Protruding ears are a source of embarrassment for many people, including children, in Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, and Davenport, Iowa. The procedure to reposition protruding ears closer to the head is known as otoplasty. Ear surgery at our West Des Moines practice can be performed on adults and children ages 5 and older, when ears are at or near their full size.

Dr. Brent Koch and Dr. Cody Koch can help you or your children by reshaping the size or position of the ears to make them proportionate with other facial features. As board-certified surgeons, they have extensive training and more than 45 years of experience in advanced techniques for performing facial procedures. They have performed more cosmetic ear surgeries than any other providers in Iowa. They will take the time to get to know you or your child, and will customize your procedure to best meet your needs.

An ear surgery consultation at Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa can answer your questions and ease your concerns. Request a consultation with one of our surgeons, or call our office at  (515) 277-5555.

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Before & After Ear Surgery Case 96 View #1 View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Before & After Ear Surgery Case 1 View #1 View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Featured Ear Surgery
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Before & After Facelift Case 322 Front View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Patient had an S-lift, facial liposuction and a right side otoplasty. From the patient | How I feel about my results: "Love the results."

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Before & After Rhinoplasty Case 250 Front View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Before & After Ear Surgery Case 306 Back View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Bilateral Otoplasty

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Before & After Ear Surgery Case 21 Front View in West Des Moines & Ames, IA
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Featured Ear Surgery
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Featured Ear Surgery
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About Ear Surgery

Outstanding ears (promin auris) affect approximately 5% percent of Caucasian children. Typically inherited, prominent ears may look unnatural and draw unwanted attention. By 3 to 4 years of age, children begin to recognize that their ears make them look “different,” and by 6 to 10 years old, caustic remarks begin to leave psychological scars. Adults with prominent ears may be sensitive about their appearance and exhibit a poor self-image.

Through a minor procedure, the ears can be set back to a natural position. There is very little discomfort and people can resume a fairly normal schedule within a week. It is best to undergo the procedure around 5 or 6 years of age or older, when patients are physically and emotionally mature enough for the procedure. Ideally, the intervention is early enough to prevent the damaging effects of cruel psychosocial remarks. However adults who undergo the procedure typically experience a high degree of satisfaction.

Meet Our Providers

At Koch & Carlisle, we have assembled a team of three highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons—two for the face and one for the breast and body. The result: exceptional plastic surgery results from head to toe for the West Des Moines, IA, area.

The Procedure

An incision on the back of the ear exposes the ear cartilage, which is then reshaped and sutured to properly shape the ear and position it closer to the head. An immediate and gratifying correction is achieved. Asymmetric ears can also be brought into symmetry with this technique.

The procedure is most often performed on children between the ages of 4 and 14, but can be performed on older patients. Ear surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. After ear surgery, some throbbing, aching, swelling and redness can occur, which can be controlled with prescription pain medication.

Stitches typically dissolve or are removed within a week. Patients are usually able to return to work or school within 5 to 7 days after the procedure, though more strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for 1 to 2 months. Your doctor will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions to ensure a complete and rapid recovery.

Ear Surgery Cost

At our Des Moines practice, ear surgery prices vary depending on your specific needs. When you come in for a consultation, you will receive a detailed quote based on our surgeon’s assessment of your needs and cosmetic goals.

Cosmetic consultations with Dr. Brent or Dr. Cody Koch are $150. This payment is applied to the surgeon’s fee should you decide to book your procedure within a year of your consultation.

The nominal consultation fee covers an extensive, personal consultation with either Dr. Brent Koch or Dr. Cody Koch. Your surgeon will spend a great deal of time with you, discussing your goals, concerns, and physical and lifestyle considerations. He will listen intently to what you have to say, and together the two of you will develop the best approach to your treatment. Women and men who schedule their surgery at the time of consultation will have their consultation fee applied toward their procedure.

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Your Consultation

Your surgeon can discuss all of your options during a comprehensive consultation regarding ear surgery. Des Moines, Iowa, residents and those of neighboring communities interested in ear surgery are encouraged to request a consultation online or call our office at  (515) 277-5555 to schedule an appointment.

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