Otoplasty at Brantley Operative Aesthetics
Restore Balance And Confidence with Dr. Shelby Brantley
Whether from genetics or congenital differences present since birth, prominent or misshapen ears can affect your confidence and self-image. While ear shape is simply a natural part of who you are, it doesn’t have to detract from how you feel about yourself. Otoplasty, or ear surgery, reshapes and repositions the ears to create a more balanced, natural appearance that complements your face. Under the skilled hands of Dr. Brantley, you can achieve a proportionate, harmonious ear appearance that helps you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
At Brantley Operative Aesthetics in Flowood, MS, Dr. Shelby Brantley and our compassionate team are dedicated to helping you and your family reach your aesthetic goals and the confidence you or your child deserves to feel. Every otoplasty procedure is designed to enhance facial harmony, improve self-confidence, and promote a positive self-image for patients of all ages.
Are you interested in learning about how otoplasty enhances facial balance and boosts you or your child’s confidence? Contact us at (601) 387-9005 or request a consultation to begin your aesthetic journey today! We are located in Flowood, MS, near JAN International Airport and proudly serve patients from across the United States.
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Quick Facts
Anesthesia: General or Local with Sedation
Procedure Time: Around 1 hour
Recovery Time: 5 to 7 days
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also called ear surgery or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape, resize, or reposition the ears to create a more balanced, natural appearance. During this procedure, Dr. Brantley carefully reshapes the ear cartilage and, in cases of prominent ears, sets the ears closer to the head. The goal is to create ears that are proportionate to the face, symmetrical, and natural in appearance, not necessarily identical, but balanced and harmonious.
Children, teenagers, and adults who have prominent ears, asymmetrical ears, overly large ears, or ears with an unusual shape often seek out otoplasty to restore their confidence and achieve a more balanced appearance. At BOA, Dr. Brantley takes a comprehensive and personalized approach to facial harmony and works closely with patients and, in the case of children and teens, their parents to understand the specific concerns driving the desire for surgery. To ensure the best outcomes, he takes the time to discuss the specific aspects of ear appearance that bother you or your child most. You should love the way you look, and Dr. Brantley can make that a reality.
What Concerns Can Otoplasty Correct?
Otoplasty is a versatile procedure that can address a wide range of ear concerns, including:
- Prominent or protruding ears: Ears that stick out further than average from the side of the head
- Overly large ears (Macrotia): Ears that are disproportionately large compared to the rest of the face
- Ear asymmetry: Noticeable differences in size, shape, or position between the two ears
- Lop ear: A condition where the tip of the ear folds down and forward
- Cupped or constricted ear: A smaller-than-average ear with a tightly curled rim
- Shell ear: A condition where the natural folds and creases of the ear are absent, creating a smooth, cup-like appearance
- Stahl’s ear: An extra fold or crease in the cartilage that creates a pointed appearance
- Earlobe concerns: Large, stretched, or misshapen earlobes, including correction after gauging or stretching
Dr. Brantley will assess your specific ear anatomy and concerns during your consultation to develop a personalized surgical plan that addresses your unique needs.
Does Dr. Brantley Perform Otoplasty for Children?
Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures commonly performed on children, typically starting around age 5 to 6, or once the ears have reached nearly their full adult size and cartilage is developed enough to hold its new shape. Many parents choose to pursue otoplasty for their children before they start school to help prevent teasing or bullying related to prominent ears. Dr. Brantley approaches pediatric otoplasty with special care and sensitivity, ensuring both the child and parents feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Why Should You Choose Dr. Shelby Brantley for Your Otoplasty?
When selecting a surgeon for your ear surgery, experience, skill, and trust matter, especially when your child is involved. Dr. Shelby Brantley combines decades of expertise with a compassionate approach, making him the surgeon of choice for thousands of people in Mississippi and beyond. With Dr. Brantley, your otoplasty isn’t just surgery, it’s a carefully tailored experience backed by skill, science, and genuine compassion for every patient.
