Otoplasty

in Los Angeles, CA

At Plastic Rejuvenation Medical in Los Angeles, otoplasty is a refined ear-shaping procedure designed to bring balance, proportion, and renewed confidence to your appearance. Whether you or your child feels self-conscious about prominent or misshapen ears, our skilled surgeons craft personalized treatment plans that produce natural-looking, lasting results.

Table of Contents

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes, repositions, or resizes the ears to create a more harmonious relationship with the face and head. It can be performed on one or both ears and addresses ears that project too far outward, ears that are disproportionately large, or ears with structural irregularities present from birth or caused by injury.

Our surgeons approach otoplasty as both an art and a science – combining precise surgical technique with a keen aesthetic eye to ensure the ears look natural, symmetrical, and beautifully in balance with your unique features.

What Otoplasty Corrects

Otoplasty is a versatile procedure capable of addressing a wide range of ear-related concerns. Treatment is always tailored to your individual anatomy and goals.

Prominent Ear Concerns

The most common reason patients seek otoplasty is prominent ears – ears that stick out noticeably from the head. This can be caused by an underdeveloped antihelix fold (the inner fold of the ear) or by an overly deep conchal bowl (the cup-shaped part of the outer ear). By reshaping the cartilage and repositioning the ear closer to the head, our surgeons create a more natural, understated profile.

Other Ear Irregularities

Beyond prominence, otoplasty can:

Reduce the size of overly large ears (macrotia)
Correct asymmetry between the two ears
Reshape folded, cupped, or misshapen cartilage
Address deformities from birth defects or injury, improving both function and aesthetics

Otoplasty Procedure Steps

Your otoplasty journey is guided by a personalized plan built around your anatomy and desired outcome. Our team provides continuous, attentive support.

Preparing for Surgery

Preparation begins with your consultation, where your surgeon evaluates your ear structure, reviews your medical history, and outlines exactly what to expect. You’ll receive clear pre-operative instructions, which may include guidance on medications and supplements to avoid, refraining from smoking, and arranging for transportation and post-operative care. Following these instructions carefully is vital for a smooth procedure and recovery.

Surgical Procedure

Otoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the patient’s age and comfort level. The surgeon makes a discreet incision – most often within the natural crease behind the ear or within the natural folds of the ear – to access the underlying cartilage. From there, the cartilage is carefully reshaped, folded, or repositioned, and permanent sutures may be placed to secure the ear in its new position. In cases involving excess cartilage or skin, a small amount may be removed. Incisions are meticulously closed, often with dissolvable sutures, using advanced methods designed to minimize scarring.

Incisionless Otoplasty

For select patients with mild-to-moderate prominence, a less invasive suture-based technique may be an option. This approach reshapes the ear by placing permanent sutures beneath the skin through very small entry points, folding the cartilage into a more natural position without traditional incisions – often with quicker recovery and minimal scarring. It is not suitable for all corrections; your surgeon will determine whether you are a candidate during your consultation.

Recovery After Otoplasty

Recovery from otoplasty is typically straightforward. Our team supports you from your initial consultation through full healing.

What to Expect

Immediately after surgery, your head and ears will be wrapped in a supportive dressing to protect the new shape and reduce swelling. Some tenderness, swelling, and mild bruising are normal in the first several days and can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling. Many patients return to light daily activities, school, or work within about a week, while strenuous activities and contact sports are typically resumed a few weeks later, as advised by your surgeon.

Post-Operative Care

Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is key to a smooth recovery and beautiful result. This often includes wearing a lightweight protective headband or an elastic bandage, especially at night, to shield the ears as the cartilage settles into place. You’ll be advised on sleeping positions, gentle cleansing of the incision sites, and signs to watch for. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.

Otoplasty Results

One of the most rewarding aspects of otoplasty is that the transformation is both immediate and lasting.

Expected Outcomes

Once the initial swelling resolves, you’ll see your ears in their natural proportion and position relative to your head and face. The improvement is designed to look effortless – subtle and never “operated on” – so the focus stays on you rather than your ears. Many patients report a renewed sense of confidence almost immediately.

