Otoplasty is cosmetic ear surgery that changes the shape, position, or proportion of the external ear. It is commonly performed to correct prominent or protruding ears and is often called ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery.

Ear pinning is a common form of otoplasty that repositions protruding ears closer to the head. The surgeon may create a stronger antihelical fold, reposition the conchal bowl, use internal sutures, reshape cartilage, or combine techniques according to the cause of prominence.

Prominent ears commonly result from an underdeveloped antihelical fold, a deep or enlarged conchal bowl, excessive distance between the ear and scalp, or a combination of these anatomical features.

Otoplasty can make prominent ears appear less visually dominant by repositioning them. When the ears are genuinely oversized, called macrotia, selected ear-reduction techniques may also be considered.

Yes. Some patients have unilateral prominence or asymmetry. Even when only one ear is the main concern, both ears are evaluated because the goal is balance rather than treating one side in isolation.

It can improve differences in projection, fold shape, and selected structural asymmetries. Perfect mirror-image symmetry cannot be guaranteed because the ears and surrounding skull are naturally different from side to side.

The antihelical fold is the curved cartilage fold just inside the outer rim of the ear. When it is weak or poorly defined, the upper ear can protrude more prominently from the side of the head.

The conchal bowl is the deep central cartilage of the external ear around the ear-canal opening. An enlarged or deep concha can push the ear farther away from the scalp and may need to be repositioned or reduced during surgery.

Adult otoplasty uses the same basic principles of ear reshaping and repositioning in an adult patient. Adults commonly seek treatment for prominent ears, ear asymmetry, or ear size that has bothered them since childhood.

Children are commonly considered once the ear cartilage is sufficiently developed and stable for correction, often around age five or later. The child also needs to be healthy, cooperative, and able to participate willingly in the process and recovery.

Discomfort, tenderness, tightness, swelling, and pressure are expected in the first several days. Pain experience varies, but most patients transition toward normal daily activity well before complete healing.

Many procedures take approximately one to three hours depending on whether one or both ears are treated, cartilage complexity, asymmetry, reduction, anesthesia, prior surgery, and any combined earlobe work.

Local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia may be used depending on age, procedure complexity, patient comfort, health, facility setting, and surgeon recommendation.

Incisions are commonly placed behind the ear within the natural crease. When a front-surface incision is needed, it is generally positioned within an existing fold to reduce visibility.

Yes. Otoplasty is surgery, so incisions create permanent scars. They are typically positioned behind the ear or within natural folds and often become much less noticeable as they mature.

Many patients return to work or school around one week, but swelling and tenderness continue improving for several weeks. Full activity, especially contact sports or activities that can bend the ears, returns later after surgeon clearance.

Headband protocols vary. A supportive headband is often used after the initial dressing period and may continue at night for several weeks to protect the ears from accidental folding or pressure. Follow your surgeon's specific schedule.

Patients are commonly instructed to sleep on their back with the head elevated during early recovery and to avoid sleeping directly on the ears until the surgeon confirms it is safe.

Light walking begins early. Strenuous exercise returns gradually, while contact sports and activities that could strike, bend, or pull the ears remain restricted longer.

The operation is designed to create a long-lasting cartilage position. Some degree of recurrence, suture-related change, scar behavior, or cartilage memory is possible, so results should not be described as an absolute lifetime guarantee.

Yes. Natural ear pinning preserves normal folds, avoids pulling the ear excessively close to the scalp, and balances the upper, middle, and lower ear so the result looks proportionate from both front and back views.

No. Otoplasty primarily reshapes and repositions the cartilage-bearing ear. Earlobe repair treats torn, split, stretched, or damaged soft tissue in the earlobe. Earlobe reduction reduces an overly large or elongated lobe.

Cosmetic ear pinning is generally self-pay. Some health plans may consider reconstructive treatment for selected congenital, traumatic, or medically necessary ear conditions, but requirements vary and coverage cannot be assumed without plan-specific review and authorization.

Potential risks include bleeding or hematoma, infection, asymmetry, pain, numbness or sensation changes, poor wound healing, unfavorable scarring, contour irregularity, suture irritation or extrusion, recurrence of prominence, overcorrection, and the possibility of revision surgery.

Adonis currently publishes a $2,500 to $5,500 range for ear pinning surgery. Final pricing depends on the anatomy, whether one or both ears are treated, complexity, anesthesia, facility requirements, prior surgery, and any additional ear procedure.

Yes. Adonis Plastic Surgery is in Torrance and serves patients from Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, El Segundo, San Pedro, Gardena, Carson, Lomita, and throughout the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles.