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Otoplasty

Chevy Chase, MD

Ears in Perfect Balance

Introduction to Otoplasty in Chevy Chase, MD

Ear aesthetics play a quiet yet significant role in framing the face and helping provide facial harmony and proportions. If the ears jut out from the side of the head, they can draw a lot of attention and be distracting from the rest of the face. This causes many people to feel insecure and seek a solution to reposition their ears closer to the sides of their head.

Thankfully, Dr. James M. Economides offers otoplasty to people struggling with the appearance of their ears. Whether you are looking to alter your ear size, shape, projection, or all of the above, you can come to Ikon Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase, MD, just outside Washington, DC.

Smiling woman in white shirt with arms crossed looking at camera in bright natural light - otoplasty in Chevy Chase, MD

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that improves the aesthetic shape, size, and projection of the ears. It is designed to maintain balance and proportion between the ears and the rest of the face, creating harmony and symmetry for a more attractive profile. The goal of the procedure is to reposition the ears closer to the sides of the head so they can rest in a more natural position.

Dr. Economides tailors each otoplasty to the unique size, shape, and projection of the patient’s ears to match their aesthetic goals.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Otoplasty?

The best candidates for otoplasty are individuals across the greater Washington, DC, area who:

  • Have ears that jut out, are asymmetrical, or are misshapen
  • Have fully developed ears (if you are a child)
  • Have good overall health
  • Do not smoke
  • Hold realistic expectations about the outcomes

What Are the Benefits of Otoplasty?

Otoplasty at Ikon Plastic Surgery with Dr. Economides offers patients across the greater Washington, DC, area several benefits that help them feel more secure in their ears. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

  • Boost in self-esteem and reduced self-consciousness
  • Allows you to feel more confident wearing your hair pulled back
  • Ears that are closer to the sides of your head
  • Ears that are the shape, position, and size that you desire
  • Improved facial harmony
  • Balanced proportions
  • Increased symmetry
  • Versatility to correct structural defects
  • Permanent results
  • Natural-looking results
Professional woman in black blazer discussing documents with client across wooden table in office setting - in Chevy Chase, MD

How to Begin Your Otoplasty Journey

Schedule a consultation for yourself or your child at Ikon Plastic Surgery outside Washington, DC. A parent or guardian must accompany children for the consultation. The consultation includes:

  1. Sharing your aesthetic goals and why you want to get the procedure
  2. A thorough analysis of your ears and face to understand facial dynamics
  3. A review of your medical history and any prior procedures
  4. A walkthrough of what the procedure entails
  5. Time to ask questions 
  6. A discussion about combining additional procedures
  7. Setting up a personalized treatment plan tailored to the unique needs and goals of the patient

What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

Your otoplasty surgery will be completely unique and personalized based on the discussion during your consultation. You will return to our facility in Chevy Chase near Washington, DC, and will be able to return home afterward.

After reviewing your treatment plan, you will be put under either local or twilight anesthesia. Both ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. The surgery will take about 1 hour in total.

It will begin with Dr. Economides making small incisions along the backs of the ears so he can access and remove the cartilage, reshape the ear structure, and reposition it closer to the sides of the head. He will close the incision with stitches to complete the surgery and wrap protective surgical garments around the ears.

Doctor James Economides in white coat reviewing medical information on laptop at modern clinic desk - in Chevy Chase, MD

Combining My Otoplasty with Other Procedures

If you’re interested in improving the aesthetic appearance of other areas of your face, you are more than welcome to discuss these with Dr. Economides during your consultation. If he believes that these are a good fit for you, he will add them to your treatment plan.

A lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, creating a naturally fuller, more youthful pout and smile. Adding a lip lift improves overall facial harmony and proportions in a single surgical setting.

Otoplasty Recovery

Immediately After Surgery

Following your otoplasty, protective dressings and a compression headband will be placed around your ears to support your new ear position and protect your incisions. Mild soreness, tightness, and swelling are expected during the first several days and can be managed with prescribed pain medication.

The First Week

Keep your incisions clean and dry, sleep on your back with your head elevated using extra pillows, and avoid putting pressure on or bending your ears. You should also wear button-up or zip-up shirts to avoid pulling clothing over your ears. Most patients are advised to wait 1 to 5 days before showering, depending on Dr. Economides’ instructions.

Weeks 2-3

Continue wearing your compression headband as directed and attend your scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Economides can monitor your healing and ear positioning. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities that could place pressure on your ears while your tissues continue to heal.

Months 3-6 and Beyond

Most patients can gradually resume strenuous exercise after about 3 weeks, depending on their healing progress and Dr. Economides’ recommendations. As swelling continues to resolve over the following months, your ears settle into their new position, revealing balanced, natural-looking results.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost in Washington, DC?

The best way to determine the cost of an otoplasty in Chevy Chase, MD, and Washington, DC, is to schedule a consultation. At the consultation, you will go over all the factors that contribute to the overall cost, including the extent of the correction, the type of correction (changing the size, shape, or projection), and the provider’s experience.

At Ikon Plastic Surgery, we offer financing plans to help you pay for your otoplasty, which you can discuss with one of our patient coordinators.

Why Choose Dr. Economides?

Dr. Economides designs every treatment plan around the individual — their anatomy, their goals, and the life they want to live in their own skin. He is internationally recognized as a plastic surgeon, educator, and lecturer, and has presented at universities and conferences around the world. Through these ventures, he brings the same rigor and curiosity to the podium that he brings to the operating room.

Dr. Economides is Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additionally, he has been recognized as a Top Doctor every year since 2019 and is a proud Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His insights have been featured in Bloomberg, and his voice carries weight in a specialty where nuance is of the utmost importance.

Otoplasty FAQ’S

  • Professional, kind and highly recommended!

    Dr Economides did my Botox and temple filler perfectly!! He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions. Professional, kind and highly recommended!!

    Katherine K.

  • I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides

    I had an outstanding facelift experience with Dr. James Economides in Arlington, VA. I wanted facial rejuvenation that looked natural — refreshed, not pulled or overdone — and that is exactly what he delivered.

    Michael K.

  • I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides

    Dr. Economides came highly recommend by a number of skilled respected doctors. I had a neck lift, face lift and eyebrow lift. Dr. Economides and his staff have been readily available to answer any questions-pre or post surgery. I have no hesitation in fully recommending Dr. Economides for your plastic surgery.

    Virginia H.

  • Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon.

    Dr. Economides is a very skilled surgeon. He is honest in his assessments, as he explains what will and will not change after a procedure. I’m very pleased with the results of my facelift. Dr. Economides and his entire staff are professional, kind, and personable.

    Donna M.

  • Dr Economides is the best.

    I’m thrilled with the results of my neck lift & lower facelift. Highly recommend!

    Valerie C.

  • I highly recommend Dr. Economides.

    I had a hernia repair and abdominoplasty with diastasis rectus repair, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Not only did he resolve my medical concerns, but my abdomen looks amazing—I love my belly button again for the first time in over a decade!

    Monica M.

  • I couldn’t be happier with my experience

    I couldn’t be happier with my experience with Dr. Economides and his team. I can confidently say that I love my results! My tummy tuck and breast reduction have truly changed my confidence and comfort in my own body. The recovery process has been smooth, and any questions or concerns I had were always addressed with professionalism and kindness.

    Diana F.

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Schedule Your Consultation

We are currently accepting new patients in Chevy Chase, MD, and across the Washington, DC, area for otoplasty. You can use our online booking platform to schedule your consultation.

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