Otoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA
Otoplasty, commonly referred to as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a procedure designed to improve the shape, position, proportion, and sometimes size of the ears. For individuals who feel self-conscious about large or prominent ears that stick out, otoplasty can restore self-confidence. At her private practice in Pasadena, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Min performs personalized otoplasty procedures designed to create transformative results. With more than 18 years of experience, Dr. Min is known for her surgical excellence, precision, and compassionate approach. She provides individualized, expert surgical care to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals with results that complement their unique features.
To learn more about otoplasties, call or message (626) 214-5727 or contact us online and schedule a consultation with Dr. Min.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Otoplasty
Prominent ears can affect both children and adults. Otoplasty can be a transformative procedure, helping patients feel more comfortable and confident without drawing attention to the fact that surgery has been performed. Because ears complete most of their development at birth and finish maturing during childhood, Dr. Min can typically perform otoplasty as early as age five or six, helping prevent future bullying from peers over ear appearance. Prominent or atypical ear shapes can develop due to congenital conditions, injury-related trauma, or, most commonly, hereditary factors. Regardless of your ear shape, Dr. Min can create a symmetrical, natural-looking outcome. (1)
Protruding Ears
Prominent ears protrude outward from the skull in a forward-facing direction and feature distinct structural differences. In an outer ear that is properly developed, the antihelix (upper portion) has a Y-shaped fold shape that separates tissue into the superior and inferior crus. In prominent ears, this area is partially or completely flattened. This unnatural positioning can also cause the upper ear to angle forward. Some ears may also have more surface area, making the concha (the opening of the ear) deeper, wider, and larger than normally developed ears. Otoplasty resolves these concerns by setting back the concha, recreating a normal-looking antihelix, and correcting the ear angle if needed. (2)
Lobuloplasty
Dr. Min also performs surgery on stretched, torn, or disproportionate earlobes. Unlike traditional otoplasty, which targets the ear cartilage, lobuloplasty is a minor surgical procedure that corrects elongated or torn earlobe piercings or enlarged openings caused by ear plugs. Dr. Min can also trim earlobes that have elongated with age to make them smaller and more youthful-looking. This procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia in the office.
Benefits
Depending on your individual needs, otoplasty may involve pinning, reshaping, or resizing the ears to correct asymmetry and imbalance. By harmonizing ear proportions with broader facial structure, otoplasty improves overall facial balance. Once the cartilage heals, the procedure provides a lifelong structural correction. Ultimately, the goal is to empower you to live comfortably and confidently – whether engaging in social settings, posing for photos, or wearing any hairstyle without feeling self-conscious about your ears.
Candidates
You may be an ideal candidate for otoplasty if you struggle with any of the following:
- Ears that are abnormally large ( macrotia).
- Asymmetry in ear shape or size.
- Ears that protrude significantly from the head
- Unsatisfactory outcomes from a previous ear surgery.
- Structural deformities, such as a shell-like shape due to the absence of an antihelical fold.
- Ear trauma, such as “cauliflower ear.”
- Folding of the upper ear rim.
- Large, sagging, or torn earlobes.
Candidates must be five years of age or older, in good overall health, and free from medical conditions that could affect blood clotting or incision healing. Adult candidates should not smoke or be willing to quit several weeks before the procedure to ensure proper circulation and support optimal recovery. A clear, positive mindset and an understanding of the benefits, achievable outcomes, and potential risks are essential. A personal consultation with Dr. Min is an effective way to determine if you are a suitable candidate for otoplasty.
Personal Consultation
Contact us today to schedule an otoplasty consultation with Dr. Min. During your consultation, be prepared to discuss your medical history and aesthetic goals. Dr. Min will provide a comprehensive treatment plan and guide you through suitable treatment options, outlining what to expect regarding the surgical process, recovery timeframe, potential risks, and cost. Realistic expectations are essential to achieving a successful outcome. This visit is your opportunity to ask questions, address any concerns, and build your customized treatment plan with Dr. Min’s guidance. Dr. Min prioritizes patient education, excellence, and compassionate care to ensure you feel empowered and fully informed.
Procedure Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia in an office setting and takes approximately two to three hours. For younger children or patients who are particularly anxious, the procedure may instead be performed under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgical center. Because your ear surgery is customized to your specific anatomy, Dr. Min’s specific technique may vary. During the procedure, Dr. Min makes an incision behind the ear to reshape the cartilage and remove excess tissue, allowing the ears to rest closer to the head. Permanent internal sutures are then placed to secure and support the newly shaped cartilage. Dr. Min meticulously closes the incision with external stitches, taking care not to distort surrounding structures or create an unnatural “pinned-back” appearance. A sterile head dressing is then applied to protect the ears and help maintain their new position during recovery. (3)
Recovery and Results
After your procedure, Dr. Min will monitor you and discharge you the same day. You will experience some bruising and swelling in the following days which will slowly resolve. After removing your dressings, you must wear an elastic headband at night to protect your ears and preserve healing cartilage. Because cartilage tissues tend to heal slower than more vascularized areas, this headband must be worn nightly for at least three to four weeks.
If your child is the one to undergo this surgery, please understand that you will be required to monitor them closely and make sure they do not touch or place pressure on their ears. Most patients can return to work, school, and other light activities within approximately one week, depending on their individual recovery. Strenuous exercise and activities that may place pressure on the ears should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Min.
Although improvement is visible immediately after surgery, swelling will gradually resolve over time. The goal of otoplasty is a natural-looking result that improves the position and proportion of the ears while maintaining their individual character. The scar is well hidden behind the ear, tucked within the natural crease and concealed from view. Final results will occur within six months as swelling fully subsides. (3)
Cost of Otoplasty in Pasadena
The price of otoplasty depends on many factors; the final cost will be affected by the techniques chosen, the scale of the procedure, the anesthesia used, and other factors. To explore the cost of your otoplasty, please schedule a consultation online or call or text (626) 214-5727.
FAQ
How is otoplasty surgery done?
It is often performed under local anesthesia in the office setting as well as under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery center. An incision is made in the crease behind the ear that is well hidden. Sutures are then used to reshape the ear cartilage and to pin it back closer to the head. At times, a small piece of cartilage may be removed. The procedure lasts from two to three hours.
Is there an age limit to the surgery?
For children, otoplasty can be done from age 5 and up. Otoplasty can also be done in adults of all ages.
What is the recovery from otoplasty like?
After surgery, you will have a head dressing in place for a few days. You will have mild pain, bruising and swelling of the ears. A soft headband is worn at night for 4 weeks to protect the ears. You can return to work or school after 1 week with Dr. Min’s approval.
References
- Purkait R. Progression of Growth in the External Ear from Birth to Maturity: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study in India. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2013;37(3):605-616. doi:10.1007/s00266-013-0097-1
- Driessen JP, Borgstein JA, Vuyk HD. Defining the Protruding Ear. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2011;22(6):2102-2108. doi:10.1097/scs.0b013e3182326dfb
- Kaleeny J D, Janis JE. Otoplasty Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcomes: A Practical Review. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2026;14(1):e7404. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007404