Scarring and Permanence

Because incisions are typically placed in the natural crease behind the ear or within its folds, any resulting scars are well concealed and fade significantly over time. Otoplasty results are generally permanent – once the cartilage is reshaped and healed, the ears maintain their new position for life.

Who Is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is suitable for a wide range of patients – both children and adults – who are bothered by the size, shape, or position of their ears. Ideal candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are seeking meaningful improvement. The best way to determine your candidacy is a personalized consultation.

Children and Teens

Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic procedures commonly performed on children. Because the ears reach nearly their full size by around age five or six, the procedure can often be safely performed once the cartilage is developed enough to hold its new shape. Correcting prominent ears before or during the school years can spare a child years of self-consciousness and support healthy emotional development. For younger patients, it’s important that the child expresses their own desire for surgery and can follow post-operative instructions.

Adults

Beyond prominence, otoplasty can:

Many adults choose otoplasty later in life, having lived with prominent or misshapen ears due to genetics, injury, or previous unsuccessful surgery. Adult candidates benefit from fully mature cartilage and a clear understanding of their aesthetic goals. Candidates should be in good general health and non-smokers.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a small procedure with an outsized impact on how patients feel about themselves. Even subtle refinements can dramatically enhance overall balance and self-image.

Patients who choose otoplasty often experience:

Renewed self-confidence – feeling comfortable wearing hairstyles up, participating in activities, and being photographed without self-consciousness.
Improved facial balance – ears that sit in proportion to the rest of the face for a more harmonious look.
Natural, permanent results – once healed, the reshaped ears maintain their new position for a lifetime.
Discreet outcomes – incisions are typically hidden behind the ear, leaving scarring virtually undetectable.
Enhanced psychological well-being – a renewed sense of comfort in social settings and improved interpersonal relationships.
A confidence boost for children – relief from teasing and a healthier self-image during formative years.

Cost of Otoplasty in
Los Angeles, CA

The cost of otoplasty in Los Angeles typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the complexity of correction, the technique used, surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and facility charges. Final pricing varies by provider, individual anatomy, and your customized treatment plan. We offer flexible payment options to help make your procedure accessible. To receive an accurate, personalized quote, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

Your Trusted Destination for Otoplasty in Los Angeles

Choosing the right practice is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your aesthetic journey. Plastic Rejuvenation Medical brings together the experience, artistry, and personalized care that lead to exceptional results. Our team includes highly skilled cosmetic and plastic surgeons, with decades of combined experience.

When you choose Plastic Rejuvenation Medical, you benefit from:

Personalized treatment plans tailored uniquely to your anatomy and goals.
Advanced techniques designed to minimize scarring and achieve natural-looking results.
Continuous support from your initial consultation through full recovery.
Flexible consultation options – in-person at our office or convenient virtual visits.
Bilingual care with Spanish-language services available.

Our mission is simple: to help you look and feel your best with compassionate care every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty can often be performed once the ears have reached near-full size, typically around age five or six, though it is commonly performed on older children, teens, and adults as well. Your surgeon will determine the ideal timing during a consultation.

Is otoplasty covered by insurance?

Otoplasty is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance. However, if the surgery corrects a birth defect or an injury-related deformity that significantly impacts hearing or daily functioning, some plans may offer partial coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance provider.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration varies with the complexity of the correction, but it typically takes between one and three hours.

Is otoplasty painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort, tenderness, and swelling in the first several days, which are well managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed by your surgeon.

Can otoplasty correct asymmetrical ears?

Yes. Otoplasty is an effective solution for ear asymmetry – our surgeons can skillfully reshape and reposition each ear to create a more balanced appearance.

Will otoplasty leave visible scars?

Incisions are typically placed in the natural crease behind the ear or within its natural folds, so any scarring is well-hidden and tends to fade over time. Our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring.

When will I see my final results?

You’ll notice an immediate improvement after the bandages are removed, but final results become fully apparent once all swelling subsides – which can take several weeks to a few months.

Will otoplasty leave visiblAre otoplasty results permanent?e scars?

Yes. Once the cartilage is reshaped and fully healed, the ears maintain their new position for life, making otoplasty a lasting improvement.

How long is the recovery?

Many patients return to light daily activities within about a week, with more strenuous activities resumed a few weeks later, as advised by your surgeon.