Whether it’s ears that sit prominently away from the head, one ear that differs noticeably from the other or a shape that has drawn unwanted attention since childhood, these concerns are more common than most people realize — and also more treatable than many assume.
Otoplasty, commonly called ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that can address these concerns. Here’s what ear pinning involves at Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, who it’s best suited for, and what to expect from the process with our doctor and staff.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears. The most common reason patients seek out this procedure is to address prominent ears, or ears that protrude noticeably from the sides of the head due to underdeveloped cartilage folds. Otoplasty works by reshaping the cartilage framework of the ear, bringing it closer to the head and creating a more natural profile.
Beyond prominent ears, otoplasty can also address ears that are asymmetrical, unusually large or misshapen due to genetics or injury.
Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation in adults, and under general anesthesia in younger patients, and usually takes 1 to 2 hours.
Incisions are made behind the ear, where they remain well hidden. Through those incisions, Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang reshapes and repositions the cartilage, then closes the incision with sutures.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Otoplasty can be appropriate for a wide age range. Children are often good candidates once the ears have reached close to their adult size, which typically happens around age 5 or 6. Addressing prominent ears before a child starts school can prevent years of self-consciousness and teasing.
Adults can be equally good candidates. There is no upper age limit for otoplasty, and many adults who spent years feeling self-conscious about their ears find that surgery provides relief they hadn’t expected to be possible.
Good candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve and are bothered by the appearance of one or both ears in a way that affects their confidence or daily choices.
Recovery and Results
Most patients wear a soft headband over their ears for the first week or two to protect the area during healing after otoplasty. Discomfort is generally mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most children can return to school within a week, and adults typically return to desk work within a similar timeframe. Strenuous activity and contact sports require a longer pause, usually around 4 to 6 weeks.
The results of otoplasty are permanent. Once the cartilage is reshaped and healed, it stays in its new position.
Why Summer Is a Practical Time to Schedule
For school-age children especially, summer offers an ideal recovery window. With no school picture day, no PE class and no peers to navigate during the initial healing phase, families can move through the process with far less disruption. By the time the new school year begins, the ears are fully healed and the child can start fresh without that concern following them.
If you or your child has been thinking about otoplasty, a consultation with Dr. Chang or Dr. Wang is a good first step. You can also browse our ear surgery before-and-after gallery to get a sense of the kinds of results our patients have achieved.To schedule a consultation at our Columbia, MD office, call 410-740-9330 or contact us online.
Author: Dr. Eric Chang
Few plastic surgeons offer Dr. Eric Chang’s rare blend of impressive credentials and genuine compassion. After becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, he returned to his home state and established Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
