Ear Reshaping

Otoplasty , (also known as ear reshaping, ear reduction or ear pinning) , is a cosmetic surgery to change the outer appearance of a person's ears. Otoplasty can take many forms, such as bringing the ears closer to the head (ear pinning), reducing the size of very big ears, or reshaping various bends in the cartilage.

Protruding ears can be distressing for children and adults alike. Whenever possible, early surgery is recommended because of the increased pliability of the cartilage, which allows for a very smooth contour of the ear. However, a benefit of performing ear reshaping surgery in adults is that the procedure is easily tolerated with only oral sedation or mild IV sedation, whereas small children may require a general anesthetic.

Ear reshaping surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis in our fully staffed and AAAHC certified private surgery center in Pinole.

The surgical procedure involves making an incision in the posterior sulcus of the ear (the groove between the back of the ear and the scalp). A variable amount of skin is removed, allowing access to the cartilage of the ear. This ear cartilage is then sculpted using laser or scalpel as well as sutures to reshape the ear as well as reposition the ear closer to the scalp. The final scar from the incision is very well hidden and can be virtually impossible to find.

Recovery time depends on the procedure performed...