Cosmetic surgery procedure
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Otoplasty reshapes protruding or misshapen ears for children and adults, bringing the ears into natural balance with the face through incisions hidden behind the ear.
Ear Surgery for Children and Adults
Ears that stick out or sit unevenly draw attention away from the face, and for children they can become a source of teasing at an age when confidence is still forming. Adults who have spent a lifetime hiding their ears under long hair or hats know the feeling just as well. Otoplasty, often called ear pinning, reshapes and repositions the ears so they sit in natural balance with the head. At Cosmetic Doc, Dr. Husam Elias, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive craniofacial training, performs otoplasty for children and adults from Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, and across Los Angeles. It is one procedure that can quietly change how a patient feels about their appearance for a lifetime.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty corrects ears that protrude too far from the head, are overly large, or have folds and contours that did not develop typically. Through a small incision hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, Dr. Elias reshapes the cartilage, recreating folds that are underdeveloped and removing or scoring cartilage where needed. Permanent internal sutures then set the ear closer to the head at a natural angle. Because the incision sits behind the ear, any resulting scar is concealed from view. Both ears are usually treated to keep them symmetric, and the improvement is designed to be permanent.
When Is the Right Age for Otoplasty?
The ears reach nearly their full adult size early in childhood, which is why otoplasty can typically be performed once a child is around five years old. Treating a child before they start facing playground teasing can spare years of self-consciousness, and children generally heal quickly. That said, there is no upper age limit. Many of our patients are adults who have waited decades to finally address something that has always bothered them. Good candidates are healthy, have realistic expectations, and, in the case of children, are old enough to understand and cooperate with aftercare. Parents often wonder whether to wait until a child asks about the procedure themselves, and we are glad to talk through that decision together during a consultation.
The Otoplasty Experience at Cosmetic Doc
Otoplasty typically takes one to two hours, and every surgical plan is reviewed with you in detail beforehand, so you or your child know exactly what to expect on the day of surgery. Children are usually treated under general anesthesia for comfort and stillness, while adults often choose local anesthesia with IV sedation. Afterward, a soft dressing protects the ears for the first several days, followed by a headband worn full time for about one to two weeks and then at night for several more weeks to protect the ears while they heal. Most children return to school and most adults return to work within about one week, keeping contact sports and rough play on hold a while longer.
Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation
Whether you are exploring ear surgery for your child or finally for yourself, we would be honored to help. Contact Cosmetic Doc to schedule your otoplasty consultation in Pasadena or Sherman Oaks today.
Questions patients ask
Otoplasty FAQs
What age can a child have otoplasty?
Most children are candidates around age five, once the ears have reached nearly their full adult size. Treating protruding ears before or early in the school years can prevent teasing during formative ages. Dr. Elias evaluates each child individually to confirm the timing is right.
Will there be visible scars after ear pinning?
The incision is placed in the natural crease behind the ear, so the resulting scar is hidden from view in everyday life. It typically fades into a fine line over time, and even with short hairstyles it is rarely noticeable to others once healing is complete.
Is otoplasty painful?
Discomfort is typically mild to moderate for the first few days and is well managed with medication. Patients often describe aching or tenderness rather than sharp pain. The protective dressing and headband also shield the ears from accidental bumps while the reshaped cartilage heals.
How long do you wear a headband after otoplasty?
After the initial dressing is removed, a soft headband is typically worn around the clock for one to two weeks, then during sleep for several additional weeks. The headband protects the ears from bending or bumping while the cartilage settles securely into its new position.
Are otoplasty results permanent?
Yes, otoplasty is designed to be a one-time, permanent correction. The cartilage is reshaped and held with lasting internal sutures, so the ears maintain their new position for life. For many patients, especially children, that single procedure delivers a lifetime of easier confidence.
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Your Choice for Expert Cosmetic Surgery in Pasadena & Sherman Oaks
Cosmetic Doc delivers board-certified cosmetic surgery with care, compassion, and artistry. From facelifts and rhinoplasty to body contouring, Dr. Husam Elias pairs dual MD/DMD training with an on-site AAAHC-accredited surgery center for the safest, most natural-looking results. Contact our Pasadena or Sherman Oaks office today to schedule your consultation.