Prominent or protruding ears
Ears that stand noticeably away from the head, often due to an underdeveloped antihelical fold or excess conchal cartilage. This is the most common reason patients seek otoplasty.
Sieveking/Plastic Surgery/Otoplasty
Otoplasty in Nashville
Natural Proportion · Customized Surgical Plan · Children and Adults
For patients who have lived with ears that feel too prominent, asymmetric, or simply out of harmony with their features, this procedure offers a structural, lasting correction rooted in precision cartilage technique.
Natural, balanced ears that harmonize with the face. An incision placed in the natural crease directly behind the ear. A single procedure with meaningful impact.
Proportionate. Appropriately projected. Symmetric.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes and repositions the outer ear cartilage to correct prominence, asymmetry, or contour irregularities. It addresses the auricle, the visible outer structure of the ear, and changes how the ear sits relative to the head and face. It does not alter the ear canal, the middle ear, or any structure involved in hearing.
Dr. Nicholas Sieveking performs otoplasty for both children and adults, approaching every case with the same commitment to conservative, natural-looking results that has made Sieveking Plastic Surgery one of the most trusted surgical practices in Middle Tennessee. Good candidates include children aged approximately seven and older, when ear cartilage is sufficiently developed and stable, through adults of any age.
The approach
Precision cartilage technique.
During the procedure, cartilage is sculpted and, where appropriate, secured with permanent sutures to hold the ear in its corrected position. Because the correction is structural, results are lasting for the vast majority of patients.
The incision is placed in the natural crease directly behind the ear, where any resulting scar is well concealed. Through this access, Dr. Sieveking reshapes the cartilage using established techniques, including cartilage scoring or excision and permanent suture placement using Mustardé and Furnas techniques.
Adult and teenage candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers or willing to pause smoking surrounding surgery, and approaching the procedure with realistic expectations. Candidacy is always confirmed through a personal consultation.
What otoplasty can address.
Otoplasty is one of the most versatile facial procedures in terms of the concerns it corrects. A thorough consultation with Dr. Sieveking confirms which of these apply and what surgical approach is most appropriate for each patient’s anatomy.
Asymmetry between the two ears
One ear projects more than the other, creating a visible imbalance when the face is viewed straight on.
Overly large ears (macrotia)
Ears disproportionate in size relative to the face, which may be addressed alongside cartilage reshaping.
Cupped or lop ear deformity
Cartilage that folds downward or inward, distorting the ear’s natural shape.
Shell ear
Absence or underdevelopment of the natural folds and curves of the outer ear, resulting in a smooth, rounded appearance that lacks normal contour.
Contour irregularities
Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the outer ear cartilage to correct contour irregularities.
Why choose this procedure
Benefits of otoplasty.
Otoplasty at Sieveking Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN, reshapes and repositions the ears to restore natural proportion, reduce prominence, and create symmetry that complements the face as a whole.
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Natural, proportionate balance
Dr. Sieveking’s technique produces ears that sit in natural harmony with the head, genuinely proportionate to the patient’s features rather than pinned flat or artificially symmetric.
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A single procedure with meaningful impact
Otoplasty is typically completed in one session and can have a significant effect on overall facial balance.
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Structural, lasting correction
Because cartilage is physically reshaped and secured, results for most patients are lasting. This is a surgical solution, not a temporary measure.
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Appropriate for both children and adults
One of the few aesthetic procedures routinely and safely performed in childhood, allowing patients to benefit earlier in life.
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Renewed confidence
Many patients and families describe a meaningful reduction in self-consciousness following otoplasty, particularly in social settings for children and professional contexts for adults.
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On-site, accredited surgical suite
Otoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure at Sieveking Plastic Surgery’s on-site, accredited surgical suite.
Otoplasty addresses only the outer ear’s shape, contour, and projection. Hearing is completely unaffected.
Selected results
Conservative, natural-looking results.
Dr. Sieveking’s philosophy centers on outcomes that look like the patient’s natural ear in its ideal form, proportionate, appropriately projected, and symmetric, rather than an overcorrected or visibly operated appearance.
What to expect: before, during, and after otoplasty.
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Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Sieveking
The consultation begins with a thorough evaluation of the ears’ anatomy, including the degree of projection, cartilage shape and pliability, symmetry between the two sides, and how the ears relate to the overall facial structure. For pediatric patients, Dr. Sieveking takes time with both the child and the parent to confirm the child understands what the procedure involves and is emotionally prepared. Goals are discussed openly, and a customized surgical plan is developed before any decision to proceed.
