Personalized Ear Reshaping by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

Our skilled plastic surgeons, Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu, perform otoplasty to help remedy any concerns related to ear size or shape. Otoplasty, also called ear reshaping or ear pinning, is available to both children and adults experiencing dissatisfaction with the appearance of their ears.

For more information about otoplasty, or if you wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape, reposition, or resize the ears. It is commonly performed to reduce ear prominence, improve symmetry, and create a more harmonious facial balance.

This procedure can be performed on both children and adults and is customized based on each patient’s anatomy and goals.

What concerns can ear surgery address?

Otoplasty is designed to correct a variety of aesthetic and structural ear concerns, including:

  • Protruding or prominent ears
  • Asymmetrical ear positioning
  • Overly large ears
  • Misshapen or underdeveloped ear structures
  • Damage from injury, piercings, or gauges

By reshaping and repositioning the ears, otoplasty helps create a more balanced and proportionate facial appearance.

Why People Choose Otoplasty

There are many reasons to consider ear surgery. Young children may be subject to teasing or taunts from other children, while adults often alter their hairstyle or wear hats and other concealing accessories to hide what they consider to be an embarrassing feature. In many cases, patients considering otoplasty simply want to improve the appearance of a feature they feel self-conscious about. Usually, aesthetic surgery of the ear entails reinforcing existing features or pinning the ear to prevent it from sticking out. Otoplasty can help position the ears in a pleasing, symmetrical manner and enhance the facial appearance.

What are the benefits of ear surgery?

Ear surgery offers both aesthetic and emotional benefits for patients of all ages. These include:

  • Improved facial balance and symmetry
  • Reduced ear prominence
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results
  • Minimal downtime compared to other surgical procedures
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Am I a candidate for otoplasty?

Otoplasty is suitable for both children and adults who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their ears. You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Feel self-conscious about ear size, shape, or positioning
  • Have fully developed ear cartilage (typically age 5 or older)
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have realistic expectations for the outcome

A consultation with our surgeons will determine the most appropriate approach for your needs.

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Before & After

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The Consult

The initial consultation is an essential opportunity for the patient to discuss any concerns, expectations, and questions they may have with Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu. After a full examination of the ears and facial features, as well as a review of the individual’s medical history, our plastic surgeons will develop a customized treatment plan that can address concerns related to ear size, shape, and prominence. In addition to congenital ear deformities, Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu can also address issues stemming from injuries related to earrings and body modifications such as ear plugs/gauges. Consultations typically last about 30 minutes.

Pre-Operative

A few weeks prior to the procedure, patients will schedule a pre-operative appointment. At this time, they will receive essential information and instructions on how to prepare for recovery from otoplasty. They will also be advised to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which can thin the blood. Patients who will be receiving local anesthesia may eat something light before they arrive; however, individuals undergoing sedation may not consume any food or drink after midnight the night before their surgery.

About the Operation

Otoplasty typically takes one to two hours, depending on the technique used and specific issues being addressed. In most cases, the operation can be performed in-office using local anesthesia; however, individuals with complex cases and young children will be placed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility under the care of our experienced plastic surgeons and a skilled anesthesiologist. Patients will also need a responsible adult to take them home and care for them for 24 hours after the procedure.

Recovery

Most otoplasty procedures require minimal downtime and recovery, and adults and older children can often return to work or school within a few days. Younger children typically need more time away from school, and they should be monitored during play so they do not injure the newly positioned ears. A special head dressing will be used for the first four to five days, until the splints are removed.

After that, a headband should be worn at night for the first one to two weeks, or as long as advised by Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu, to help maintain the results. Our plastic surgeons will carefully and attentively support the patient through the complete recovery process.

How long do otoplasty results last?

Otoplasty results are considered permanent, as the cartilage is reshaped and secured during the procedure. Once healing is complete, the ears will maintain their new position and contour.

Following post-operative care instructions helps ensure optimal, long-lasting results.

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Contact Our Practice

Otoplasty can improve the appearance of the ears and raise raise self-esteem for patients who are self-conscious about the size or shape of their ears. For more information about ear surgery, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jerome Liu and Dr. Tom Liu, please contact our office today.

How much does ear surgery cost?

The cost of otoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether it is performed under local or general anesthesia.

During your consultation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing. Financing options may also be available to help make your procedure more accessible.

Ear Surgery FAQs

Is otoplasty painful?

Will there be visible scars?

When can I return to normal activities?

Can otoplasty fix asymmetrical ears?

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Will my ears look natural after otoplasty?

Do I need to wear anything after ear surgery?

Is otoplasty painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort rather than significant pain, which can be managed with medication.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are typically placed behind the ear, making scars discreet and difficult to see.

When can I return to normal activities?

Most patients resume normal routines within a few days, with full healing over several weeks.

Can otoplasty fix asymmetrical ears?

Yes, the procedure can improve symmetry and balance between the ears.

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty is commonly performed once ear cartilage is fully developed, typically around age 5 or older, making it suitable for both children and adults.

Will my ears look natural after otoplasty?

Yes, when performed by an experienced surgeon, otoplasty results are designed to look natural and proportionate to your facial features.

Do I need to wear anything after ear surgery?

Yes, patients are usually required to wear a protective headband for a period of time after surgery to support healing and help maintain the new ear position.

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