Otoplasty
For children, teens, and adults, protruding ears or prominent ears can be a lifelong source of self-consciousness. Fortunately, modern otoplasty surgery offers a safe and effective way to reshape the outer ear, restore facial symmetry, and boost confidence.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stephanie Warrington specializes in cosmetic otoplasty and related ear surgery techniques. As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, she combines surgical precision with artistic balance to create a natural, harmonious ear appearance that complements your facial features.
Corrects protruding ears, lop ear, cup ear, and other ear deformities.
Uses permanent sutures to reshape auricular cartilage and reposition the outer ear closer to the head.
Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Typically 1–2 hours as an outpatient procedure.
Permanent improvement in ear position, shape, and facial symmetry.
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to correct protruding ears or reshape irregular ear structures. By addressing the auricular cartilage, surgeons can create a more normal ear appearance and restore balance to the facial features.
While often considered cosmetic facial surgery, otoplasty procedures can also serve as reconstructive surgery to correct congenital ear deformities, injuries such as cauliflower ear, or issues from prior surgeries.
Otoplasty surgery is usually performed in an operating room as an outpatient procedure. Depending on the patient’s age and treatment plan, anesthesia may involve a local anesthetic with sedation or general anesthesia. The incision site is carefully designed to minimize the appearance of any otoplasty scar, with a small incision placed behind the ear along the posterior skin near the cranial surface.
This surgical technique allows Dr. Warrington to reshape the auricular cartilage, refining natural folds such as the superior and inferior crura or triangular fossa as needed. The ears are then repositioned closer to the head using permanent sutures for lasting improvement. Once the adjustments are complete, the surgical site is carefully closed and bandaged, and a loose headband is placed to protect the surgical site and support proper healing.
Otoplasty can correct a wide range of ear deformities and concerns, including:
Otoplasty surgery provides both aesthetic and psychological benefits:
This procedure can be an excellent option for individuals seeking to address prominent or protruding ears, as well as other ear deformities. To determine if you're a suitable candidate, it's important to understand the key criteria for eligibility.
The healing process after otoplasty is generally smooth, with mild swelling and discomfort commonly managed with medication. While rare, complications such as blood clots or suture extrusion may occur. Patients wear a loose, protective headband for several weeks, especially at night, and should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting during the early recovery period. Most individuals can return to school, work, or social activities within one week, and the final otoplasty results are typically visible once swelling subsides, usually within 6–8 weeks.
Otoplasty offers a range of significant benefits for individuals seeking to correct prominent ears or ear deformities. The results extend beyond physical alterations, contributing to enhanced facial harmony and a renewed sense of self-assurance.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, otoplasty surgery is performed by Dr. Stephanie Warrington, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon and board-certified ENT. With advanced expertise in facial anatomy, auricular cartilage, and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Warrington provides personalized care to ensure natural, balanced results. Her approach combines surgical precision with compassionate attention, providing many patients with renewed confidence through the safe and effective correction of ear deformities.
Most patients experience mild discomfort during recovery, which is typically controlled with medication.
Children as young as five may undergo ear pinning surgery once the external ear is nearly fully developed.
Incision sites are hidden behind the ear along the posterior skin, making scars nearly invisible.
Results are permanent, as auricular cartilage is reshaped and secured with permanent sutures.
Otoplasty cost varies depending on the complexity of the surgical correction and whether other procedures are combined.
