Otoplasty is ear surgery to reshape or reposition the ears, most often to set prominent ears closer to the head. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publishes an average cost of cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty) of $4,625, and states that this average cost is only part of the total price and does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses. It is one of the more stable prices in cosmetic surgery, because the operation itself varies less than most.
Ask providers for a written price
One ear or two, and why it rarely halves
Most otoplasty is bilateral, and practices generally quote for both. Where only one ear is being corrected the saving is smaller than half, because the theatre, the anesthetist and the preparation are the same and only the surgical time falls. Surgeons also often prefer to work on both for symmetry, which is a clinical view rather than a commercial one and is worth asking about directly.
Children and adults
Otoplasty is performed on children as well as adults, and in children it is more often done under general anesthetic, which raises the anesthesia and facility lines. Practices quoting for a child should be explicit about the anesthetic plan. Whether and when to operate on a child is a clinical decision this record has no view on; the cost consequence of the anesthetic choice is what belongs here.
The rest of the bill
Anesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, medical tests, post-surgery garments and prescriptions for medication sit outside the $4,625. After otoplasty a head garment is worn for a period, so the garment line is real. ASPS also names experience, the type of procedure used and geographic office location as the drivers of the surgeon's own fee.
Other questions people ask
How much is otoplasty in the US?
The ASPS average cost of cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty) is $4,625, a surgeon fee excluding anesthesia, operating room facilities and other related expenses.
Is one ear half the price?
No. The theatre, the anesthetist and the preparation are unchanged, so only the surgical time falls.
Is it different for a child?
It is more often done under general anesthetic, which raises the anesthesia and facility lines. Ask for the anesthetic plan in writing.
Does insurance cover it?
Not as a cosmetic operation. This record publishes prices and gives no insurance advice.