Ear Shaping (Otoplasty)
Ear Plastic Surgery in Charlotte
Ear Shaping (Otoplasty)
Ear Pinning Surgery
Corrects misshapen, protruding, overly large ears

If your ears or the ears of your child protrude, or if the ears have become injured or misshapen, ear pinning surgery or otoplasty is a specialized plastic surgery procedure that improves their appearance. For some, the otoplasty needed is a technique often called “ear pinning surgery,” which involves bringing the ear back toward the scalp to a less protuberant position. For others, the cartilage of the ears must be reshaped to improve abnormalities. And in some cases, both ear pinning and ear reshaping or resizing are required for the best aesthetic result.

Patients seeking ear pinning surgery, ear reshaping otoplasty usually have adequate cartilage that simply has not developed a normal curvature and positioning. The cartilage can be properly curved by surgeons, but some surgeons advocate sharp cutting, which leaves a sharp or straight line. At H/K/B, we avoid this by using a gentle, cartilage-curving technique and invisible sutures.

For patients who have previously undergone a prominent ear correction that was unsuccessful, we can usually correct it with the use of our gentle, cartilage-curving technique.

If you could save your child from years of teasing and embarrassment, would you? Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures commonly performed on children. It corrects misshapen ears, protruding ears, overly large ears, etc. However, otoplasty isn’t just for children – millions of adults have this procedure performed every year.

If your ears or the ears of your child protrude, or if the ears have become injured or misshapen, ear pinning surgery or otoplasty is a specialized plastic surgery procedure that improves their appearance. For some, the otoplasty needed is a technique often called “ear pinning surgery,” which involves bringing the ear back toward the scalp to a less protuberant position. For others, the cartilage of the ears must be reshaped to improve abnormalities. And in some cases, both ear pinning and ear reshaping or resizing are required for the best aesthetic result.

Patients seeking ear pinning surgery, ear reshaping otoplasty usually have adequate cartilage that simply has not developed a normal curvature and positioning. The cartilage can be properly curved by surgeons, but some surgeons advocate sharp cutting, which leaves a sharp or straight line. At H/K/B, we avoid this by using a gentle, cartilage-curving technique and invisible sutures.

For patients who have previously undergone a prominent ear correction that was unsuccessful, we can usually correct it with the use of our gentle, cartilage-curving technique.

If you could save your child from years of teasing and embarrassment, would you? Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures commonly performed on children. It corrects misshapen ears, protruding ears, overly large ears, etc. However, otoplasty isn’t just for children – millions of adults have this procedure performed every year.

What can I expect during ear surgery?

Otoplasty is a relatively simple procedure. Ear surgery can usually be performed on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation at our fully accredited surgical facility on our beautiful campus, where our highly qualified nurses will pamper you. Our nurses are certified in advanced cardiac life support, which ensures the highest level of supervision, evaluation, and care in the unlikely event of an emergency. We also work with board-certified advanced anesthesia providers.

The incisions are located behind the ear or within the folds of the ear so that the scars are almost impossible to see. If protruding ears are to be placed closer to the scalp, sutures attach the back of the ears to the head. Reshaping the ears may require grafting cartilage from one part of the ear to another, although this is not necessary in most cases.

Ear Shaping for Children

One of the biggest reasons that parents opt for otoplasty on their child is to prevent bullying. Children are notorious for pointing out each other’s flaws, and prominent ears are certainly a favorite. Parents hope that otoplasty at an early age will save their child from teasing, taunting, and bullying and help the child grow up with a healthy and strong sense of self confidence.

As a highly customized surgery, ear pin-back surgery or otoplasty requires exceptional skill and expertise. H/K/B surgeons are among the most experienced otoplasty surgeons in the country. They have performed ear surgery on both children and adults.

When can my child have otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be performed during childhood or adulthood. Many adults that have the surgery are relieved to finally have ears they like, but wish that they hadn’t endured a lifetime or teasing and embarrassment. Many have spent years hiding or covering their ears in an effort to camouflage them.

Otoplasty can be done early to prevent a child from the embarrassment of prominent or misshapen ears. In children otoplasty can be performed once the cartilage is sufficiently developed, typically around 5 years of age. The ears reach their full size at a young age, allowing children to enjoy the benefits of otoplasty well before adulthood, and often before they even start school.

How long does it take to recover from Otoplasty?

Recovery is rapid after ear pinning surgery or otoplasty, and pain is minimal. The patient can typically shower the very next day following surgery and resume normal activities shortly thereafter. We do ask our patients to wear a headband for six weeks following surgery to prevent accidental injury to the ears.

If there is post-operative pain, medication can be taken. Often, over-the-counter pain pills are sufficient.

Of course, we will monitor your progress in follow-up appointments and answer any questions you have while you or your child heals.

Otoplasty, ear pin-back surgery or ear pinning results can typically last a lifetime with minimal chance of fluctuations or changes.

Otoplasty
H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.

H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.