Here are a few reasons patients and parents choose Dr. Brantley:
- Extensive surgical experience – Performed more than 20,000 procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Published expert – Authored 50+ medical journal articles and abstracts, contributing nationally recognized research on silicone immunology, ultraviolet light exposure, liposuction, and abdominoplasties
- Prestigious training – Magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi who completed general surgery residency at UMMC and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine
- Recognized leader – Member of elite organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons
- National recognition – Named to the RealSelf 500 list of top cosmetic surgeons worldwide and voted Best Cosmetic Surgeon in the Jackson Metro by BOOM Magazine readers
- Compassionate care – Known for his approachable bedside manner, dedication to patient safety, and commitment to restoring confidence and self-image
While he may be recognized as one of Mississippi’s premier plastic surgeons, Dr. Shelby Brantley is also just a regular guy you’ll find at a local restaurant or an Ole Miss football game. His patients choose him because he values the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with his patients and is deeply committed to providing personalized, compassionate care. As a specialist in facial procedures, Dr. Brantley is fulfilled by helping patients of all ages restore their self-image and confidence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.
What Can You Expect During Your Otoplasty Consultation at BOA?
At Brantley Operative Aesthetics, we believe that a relaxed, unhurried consultation is the foundation of a trusting and successful patient relationship. During your visit, Dr. Brantley takes the time to get to know you or your child, not just the aesthetic goals, but also family, lifestyle, and daily routine, to better understand the unique concerns and aspirations for otoplasty.
Dr. Brantley encourages questions and values input with the goal of empowering you to achieve natural-looking, personalized results that reflect your vision. By understanding your concerns, he focuses on how he can customize the procedure to address your unique needs and ensure the optimal outcome.
He also understands that physical issues that cause grief, particularly for children who may face teasing, can also have an impact on emotional and mental health. As such, Dr. Brantley takes considerable time with each patient and family to ensure everyone feels heard and supported during the consultation and throughout the surgical journey.
During your otoplasty consultation, Dr. Brantley will review and discuss:
- The specific ear concerns and the degree of correction needed
- Expectations for surgery and the ear appearance you or your child hope to achieve
- Medical and surgical history, including any prior ear surgeries or injuries
- For pediatric patients, the child’s emotional readiness and ability to follow post-operative instructions
What Are Your Otoplasty Choices?
During your consultation, Dr. Brantley will assess the cartilage structure, ear position, size, and symmetry to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. There are several techniques used in otoplasty, and Dr. Brantley will customize your ear shaping procedure based on your specific anatomy:
- Cartilage-sparing technique: This approach reshapes cartilage using sutures without removing tissue, creating natural, permanent folds in the ear.
- Cartilage-scoring technique: For firmer, thicker cartilage, small incisions or scoring may be used to allow the cartilage to bend and hold a new shape more easily. This is often combined with sutures for optimal results.
- Earlobe reduction or repositioning: If you are concerned about earlobe size, shape, or position, Dr. Brantley can perform earlobe correction as a part of or separate from traditional otoplasty.
Most otoplasty procedures are performed through an incision hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, ensuring any resulting scar is well-concealed.
Dr. Brantley’s Otoplasty Before and After Results
View our gallery to see Dr. Brantley’s outstanding and natural-looking results of real patients’ ear surgery before and after photos.
Am I An Ideal Candidate for a Jackson Otoplasty?
Candidates for otoplasty are children and adults who are healthy and want to improve the appearance, symmetry, or position of their ears. Ear surgery patients generally want to improve their self-confidence and facial balance.
Ideal candidates interested in otoplasty should:
- Be in good overall health
- Have ear cartilage that is fully developed, typically age five or older for children
- Be able to communicate discomfort and follow post-operative instructions, which is particularly important for pediatric patients
- Have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure
- Be a non-smoker or willing to quit all nicotine at least two weeks before and after surgery
- Have no medical conditions that may impair healing or affect anesthesia
- Understand the surgical risks and benefits
How Should You Prepare for Your Ear Surgery in Jackson, MS?
Before your otoplasty surgery, it’s important to be in good overall health to ensure the best possible results and a smooth recovery. Here are some tips to help you or your child prepare for surgery.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Follow a balanced diet to support healing, particularly for pediatric patients who are still growing.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to and following the procedure to support recovery and overall wellness.
