Ear pointing -- also called elf ears or Spock ears from the famous Star Trek character -- is a cosmetic surgery that is done for a variety of reasons. People who choose the surgery are typically correcting a birth defect, or they are reforming the ears for cosmetic reasons. The practice has become a trendy form of body modification. It is either performed by licensed body modifiers or by plastic surgeons.
Typical costs:
On average, the elf ear procedure costs $2,500-$7,500 to be performed by a plastic surgeon. The California Center for Plastic Surgery[1] performs ear pointing surgery. During an initial consultation ($250), Dr. S Sean Younai evaluates the patient's ears and assesses the needs and cost of the procedure. Typically, the California Center for Plastic Surgery charges $6,000-$7,500 for elf ear surgery.
Research by the American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found the national average fee[2] surgeons charge for otoplasty (ear surgery) is $2,987. The site notes that this does not include fees for anesthesia, medical tests, the surgical facility or prescriptions.)
Body modification experts typically charge less than plastic surgeons to perform ear pointing surgeries. Typically, body modifiers who perform ear pointing surgery typically charge $600-$1,000 per ear. It is important to remember that not all body modifiers have the same surgical training as plastic surgeons. Body modifiers are not legally allowed to use anesthesia.
Prior to the procedure, the surgeon or body modifier should offer an initial consultation that includes evaluating and assessing the needs of the patient. The surgeon should discuss the surgery and options to the patient as well as provide a total fee for the procedure.
The total cost for the procedure should cover the surgery itself as well as any after-care or follow-ups.
Additional costs:
Initial consultations are not always included in the total price of the procedure. Some consultations are offered free, other can cost from $250-$500.
There could be additional fees for anesthesia or an anesthesiologist to be present during the procedure. In addition, medications might be prescribed post-procedure that may or may not be covered by insurance.
If the procedure is performed in a hospital setting rather than the practitioner's office, there could be additional hospital fees.
Discounts:
If the surgery is to correct a birth defect or a deformity, there is a possibility that the procedure and its associated costs will be covered either in full or in part by health insurance.
Instead of choosing the complete ear pointing surgery -- which is irreversible -- patients can look into prosthetic attachments that can be considerably less expensive. Most prosthetic pointy ears cost less than $10 each.
Shopping for ear pointing surgery:
Ear pointing surgery is done by both body modification experts and plastic surgeons. Body modifiers typically have experience doing specific procedures, while surgeons have surgical training and experience. Anesthesia cannot be legally used by body modification experts.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons offers a searchable registry[3] of certified professionals.
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has a similar searchable directory[4] .
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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