A well-established corrective procedure.
Otoplasty is the surgical reshaping of the ear cartilage — most often to correct protruding ears (ears that stand away from the head more than average), but also to address asymmetry between the two ears, unusually large or shaped ears, or to repair torn or stretched earlobes. It is one of the older, more standardized cosmetic procedures — the techniques are well-established, the outcomes are predictable, and the results are long-lasting.
Because the underlying issue is cartilage shape and position, the procedure requires reshaping the cartilage itself through a small incision hidden behind the ear. The cartilage is scored, reshaped, and secured with permanent sutures to hold the corrected position. When both ears are addressed, they are shaped together to achieve symmetry rather than each independently.
Otoplasty is commonly performed in children once the ear has essentially reached adult size — typically around age 5 or older — because ear cartilage is nearly full-sized well before the rest of the face. Performing otoplasty at this age can spare children years of social self-consciousness. Adults who did not have otoplasty as children can absolutely have it later; the technique is the same.
Who this procedure is designed for.
Otoplasty addresses ear shape, projection, and symmetry — in children and adults alike.
Protruding ears that bother you
The most common indication. Ears that stand more than about 2 cm from the side of the head, that lack the normal antihelical fold, or that cause social self-consciousness.
Ear asymmetry
One ear noticeably different in projection, size, or shape from the other. Otoplasty can address one side or both to improve symmetry.
Torn or stretched earlobes
Earlobe repair (from stretched piercings, gauging, or traumatic tears) is a distinct and shorter version of otoplasty. Often done in the office under local anesthesia rather than in the OR.
Age 5 or older for children
The ear reaches nearly full adult size by age 5–6. Otoplasty is often performed at this age or shortly after — before the child enters years of school where teasing might otherwise occur. Adults can have otoplasty at any age with equally good results.
Ready for post-op restrictions
Post-op requires wearing a headband continuously for 1–2 weeks, then at night for several more weeks. For children, this requires cooperation. For adults, planning around work and sleep matters.
Realistic expectations
Otoplasty produces reliable, natural-appearing results — ears that fit the head without drawing attention. It does not aim to make ears 'perfect'; it aims to make them unremarkable in the best sense.
Smoking status matters — and approach varies by surgeon
Every surgeon at NCSS strongly recommends smoking cessation for at least 4–6 weeks pre-operatively. Smoking impairs healing at the post-auricular incision and can compromise the cartilage-preservation aspects of the procedure.
Every scheduled surgical patient is offered a free Rest-Assure pre-operative consultation with Dr. Rand Scott personally — medical history, medication planning, and discharge coordination before surgery day.
Cartilage reshaping through a hidden incision.
Modern otoplasty is a well-refined procedure with several technique variants that address different aspects of ear anatomy.
Incision placement behind the ear
The incision is hidden in the crease behind the ear where it is essentially invisible in normal viewing. This is the standard approach for all major otoplasty variants.
Cartilage-scoring and folding
The cartilage is scored on the front surface to weaken it and allow folding into the natural antihelical shape that is missing or underdeveloped in protruding ears.
Permanent suture fixation
Permanent sutures placed through the reshaped cartilage secure the new position while healing consolidates the change.
Conchal setback
For ears where the concha (the deeper bowl of the ear) is over-projected, the concha is repositioned closer to the head — reducing the overall projection at the deeper anatomic level.
Earlobe repositioning or repair
Torn earlobes are repaired; stretched or asymmetric lobes are reshaped. Often done alongside main otoplasty or as a separate office procedure.
Both ears addressed together
When both ears need work, they are shaped together to achieve symmetry — measuring, marking, and comparing throughout the operation.
Every case at NCSS is under physician anesthesia — no CRNAs — and Dr. Denise Scott (endocrinology) is on call for our surgical patients.
Headband recovery. Long-term stability.
Discharged the day of surgery. Bulky compression dressing around the head. Mild-to-moderate discomfort managed with the standard pain protocol.
Dressing removed; supportive headband begun. Ears will look somewhat swollen and pinker than expected — normal at this stage.
Headband worn continuously (except brief periods for hygiene). Most children return to school by day 7–10 wearing the headband. Adults return to work similarly.
Headband transitioned to nighttime-only wear. Ears look substantially normal. Swelling continues to resolve.
Nighttime headband gradually discontinued. Final ear position becomes stable. Behind-ear incision fading.
Otoplasty results are essentially permanent. The cartilage holds its new position; the suture fixation supports it during the initial healing period.
Every otoplasty patient at NCSS is covered by our Rest-Assure program: physician anesthesia on the day of surgery, one nurse from arrival through discharge, and post-operative direct access to your surgeon — not an answering service.
Six surgeons. Facial and pediatric otoplasty experience.
Otoplasty is one of the procedures where surgeon comfort with pediatric cases matters. Meet more than one when planning for a child.
Dr. Nichter
F.A.A.P. · Craniofacial + PediatricTriple-boarded; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; craniofacial and pediatric otoplasty experience.
View surgeon →Dr. Horowitz
Craniofacial + Facial PracticeEmory + UVA under Milton Edgerton; craniofacial fellowship training including otoplasty.
View surgeon →Dr. Toohey
All-UC · Full Facial PracticeAll-UC training including Children's Hospital of Orange County affiliation; otoplasty in adults and older children.
View surgeon →Dr. Hendricks
Triple-Board · Facial PracticeTriple-boarded; otoplasty as part of full facial rejuvenation practice.
View surgeon →Dr. Bernett
Female Surgeon · Facial PracticeUC Irvine trained; otoplasty as part of aesthetic and reconstructive facial practice.
View surgeon →Dr. Andre
New Generation · Broad TrainingCleveland Clinic + UC Davis + Loyola + Pacific Center; modern otoplasty technique.
View surgeon →The right starting point is a conversation.
Every otoplasty consultation at NCSS begins with time — time to understand your specific concerns (or your child's), review the anatomy, and determine whether the OR or an office procedure is the right setting.
Call (949) 644-8182Monday–Thursday, 8am–3pm · Friday by appointment only.
Related procedures.
Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery — occasionally combined with adult otoplasty for comprehensive facial refresh.
Learn more →Rhinoplasty
Nose surgery — occasionally combined with otoplasty in patients addressing multiple facial features.
Learn more →Chin & Cheek Enhancement
Facial structural augmentation — a broader consideration when addressing facial harmony.
Learn more →