- Medical clearance: If required, schedule a visit with a primary care physician for a pre-surgical evaluation to ensure fitness for surgery. Testing may include routine blood work. We will discuss this during your consultation.
- Medication & supplement restrictions: Brantley will review medications, supplements, or vitamins during your consultation. You may need to stop taking anything that increases the risk of bleeding or bruising for two weeks before and after surgery, including fish oil, garlic, ginseng, vitamin E, Ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications.
- Discontinue nicotine use: For adult patients who smoke, vape, or use nicotine products, you must stop at least two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine negatively impacts healing and increases surgical risks.
- Prepare for hair considerations: Make sure your or your child’s hair is clean before surgery. Long hair may need to be put in a ponytail or braids to ensure it stays out of the way of their ears.
- Prepare your home for recovery: This can include ensuring ample time off work or school, setting up a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows to keep the head elevated, preparing easy meals, and having age-appropriate entertainment ready for pediatric patients to keep them calm and still during recovery.
- Arrange for help: Plan to have a responsible adult drive you or your child home and stay with you or with them at least 24 hours following surgery. For pediatric patients, plan to take time off work to care for and monitor your child closely during the first few days.
What Can I Expect from Otoplasty?
On the night before surgery, avoid eating or drinking after midnight. However, take approved medications with small sips of water. Come to surgery freshly showered with Hibiclens, without makeup, lotions, or deodorants, and make sure long hair is pulled back or braided. Leave jewelry or contact lenses at home, and wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head.
Pre-Op Review
Before surgery, carefully review your paperwork to confirm your surgery location and arrival time. At check-in, you may be asked to provide identification and emergency contact information.
Anesthesia Consultation
On the day of the procedure, you’ll meet with Dr. Brantley and the anesthesia provider to review the surgical plan and address any final questions or concerns. Younger children typically receive general anesthesia, while some adults and older teens may be candidates for local anesthesia with sedation.
Incision and cartilage reshaping
Based on the surgical plan developed during your consultation, Dr. Brantley will make a discreet incision behind the ear, hidden within the natural crease. From this incision, he will reshape the cartilage using sutures, scoring techniques, or a combination of both to achieve the desired ear position and shape. He will carefully assess symmetry throughout the procedure to ensure balanced, natural-looking results between both ears.
Sutures and Dressing
Dr. Brantley will close the incisions with fine sutures and apply a padded surgical dressing or headband around the head to protect the ears and hold them in their new position while they heal.
Depending on the characteristics of your individual procedure, you can expect your ear shaping surgery to take 1 to 2 hours.
What Is Otoplasty Recovery Like?
The recovery process after otoplasty involves several stages and requires careful attention to ensure optimal healing and results. Initially, you can expect some discomfort, tightness, throbbing, swelling, and bruising around your ears. These side effects typically peak within 48 to 72 hours and then gradually improve. To manage discomfort, Dr. Brantley will prescribe age-appropriate pain medication and recommend appropriate over-the-counter options.
Immediately after surgery, a padded dressing or headband will be in place around the head to protect the ears and maintain their new position. This initial dressing typically stays in place for a few days until the first follow-up visit, at which point it will be replaced with a lighter headband that should be worn, especially at night, for several weeks to protect the ears during sleep and prevent accidental bending of the healing cartilage.
Most patients require about 5 to 7 days before returning to school or light work, though it’s critical to avoid contact sports, swimming, and any activities that could result in the ears being bumped, pulled, or bent for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Sleeping on your side should be avoided during initial healing to prevent pressure on the ears. For children, Dr. Brantley recommends extra supervision while they are playing to prevent them from touching, rubbing, or bumping their ears.
During follow-up visits, Dr. Brantley will monitor healing and remove any external sutures, if needed. He may recommend a protective headband to be worn during sports or physical activities for several months after surgery to protect your results.
How Soon Will I See My Jackson Ear Surgery Results, and How Long Will My Results Last?
Many patients will notice a significant difference in ear position and shape almost immediately after the procedure, even with the initial dressing in place. However, it’s important to note that the final results will be obscured by swelling and the protective dressing for the first couple of weeks. Most swelling typically resolves within 4 to 6 weeks, meaning the refined, final result becomes apparent within 1 to 3 months following surgery.