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Procedure
An outpatient procedure
Otoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure at Sieveking Plastic Surgery’s on-site, accredited surgical suite. General anesthesia is standard for young children; adults and older teenagers are typically treated under local anesthesia with sedation. The incision is placed in the natural crease directly behind the ear, where any resulting scar is well concealed. Through this access, Dr. Sieveking reshapes the cartilage using established techniques, including cartilage scoring or excision and permanent suture placement using Mustardé and Furnas techniques. Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours.
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Recovery
A soft head wrap, then a supportive headband
For the first few days, a soft head wrap is worn continuously to protect the ears and support healing. Mild soreness, swelling, and temporary redness are expected and manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. In weeks 1–2, the head wrap transitions to a lighter, supportive headband. Most adults and school-age children return to work or school within about 1 week. Contact sports and rough play must be avoided. In weeks 2–6, activity restrictions remain for anything that could apply pressure or impact to the ears. Strenuous exercise and contact sports are restricted for 4–6 weeks.
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Results
The final settled result
The ears’ new position is visible early in recovery. Residual swelling resolves over several weeks, with the final settled result typically apparent within 2–3 months. Scars behind the ear fade to a fine, pale line over 6–12 months. For the vast majority of patients, results are lasting. In a small number of cases, partial recurrence can occur if post-operative instructions are not followed carefully. Dr. Sieveking reviews these instructions with every patient and family to protect the investment in surgery.
Why Sieveking
Meet Dr. Sieveking
The difference the right surgeon can make.
Stanford-trained. Triple board-certified (including The American Board of Wound Management, ABWM) plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Otoplasty demands precise cartilage judgment, a refined aesthetic sensibility, and, when treating children, particular experience with pediatric anatomy.
Dr. Nicholas Sieveking is a Stanford-trained, triple board-certified (including The American Board of Wound Management, ABWM) plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 25 years of experience and a post-residency fellowship under Ivo Pitanguy in Brazil, one of the most distinguished surgical educators in the history of plastic surgery.
He has been recognized multiple times as Best Plastic Surgeon in Nashville and has authored the rhinoplasty chapter in the Handbook of Plastic Surgery.
Investment
Cost of otoplasty.
A thorough consultation with Dr. Sieveking confirms what surgical approach is most appropriate for each patient’s anatomy. Goals are discussed openly, and a customized surgical plan is developed before any decision to proceed.
For patients and families in Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, and across Middle Tennessee, Sieveking Plastic Surgery offers the surgical expertise, accredited facility, and individualized, concierge-caliber care that otoplasty deserves.
Questions, answered.
The questions most prospective patients ask before booking a consultation.
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Otoplasty is typically performed when ear cartilage has reached sufficient maturity, which occurs around age seven in most children. There is no upper age limit for adults; patients of any age achieve excellent results provided they are in good overall health.
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General anesthesia is standard for young children. For adults and older teenagers, local anesthesia with sedation is the more common approach, though general anesthesia is available based on patient preference. Surgery typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed at the practice’s on-site accredited surgical suite.
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The incision is placed in the natural crease directly behind the ear, where any resulting scar is well concealed under normal circumstances. Scars typically progress from pink to a fine, pale line over 6–12 months and are rarely visible in everyday situations.
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Most patients return to school or desk work within approximately 1 week. Contact sports and any activity that could apply impact to the ears are restricted for 4–6 weeks. Consistent headband compliance, including during sleep, is important throughout the healing period.
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For the vast majority of patients, results are lasting. The cartilage has been physically reshaped and, where permanent sutures are placed, anchored in the corrected position. In a small number of cases, partial recurrence can occur if post-operative instructions are not followed carefully. Dr. Sieveking reviews these instructions with every patient and family to protect the investment in surgery.
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No. Otoplasty addresses only the outer ear’s shape, contour, and projection. The procedure does not involve the ear canal, the middle ear, or any structure related to hearing or balance. Hearing is completely unaffected.
More in Plastic Surgery.
Facial Sculpting
Begin your journey
Schedule a personal consultation for otoplasty at Sieveking Plastic Surgery in Franklin, TN.
Whether you are a parent researching options for a child or an adult ready to address a long-standing concern, we invite you to contact Sieveking Plastic Surgery today to schedule a personal consultation and discover the difference the right surgeon can make.
1200 Old Hillsboro Road, B2 · Franklin, Tennessee
Mon–Thu 9–4:30 · Fri by appointment