Otoplasty
When ears stick out prominently or feature an uneven shape, it can draw unwanted attention and diminish personal confidence. At RENEW, otoplasty (commonly referred to as ear pinning surgery or cosmetic ear surgery) is a refined surgical discipline focused on reshaping ear cartilage and repositioning the external ear closer to the head.
Led by double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. King Kim, our practice delivers artfully tailored ear correction for both adults and younger patients. By sculpting the underlying cartilage framework, Dr. Kim creates a more natural appearance that blends seamlessly with your overall facial proportions.
Repositions protruding ears, creates a symmetrical fold, reshapes misshapen ears, and restores facial balance.
Corrects prominent ears, reduces abnormally large ears, or addresses asymmetrical ears caused by injury or a birth defect.
Performed as an outpatient procedure on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.
Placed discreetly behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head, leaving no noticeable external scars.
Otoplasty includes a variety of plastic surgery procedures that modify the size, position, or shape of the outer ear. Whether addressing ears that stick out too far from the skull, a drooping ear tip (lop ear), or other structural irregularities, cosmetic ear surgery restores symmetry without affecting hearing.
Utilizing specialized otoplasty techniques, Dr. Kim reshapes or folds the cartilage to create an antihelical fold (the inner rim of the ear) or reduces an overdeveloped conchal bowl (the deep cup of the ear). For patients seeking subtle structural refinement or ear reduction, these adjustments provide a balanced, proportional frame for the face.
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On the day of your ear correction surgery, Dr. Kim and our dedicated surgical team will manage your comfort and safety. For adult patients, the procedure is often performed using local anesthesia with sedation, while general anesthesia may be recommended for younger patients to ensure complete comfort.
Dr. Kim creates a small incision in the natural crease behind the ear to access the underlying ear structure. He then reshapes, folds, or removes portions of the cartilage using permanent internal sutures to hold the tissue in its new shape. Once the ear is secured in its ideal position, the skin is closed with fine sutures, and a soft protective dressing is applied around the head. The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Custom ear surgery provides lasting structural correction for various aesthetic and anatomical concerns, including:
Choosing specialized facial plastic ear surgery at RENEW delivers profound aesthetic and psychological advantages:
Creates realistic contours and subtle ear folds that do not look artificially pulled back.
Eliminates self-consciousness about prominent ears for both children and adults.
Strategic incision placement behind the ear keeps scars virtually hidden.
Reshaped cartilage provides a lifetime of balanced ear placement.
A good candidate for otoplasty is an adult or child (typically 5 to 6 years of age or older) whose ear cartilage is fully developed and stable. Candidates should be in good general health, free from active ear infections or life-threatening illnesses, and hold realistic expectations regarding their outcome.
During your consultation, Dr. Kim reviews your medical history to confirm that no underlying medical conditions increase surgical risks or complications.
Proper post-operative care ensures safe healing and holds the cartilage in its new position. Mild swelling, minor bruising, and soft pain or discomfort around the ears are normal during the first few days and are easily managed with prescribed medication.
Patients receive a soft protective bandage to wear around the head immediately after surgery. After about a week, this initial dressing is replaced with a light, loose headband that you will wear while sleeping for several weeks to prevent the ears from bending forward. You should avoid sleeping on your side and refrain from contact sports or heavy physical activity for 3 to 4 weeks to protect your new ear shape.
Once initial dressings are removed and early swelling resolves over the first 2 to 3 weeks, your new, refined ear position will become clear. By 1 to 3 months, soft tissues settle completely, revealing a more natural shape that remains in balance with your head and facial features.
Because cartilage is permanently reshaped and re-anchored, results from ear pinning are permanent. You can expect your balanced profile to endure for a lifetime.
Achieving a symmetrical outcome with otoplasty requires deep anatomical expertise and artistic judgment. Double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon Dr. King Kim approaches every ear procedure with care, ensuring the ear is never over-pinned or pressed flat against the head. Schedule your consultation today to explore your otoplasty options.
Ear cartilage is typically fully developed by age 5 or 6. Performing ear surgery at this age allows a child's ears to be corrected before entering school, helping protect their self esteem.
No. Otoplasty works exclusively on the external ear structure and cartilage framework. It does not touch or alter the inner ear or auditory canals responsible for hearing.
Incisions are placed discreetly in the natural crease behind the ear. Once healed, the small scars are virtually impossible to see from the front, side, or back.
Most children and adults return to school or desk work within 5 to 7 days after surgery, once the initial bulky head dressing is replaced with a lighter headband.
Yes. Otoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day after resting in our private recovery area.
(321) 327-5113
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Thur - Fri: 10AM - 6:00PM
Sat: 10AM - 2:00PM