Otoplasty results are permanent. Because the cartilage is reshaped and, in many techniques, permanently sutured into its new position, the ears will maintain their corrected shape and position for life. For pediatric patients, it’s worth noting that while the surgical correction is permanent, normal growth will continue proportionately with the rest of the body.
Ready to Partner with Mississippi’s Premier Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Shelby Brantley?
Dr. Shelby Brantley is one of the premier plastic surgeons in Flowood, MS, and he understands the challenges that many patients and families have faced before making the decision to pursue ear surgery. As an expert in facial procedures, Dr. Brantley and his team can help patients of all ages enhance their appearance, increasing their confidence and quality of life.
Learn about otoplasty near me options in Flowood, MS, by calling (601) 387-9005 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today!
Jackson Otoplasty FAQs
How should I prepare for my otoplasty consultation?
Getting excited about the transformation is one of the best ways to prepare for an ear surgery consultation. To help Dr. Brantley understand your goals, it is helpful to come with questions and specific concerns about ear position, size, or shape. For pediatric patients, it can help to have an open conversation beforehand about what to expect so your child feels prepared and comfortable.
At what age can my child have otoplasty?
Most surgeons, including Dr. Brantley, recommend waiting until a child is at least 5 or 6 years old for otoplasty. By this age, the ear cartilage has typically reached about 90% of its adult size and is developed enough to hold its new shape after surgery. Many parents choose to pursue treatment before their child starts school to help minimize the potential for teasing or bullying related to prominent ears. During your consultation, Dr. Brantley will assess whether your child’s ears have developed sufficiently for surgery.
Is otoplasty painful?
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after otoplasty, which is well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Many patients describe the sensation as a tight, throbbing feeling. Discomfort typically peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours and improves significantly after that. Children generally tolerate ear surgery recovery well, especially with appropriate pain management and close parental supervision.
Will otoplasty leave visible scars?
Dr. Brantley places otoplasty incisions in the natural crease behind the ear, making them very well-hidden and virtually invisible once healed. Because the incision is positioned behind the ear rather than on the visible front surface, scarring is rarely a concern for patients or parents. With proper healing, these scars fade significantly over time and are not noticeable during normal daily activities, even with the hair pulled back.
Can otoplasty be performed on adults?
Absolutely. While otoplasty is commonly associated with children, many adults pursue this procedure to correct prominent ears, asymmetry, or other concerns they’ve lived with since childhood, or to address changes that developed later in life, including earlobe stretching or injury. Adult otoplasty follows a similar process to pediatric otoplasty, though adults may be candidates for local anesthesia with sedation rather than general anesthesia.
What happens if only one ear needs correction?
It’s common for patients to have more pronounced concerns with one ear than the other. During your consultation, Dr. Brantley will carefully assess both ears and may recommend surgery on just one ear or on both ears to ensure optimal symmetry and balance, even if one ear requires more significant correction than the other. The goal is always a natural, harmonious appearance between both ears.
How do I choose an otoplasty surgeon?
Selecting an otoplasty surgeon in MS is a personal and important decision, particularly when choosing a surgeon for your child. Your surgeon should not only understand the aesthetic goals but also prioritize safety and deliver consistently excellent, symmetrical results. It is, however, equally important that you and your family feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon. During your consultation, ask to view Dr. Brantley’s before and after gallery to see the type of results he typically provides, paying close attention to symmetry and natural appearance. Otoplasty requires precise technique and an understanding of cartilage anatomy. Make sure your surgeon commonly performs this procedure, particularly on patients within your or your child’s age group.
Another factor to consider is feeling comfortable and confident with your surgeon’s bedside manner, especially for pediatric patients. Look for someone who is transparent about potential risks and complications, has hospital admitting privileges, and is patient and reassuring with younger patients, like Dr. Brantley.
Otoplasty is a significant decision for you and your family, and your surgeon should take every measure to ensure optimal outcomes. This includes identifying any factors that may affect safety or results and developing a personalized plan before scheduling the procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Brantley will ensure you and your family are comfortable, discuss the potential outcome, and explain how he will prioritize safety during the procedure and beyond.