Otoplasty, also called ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery, changes the shape, position, or size of the outer ear so it sits in better proportion to the face. This procedure is commonly chosen for ears that project too far from the head, look uneven, or have a misshapen fold. It is performed on the outer ear only and does not affect hearing. The goal is a natural profile that looks balanced from the front and side, based on individualized planning rather than a one-size-fits-all “pinned back” look.
Key Benefits
- Ears that sit closer to the head with a more balanced facial profile.
- Correction of prominent, folded, or asymmetrical ear contours.
- Greater comfort wearing hair up, glasses, helmets, or hats without self-consciousness.
What to Expect
Consultations include a detailed exam of ear cartilage, projection, symmetry, and your goals. Surgery typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours and is usually outpatient. Incisions are commonly placed behind the ear so scars stay hidden in the natural crease. Recovery often allows a return to school or desk work within about 1 week, with a protective headband worn as directed while swelling settles. A personalized quote is provided at consultation. Costs typically start around $5,000 to $8,000, varying based on whether one or both ears are treated, the technique used, and whether otoplasty is combined with another procedure.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience at Cary Plastic Surgery in Cary, NC, I have helped thousands of patients with facial and reconstructive procedures, earning multiple "Voted Best Plastic Surgery" awards in the area. Otoplasty is one of the more personal operations I perform, because prominent or uneven ears often affect how someone feels in photos, at school, at work, and in everyday conversation. From my practice, I have seen how a carefully planned setback can restore balance without making the ears look pinned flat against the head.
Why Choose Dr. Hanna?
With more than 30 years in practice and thousands of procedures performed at Cary Plastic Surgery, I approach otoplasty the same way I approach other facial surgery: natural proportion, hidden scars, and a result that still looks like you.
Patients often tell me they have hidden their ears with hair or hats for years and simply want them to sit closer to the head without looking operated on. As a repeated Best Plastic Surgery award-winner in Cary, NC, I take time in consultation to examine both ears, review photographs, and explain whether the issue is a weak fold, a deep conchal bowl, or both, so the plan is specific to your anatomy rather than a generic “pin back.”
Benefits of Ear Surgery
Otoplasty is designed to improve how the ears sit relative to the face. Common benefits include:
- Ears that project less from the side of the head and look more proportionate in photos and profile.
- Better symmetry when one ear sits differently than the other.
- Correction of a weak or missing antihelical fold that makes an ear look prominent.
- Hidden scars placed in the crease behind the ear in most cases.
- Greater ease wearing hair up, shorter styles, glasses, or helmets.
Otoplasty addresses the outer ear only. Hearing is not changed by this operation.
Visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website for complete information on Otoplasty surgery.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates are healthy children, teens, or adults who are bothered by ear position, size, or shape and have realistic goals. Ears are typically near adult size around age 5 to 6, which is why many surgeons consider that the earliest common age for elective otoplasty. Good candidates often have:
- Ears that project farther from the head than they prefer.
- Asymmetry between the two ears.
- A weak or absent antihelical fold, a deep conchal bowl, or both.
- Stable health, no active ear infection, and the ability to follow aftercare, including headband use.
Adults who have lived with prominent ears for years are also common candidates. Patients with bleeding disorders, poor wound healing, or unrealistic expectations of “ears glued to the head” are not ideal. The goal is a natural setback, not an overly flattened look.
Ear Surgery, Step-by-Step
Otoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure and commonly lasts 1 to 2 hours. Steps include:
- Anesthesia:
General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, chosen based on age and comfort.
- Incision:
A cut is made behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head.
- Cartilage work:
The antihelical fold is created or strengthened, the conchal bowl is set back if needed, and extra cartilage or skin is reduced only when necessary.
- Internal support:
Long-lasting sutures hold the new shape.
- Closure and dressing:
The incision is closed and a protective dressing is applied.
Outpatient procedure. You will go home the same day with aftercare instructions.
Recovery & Aftercare
Most patients return to school or desk work in 1 to 2 weeks. Contact sports are often delayed until about 6 weeks, depending on healing. Typical aftercare includes:
- The first several days: Keep the head elevated, protect the dressing, and take prescribed pain medicine as directed. Do not sleep on the operated ear.
- After the first dressing change: Wear a soft headband as instructed, often full-time at first and then at night only, so the ear is not folded forward in sleep.
- Weeks 2 to 4: Swelling and bruising continue to fade. Avoid heavy glasses, pressure, helmets, and contact sports until cleared. Longer term: Scars behind the ear typically fade over months. Protect healing skin from sun.
Tips: Button-down shirts are easier than pullovers at first. Avoid rubbing or bending the ear. Call the office for increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, or a sudden change in ear position.
Risks & Complications
Otoplasty is a well-established outpatient procedure, but every surgery has risks. These include bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, visible or thickened scarring, asymmetry, overcorrection or undercorrection, suture irritation, numbness, and the possibility of revision. Cartilage can try to return toward its original shape, which is one reason sutures and aftercare matter. We review your health history in consultation so you can decide with full information.
** Individual results vary
Cost & Financing
We will always provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Otoplasty (ear) surgery typically starts at $5,000 and includes anesthesia, facility time, and follow-ups. Pricing varies depending on the techniques required, if only one ear is treated vs. both, and combinations with other surgeries.
We offer financing through CareCredit and accept major cards. During consultation, get a custom quote; insurance may cover if medically necessary.
Schedule a consultation and we'll provide you with a personalized quote for otoplasty surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does otoplasty surgery take? Otoplasty usually lasts about 1 to 2 hours at our practice, depending on whether one or both ears are treated and how much cartilage work is required.
- Will otoplasty leave visible scars? Most incisions are placed in the crease behind the ear, so scars are usually hidden from the front view and fade over time.
- Will insurance cover my otoplasty procedure? Cosmetic setback of prominent ears is often not covered. Coverage is more likely to be considered when there is a reconstructive indication. The office can help you understand what documentation, if any, is needed.
- How long do the results of otoplasty last? Once the cartilage heals in the new position, results are generally long-lasting. Aging does not typically reverse a well-performed setback, though trauma or poor aftercare can affect an early result.
- Does otoplasty affect hearing? No. Otoplasty is performed on the outer ear and does not change the middle or inner ear structures that produce hearing.