Otoplasty, ear reshaping or “ear pinning”, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of ears that protrude outward and cause facial imbalance.  The protruding or “floppy” ear may be caused by the lack of a certain ear fold (called the antihelix) and/or overgrowth of the bowl area (conchal cartilage) of the ear.

Candidates are young children, at least aged 5 or 6 years old, teenagers or adults who may be unhappy with their ears. Depending on the cause, a fold may need to be created and/or excess cartilage may need to be removed to correct the ear appropriately. This procedure must be performed under general anesthesia for children. Local anesthesia in the office may be considered for some adults.

The recovery period from ear surgery is about 2 weeks. During this period, a headband is worn to keep the ears pinned back so they heal properly.  All sutures are removed 2 weeks following surgery.