classmates. Even though a lot of ear surgery patients are young children, Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson also perform otoplasty on adults.

Do I need to have both ears done or just one?

The most common problems, such as ears that are oversized or stick out, occur in both ears, which means both will need to be fixed. During ear surgery, Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson will adjust both ears to make them as symmetrical as possible. However, if just one ear has to be altered, the shape and size will be adjusted to mirror the untreated ear. When they create your surgical plan, they will tell you if one or both ears need to be corrected.

What about fixing stretched or torn earlobes?

The trend of ear gauges and big earrings are making earlobe reconstruction a popular operation at Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa. If you’re considering getting earlobe repair or reconstruction, schedule an appointment with us. We will analyze your ear and then explain what might be done in order to repair your earlobes.

Schedule an Appointment

Reshape Your Ears

While the ears are not very big, an unusual size, shape, or position may make a significant difference in your appearance. Otoplasty (ear surgery) may help your child avoid getting teased by classmates, or help you if you have always felt unhappy with your ears. Schedule your appointment with Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, California with Dr. CanalesDr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson to get more information about surgical ear reshaping. Our team looks forward to helping you achieve a look you will love, as well as the confidence to show it off.