Otoplasty in Castle Rock, CO is a surgical procedure designed to reshape, reposition, or resize the ears so they better complement the overall appearance of the face. At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, patients from Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, and the greater Denver area have access to double board-certified facial plastic surgeons with more than 50 years of combined experience, close to home at our office inside AOO’s Briscoe Building on the AdventHealth Castle Rock campus, as well as our Denver and Lone Tree offices.

Whether the concern is ears that appear to protrude, are asymmetrical, or carry a shape that has affected self-confidence for years, a personalized consultation with our surgical team is the right first step. Contact the practice to get started.

What Is Otoplasty Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure focused on altering the position, proportion, or contour of the outer ear. It may help address concerns such as ears that protrude prominently from the head, ears that appear larger or smaller than proportionate, and structural irregularities present from birth or resulting from prior injury. The procedure works by reshaping the cartilage and, when appropriate, repositioning the ear closer to the side of the head.

At FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery, otoplasty may be performed on patients of various ages, including children who have reached a point where ear cartilage has sufficiently developed, as well as teens and adults. The surgical approach is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Our surgeons discuss every available technique during the consultation so that patients fully understand the recommended plan before any decisions are made. Financing options are available; ask about them during your visit.

Are You a Candidate for Otoplasty in Castle Rock?

Candidacy for otoplasty is evaluated on an individual basis. Patients who may benefit from this procedure often have one or more of the following concerns:

• Ears that protrude noticeably from the sides of the head
• Asymmetry between the two ears in size, position, or shape
• Structural variations such as a cupped, lop, or shell ear
• Self-consciousness about ear appearance that has persisted over time

Good candidates are generally in sound overall health, have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes, and are non-smokers or willing to abstain from smoking during the healing period. For younger patients, a parent or guardian is involved in the consultation process.

The consultation at FacesFirst is comprehensive: Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote, double board-certified facial plastic surgeons who work only on the face, will evaluate whether otoplasty is appropriate and what approach is best suited to your anatomy and goals. Reviewing our patient resources in advance can help you prepare thoughtful questions for that first visit.

The Otoplasty Process at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery

Understanding the full arc of the otoplasty experience helps patients feel prepared and confident. At FacesFirst, the process moves through four clear stages.

Consultation

During the initial consultation, Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote will examine the ears in detail, review your medical history, and discuss your aesthetic goals. This is the appropriate time to ask about techniques, anesthesia, recovery, and anything else on your mind. Patients are encouraged to bring photos or references that communicate the aesthetic outcome they are hoping to achieve.

Procedure

Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on patient age and preference. Incisions are generally made behind the ear or within natural folds, which means scarring is minimally visible once healed. The procedure typically takes one to two hours. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote apply meticulous surgical technique developed over more than 50 years of combined experience in facial plastic surgery.

Recovery

Most patients wear a protective headband over the ears for the first week following surgery. Mild swelling and discomfort are common during this period and are well-tolerated by most patients with appropriate medication. Many adults return to desk work within one week, though strenuous activity is typically restricted for several weeks. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions tailored to your procedure and healing progress.

Results

As swelling resolves over several weeks, the improved ear position and shape become more visible. Most patients see stable, long-term results once the healing process is complete, though individual timelines vary.

Why Choose FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery for Otoplasty in Castle Rock?

Selecting a surgeon for any facial procedure is a significant decision, and the credentials and experience of your surgical team matter considerably. Dr. Nicolette Picerno and Dr. Christopher Cote are both double board-certified, a dual certification that reflects deep expertise in the anatomy of the face, head, and neck.

Both physicians are affiliated with the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote were both named 5280 Magazine / Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, and Dr. Cote was named among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for Rhinoplasty in both 2023 and 2024. These recognitions reflect the consistent clinical standards that define care at FacesFirst.

FacesFirst works only on the face. It is not a general plastic surgery practice, and it has built longstanding relationships with patients from Castle Rock, Parker, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and throughout the south metro area.

Castle Rock patients receive the same caliber of surgeon and care they would expect in New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, close to home. Through our partnership with AOO’s ENT specialists, our Castle Rock office is located inside AOO’s Briscoe Building on the AdventHealth Castle Rock campus, and FacesFirst also sees patients in Denver and Lone Tree. Our practice combines the depth of a well-established surgical center with the attentive, individualized experience patients deserve.

Results and What to Expect After Otoplasty

Following otoplasty, most patients notice an improvement in ear position and proportion as swelling gradually subsides over the first several weeks. The ears typically settle into their new contour within two to three months, with continued refinement possible up to six months post-procedure. Many patients report feeling more at ease with their appearance once healing is underway, though personal experience varies. The EarWell procedure gallery at FacesFirst offers additional visual context for ear-related outcomes.

Contact Us Today

Ready to explore what otoplasty may offer? Contact the practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Picerno or Dr. Cote.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty in Castle Rock, CO

How long does otoplasty surgery typically take?

The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the correction and whether both ears are being addressed. It is generally performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients return home the same day. Your surgeon will provide a more precise estimate during the consultation after evaluating your specific anatomy.

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty may be considered once ear cartilage has sufficiently matured, which typically occurs around age five to six. The procedure is also commonly performed in adolescence and adulthood. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate timing based on development and readiness.

What factors influence the cost of otoplasty?

Pricing varies based on the extent of correction needed, anesthesia type, facility fees, and any additional care required during recovery. During your consultation at FacesFirst, you will receive a comprehensive cost breakdown specific to your procedure. Financing options are available; ask the patient care team for details during your visit.

Will there be visible scarring after otoplasty?

Incisions are typically placed behind the ear or within natural folds, making scarring minimally visible in most patients. Scars generally fade over several months as the healing process progresses. Your surgeon will discuss incision placement in detail during the consultation so you understand what to expect.

Can otoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?

In some cases, patients choose to combine otoplasty with complementary facial procedures. FacesFirst offers a broad range of surgical and non-surgical options, and patients interested in combination procedures are encouraged to raise this during their consultation. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote will advise on what may be appropriate given your health profile and goals.

How do I prepare for my otoplasty consultation at FacesFirst?

Reviewing the patient forms prior to your visit can help streamline the process. Come prepared to discuss your medical history, any medications you take, and your aesthetic goals. Bringing reference photos of ear shapes or positions you find appealing can also help guide a productive conversation with your surgeon.

Is otoplasty appropriate for only cosmetic concerns, or can it address functional issues as well?

Otoplasty is primarily a cosmetic procedure focused on the shape, size, and position of the outer ear. It does not typically address hearing function, which relates to the middle and inner ear rather than the outer ear’s appearance. If you have concerns about both ear appearance and function, the specialists at FacesFirst can help direct you appropriately during your consultation.

Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation in Castle Rock Today

If you are considering otoplasty in Castle Rock, CO, FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery offers the specialized expertise, credentials, and compassionate care that patients throughout Castle Rock and the south metro Denver area trust. Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote are ready to answer your questions at our Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Denver offices and help you explore whether otoplasty is the right path forward. Contact the practice to schedule your consultation today.

Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno

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Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified facial plastic surgeons practicing in Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, Colorado. They have over 50 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.