Ear Surgery
Reshape and refine ear appearance with expert otoplasty by Dr. James Rosing. Natural results for children and adults.
Ear Surgery
Reshape and refine ear appearance with expert otoplasty by Dr. James Rosing. Whether correcting protruding ears, asymmetry, or congenital deformities, our personalized approach delivers natural, lasting results for patients of all ages.
1-2 hrs
Procedure Time
1 week
Initial Recovery
Permanent
Results
Local/General
Anesthesia
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the size of the ears. It is one of the few cosmetic procedures routinely performed on children, as the ears reach approximately 90% of their adult size by age 5-6. For adults, otoplasty can address concerns that have affected confidence for years or even decades.
Dr. James Rosing performs otoplasty for a range of conditions, including protruding ears, ear asymmetry, oversized ears (macrotia), congenital deformities such as lop ear or cupped ear, and torn or stretched earlobes from earrings or gauges. His approach is precise and conservative, creating ears that look natural and proportionate to the face rather than "pinned" or artificial.
The procedure is performed through incisions hidden behind the ear, where Dr. Rosing reshapes the cartilage using a combination of scoring, suturing, and selective removal techniques. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the recovery is compared to other surgical procedures.
Otoplasty Techniques
Cartilage Reshaping
The primary technique for correcting protruding ears by reshaping the antihelical fold and setting the ears closer to the head.
- Creates natural ear folds
- Permanent internal sutures
- Precise projection control
- Hidden incisions behind ear
Conchal Reduction
Reduces the depth of the conchal bowl (the cup-shaped area of the ear) when excessive depth causes the ear to project outward.
- Addresses deep conchal bowl
- Reduces overall ear projection
- Often combined with reshaping
- Natural-looking proportion
Earlobe Repair
Repairs torn, split, or stretched earlobes caused by heavy earrings, gauges, trauma, or age-related thinning.
- Repairs torn or split lobes
- Corrects gauge stretching
- Quick in-office procedure
- Re-pierce after 6-8 weeks
Are You a Candidate?
Otoplasty may be right for you or your child if any of the following apply:
Recovery Timeline
Otoplasty has one of the shortest recovery periods of any cosmetic surgical procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they return to normal.
Initial Recovery
Ears bandaged with a protective dressing. Mild to moderate discomfort managed with pain medication. Head elevated when resting. Avoid sleeping on your side.
Bandage Change
Bulky bandages replaced with a lighter headband-style dressing. Ears may appear swollen and bruised. Light activities around the home can resume.
First Follow-up
Sutures checked. Most swelling and bruising starting to resolve. Children can return to school. Adults can return to desk work. Continue wearing the protective headband at night.
Resuming Activities
Ears looking significantly improved. Headband worn at night to protect ears during sleep. Most normal activities can resume. Avoid contact sports.
Final Healing
Swelling fully resolved. Ears in their final position. Scars behind the ears fading and well-hidden. Contact sports and vigorous activities can resume. Full results visible.
Dr. James Rosing, MD, FACS
Dr. James Rosing is a Stanford-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with particular expertise in facial and ear surgery. His understanding of the delicate cartilage structures of the ear allows him to create refined, symmetrical results that look completely natural.
With over 14 years of surgical experience, Dr. Rosing is equally skilled with adult and pediatric patients. He takes special care to create a comfortable, reassuring environment for children and their families, ensuring the experience is as positive as the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Otoplasty can be performed on children once their ears have reached near-full adult size, which typically occurs around age 5-6. Performing the procedure before a child enters school can help avoid potential social difficulties related to ear appearance. Dr. Rosing has extensive experience with pediatric otoplasty and takes extra care to create a comfortable, reassuring experience for young patients and their parents.
Incisions for otoplasty are placed behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. This means scars are virtually invisible, even when wearing the hair up or short. For earlobe repair, incisions are placed along the natural contour of the lobe and heal to a very fine, barely noticeable line. Dr. Rosing uses meticulous suturing techniques to minimize scarring.
Yes, both ears are almost always corrected during the same procedure. In fact, operating on both ears simultaneously allows Dr. Rosing to achieve the best possible symmetry, carefully comparing and adjusting each side throughout the surgery. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours for both ears.
Most patients describe otoplasty recovery as surprisingly comfortable. Discomfort is generally mild to moderate and well-controlled with prescribed pain medication during the first few days. Children typically bounce back quickly—most are back to their normal activities within a week. The most common complaint is the headband dressing, which must be worn to protect the ears during the healing period.
Insurance coverage for otoplasty varies depending on the reason for surgery. Procedures to correct congenital deformities (such as microtia or anotia) or to repair traumatic injury may be partially covered. Cosmetic otoplasty to pin back protruding ears is typically not covered by insurance. Our patient coordinator can help you navigate insurance questions and discuss financing options during your consultation.
Yes, otoplasty results are permanent. Once the ear cartilage has been reshaped and secured in its new position, the ears will maintain their corrected appearance for life. The ears will continue to age naturally, but the improvement in shape and projection is lasting. In very rare cases, some cartilage memory may cause minor relapse, which can be addressed with a simple touch-up procedure.
Financing Available
From $67/month
Ear Surgery $4,000–$8,000 with 0% APR options available
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Ready to Learn More?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rosing to discuss ear surgery for yourself or your child. Whether addressing protruding ears, asymmetry, or earlobe repair, a personalized plan awaits.