Enhance Your Facial Harmony and Balance

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, offers a customizable approach to correct and enhance the appearance of the ears, addressing issues like prominence, size, or asymmetry. At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Dr. Raman Mahabir has years of specialized experience and artistry to provide exceptional results in otoplasty. Their patient-centered approach ensures every treatment is tailored to individual desired results and aesthetics, giving patients a look that feels natural and transformative.

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What is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure designed to reshape, reposition, or resize the ears to create a balanced and proportionate appearance. It is commonly sought to correct ears that stick out from the head or appear too large in relation to the rest of the face. Cosmetic otoplasty can be performed on patients of any age once the ears have reached full size, typically around age five. The procedure’s goal is to enhance ear symmetry and create a more natural contour.

What are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery offers patients the opportunity to improve facial harmony by reshaping and repositioning the ears to better align with other features. Whether addressing ears that protrude or reducing their size, otoplasty at Tucson Plastic Surgery enhances the facial profile and boosts self-confidence with results that look balanced and natural. The benefits of our ear surgery technique include the following:

  • Enhanced facial balance and improved symmetry
  • Reduced prominence of protruding ears
  • Customized shape and size adjustments for a natural appearance
  • Increased self-confidence and ease with personal style choices
  • Minimal visible scarring due to discrete incisions

Is Ear Surgery Right for You?

Ear surgery can benefit children, teens, and adults with concerns about the position, size, or shape of their ears. Common reasons for seeking otoplasty include ears that protrude, ears that are disproportionately large, or dissatisfaction with previous surgery results. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good general health with realistic expectations for their outcome. The best way to determine if ear surgery in Tucson with our team is right for you is through a personalized consultation with one of our plastic surgeons.

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Reviews

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going thro...

— CC

You could not dream of a better team than Tucson Plastic Surgery. From the minute you walk in the door, every person you encounter is compassionate and welcoming. For going through such a scary process, they were patient, informative, and made it so much easier to digest. It truly feels like you have a team fighting for your health and advocating for your well being. Both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir are caring, confident, and masters of their craft. Doctors and nurses alike were there at the drop of a hat for any issues that arose post-op, and were always more than happy to take calls/emails and reassure me. I felt extremely taken care of and cannot recommend them enough. Bonus: their advocacy efforts are commendable and the office is gorgeous! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My s...

— DP

The office is beautiful and the staff were very welcoming. I felt instantly at ease with Dr. Mahabir. He listened carefully to my concerns and answered all of my questions. My surgery results were better than I would ever expected. I highly recommend Tucson Plastic Surgery.

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mas...

— JM

I cannot say enough about the level of care and concern from the team at this facility. They were all so kind and patient as they helped me achieve the results I wanted post mastectomy. They made the experience so much less traumatic then I had anticipated. I was stunned at how amazing I looked post surgery. I would HIGHLY recommend both doctors! They are amazing!

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Ku...

— KP

I had the pleasure of working with both Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir for my mastectomy to implant reconstruction and revision with fat grafting. I cannot say enough about Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir along with Virgina and the rest of the Tucson Plastic Surgery staff during what was certainly a fast and frightening year of my life. Both surgeons and staff were so positive, reassuring and compassionate from the minute I walked in for my first consultation. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir put my nerves at ease with their warm care and attention to detail in every aspect of their practice. I was lucky to have both surgeons of this amazing practice be the lead surgeon of my two procedures. I am so thankful to Tucson Plastic Surgery and the work they do. I am extremely happy with the results, and I can safely say with the help, support and guidance of Dr. Kurtovic, Dr Mahabir and Tucson Plastic Surgery, I’m ready for the next year and to be on the other side. I cannot thank you enough for your care and gratitude.

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The...

— MR

Met with Dr. Mahabir to discuss reconstruction options. Walking into his lobby, my husband and I immediately found comfort as the area is inviting and beautifully designed!! The rooms are just as beautiful and tranquil. I loved his confidence and his knowledge in breast reconstruction. He gave me my options and we selected 2! Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants), once I finish chemo, we'll go back in for my final surgery (DIEP flap). Dr. Mahabir was professional, kind and compassionate which is what you want from your surgeon! His staff were also very welcoming and kind. I highly recommend Dr. Mahabir for your reconstruction needs!!

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfectio...

— KL

What an amazing surgeon and staff. Dr Mahabir and Nicole Baca were awesome!! My experience with a breast reduction/reconstruction due to breast cancer 17 years ago was perfection. I'm so happy with the results and I'm just 6 weeks out. Did a Tummy Tuck for fun and can't wait to see final results in a few months. Fabulous all the way around from scheduling, to surgery to post op visits. Worth the 5 hour round trip drive from N Scottsdale to Tucson. Thank you...happy beyond words!

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respe...

— AS

Both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are health care providers who care for patients with dignity, and quality care. My mom was Dr Mahabir's patient, and she was treated with respect, humility and patience as we were trying to understand reconstructive surgery after my mom's breast cancer diagnosis. I am in deep appreciation for Dr. Mahabir and the care he provided to my mom; he practiced active listening, and treated both of us as human beings (something you rarely see in the health care system; especially, managing a cancer diagnosis). All staff at Tucson Plastic Surgery, since the moment you walk in are attentive to patients' needs. Both my mom and I felt welcomed and in positive spirits as soon we walked into Tucson Plastic Surgery's space. I am specially grateful for Virginia Van, Patient Care Coordinator at Tucson Plastic Surgery for always answering our questions promptly, and making sure we fully understood everything regarding my mom's care pre and post surgery. After the cancer diagnosis, every visit with Dr. Mahabir became a positive experience, and a break from the myriad of testing and doctor visits my mom and I had to attend. Tucson Plastic Surgery created a space for my mom and I to find relief and look forward to a life after cancer. Thank you for all your work!

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

— IH

Highly recommend Dr. Mahabir and his team! He listens well, is excellent at what he does and overall my experience was nothing but positive.

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

— TR

Tucson plastic surgery has been so kind to me. From the ladies at the front desk to the surgeons. I felt extremely comfortable around them all. Very professional.

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowled...

— SL

I saw Dr. Mahabir for reconstruction surgery after a double mastectomy. His skills are unsurpassed-- I couldn't be happier. His staff is also fantastic: warm, welcoming, knowledgeable. Ten stars.

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ...

— JC

Nothing but good things! Dr. Mahabir and his staff have been wonderful throughout my surgeries and recovery. I had a preventative double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in June and just this week had an implant exchange. The pre-care and after care has been nothing short of excellent!

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone no...

— DL

I won’t have enough room to say everything good I have to say. Dr Mahabir changed my life. I have lived with neck and upper back pain for over 20 years. It’s gone now. Gone. Thanks to not taking advil for the pain my GERD is gone now too. As a side benefit one of the supplements I was given for better surgery outcomes has virtually eliminated my post nasal drip due to allergies. There is virtually no scars tissue from the procedure. The only thing left after three months are red lines. Much less than I was told to expect. On my skin these red lines will be gone on less than a year. My only regret is that is did not do this procedure sooner. This office is so professional. Staff answer calls immediately. I never felt like I couldn’t call and get answers to questions or concerns. The recovery was a breeze and I did listen to Dr M when he told me not to over do things because I felt so great. I followed directions with great care and had an incredible outcome. Dr M has a detailed preparation and post op protocol. He really knows what he is doing.

Why Choose Us?

At Tucson Plastic Surgery, Dr. Silvia Kurtovic and Dr. Raman Mahabir bring a commitment to excellence backed by extensive training and years of dedicated experience. Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir’s practice centers around respect for patient individuality, ensuring each otoplasty is crafted with an artistic approach to achieving results that align with each patient's goals and enhance their natural beauty. 

Both board-certified plastic surgeons continuously refine their techniques to stay at the forefront of plastic surgery advancements, providing each patient with the highest standards of care. Choosing Tucson Plastic Surgery means choosing a team that prioritizes not only outstanding surgical outcomes but also compassionate, patient-centered care at every stage.

About the Ear Surgery Process

The approach to your ear surgery will depend on your unique anatomy and desired outcome. For protruding ears, incisions are usually made on the back of the ear, and when necessary, incisions can be placed within the natural folds at the front to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, your surgeon may remove or reshape cartilage to achieve the desired position and contour, then secure the ear with internal stitches.

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Ear Surgery Recovery Process 4-6 Weeks

Following otoplasty, a protective bandage is placed over the ears to support and maintain their new position. Some soreness and itching are expected as you heal. For optimal recovery, it is important to avoid putting pressure on your ears, such as by sleeping on your back, for several weeks post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote safe and effective healing.

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Ear Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after ear surgery?

You should avoid driving if you are taking any prescribed pain medications following ear surgery.

Does otoplasty affect hearing?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and does not impact hearing.

Is otoplasty permanent?

The changes made through otoplasty are typically permanent, though minor adjustments may occur over time due to natural aging or injury.

How safe is ear surgery?

Otoplasty is a safe procedure with minimal risks, especially when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

How should I sleep after ear surgery?

It’s best to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week to protect the ears as they heal.

What is involved in ear surgery?

Ear surgery typically involves a small incision behind the ear to adjust or remove cartilage and reposition the ear closer to the head.

When can I resume exercise after otoplasty?

Patients should avoid vigorous activity for approximately 4-6 weeks and resume only after their surgeon's approval.

How long does dizziness last after ear surgery?

Any dizziness should subside within a few days. If you experience ongoing dizziness, check to see if a scopolamine patch is causing this and consult your provider.

How long is the recovery from ear surgery?

Most patients recover within a few weeks. A headwrap dressing is recommended during the first 6 weeks to ensure long lasting results of their surgery. Most patients return to work after one week.

How long does ear surgery take?

Most otoplasty procedures can be completed in about two hours.

Will I need to wear a headband after otoplasty?

In most cases, patients are advised to wear a supportive headband while sleeping for about six to eight weeks post-surgery.

How much does ear surgery cost?

Otoplasty typically ranges from $9,000 to $10,000, depending on the extent of correction.

Is otoplasty a safe procedure?

Yes, otoplasty is safe when performed on appropriate candidates by a qualified plastic surgeon who thoroughly reviews each patient’s health history.

What precautions should I take after ear surgery?

Protect your ears during recovery by wearing a supportive headband and avoiding activities that could cause trauma to the ears.

Why do ears stick out?

Ears may stick out due to excess cartilage or insufficient ear fold formation. Both can be corrected with otoplasty.

Will my ears relax after otoplasty?

After the initial healing period, the ears typically settle into their new position and maintain the surgical correction over time.

Will insurance cover otoplasty?

Most insurance plans do not cover otoplasty, as it is generally considered a cosmetic procedure.

How long does it take to recover from ear surgery?

Full recovery takes 6-8 weeks, with most patients returning to work or school after the first week. Protective ear wrap must be worn for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

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