Trust your otoplasty to the team of board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeons at L&P Aesthetics. Dr. Steven A. Curti, Dr. David M. Lieberman and Dr. Sachin S. Parikh have extensive experience providing otoplasty surgery, and our team will create a safe, comfortable experience as we help you achieve your desired appearance. Whether you’re interested in ear augmentation, ear pinning or ear reduction, we can develop a treatment plan that best complements your face shape and facial features.
What Is Otoplasty?
Protruding or misshapen ears can impact the appearance of both children and adults. The ears should naturally lay close to the head to help outline the face and create a balanced proportion and symmetry to the entire face. For any person who would like to alter the appearance of their ears, a surgical treatment called otoplasty (or ear pinning surgery) can reshape the ears to a more natural contour. Our surgical team has extensive training in the treatment of the external ear and offers a technique with highly reliable results.
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What to Expect Before the Procedure
Before the surgery, you will meet with one of our otoplasty surgeons, who will examine the size, shape and placement of your ears. During your consultation, they will ask questions about your medical history and desired appearance. Our team will also show you before and after photos from other patients who have had otoplasty at L&P Aesthetics, use our imaging software to show you what you might look like after the procedure, and answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Otoplasty takes about one to two hours to complete. You may receive local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia. During surgery, our surgeons may place internal sutures to create the desired contour and shape of the ear. In some instances, we will excise excess cartilage and use sutures to bring the ear closer to the head. We conceal all incisions on the backside of the ear in the natural folds.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After completing your procedure, our team will place a dressing over your ears to allow them to heal. As you recover, we advise you to avoid touching or scratching your ears, avoid lying on your ears as you sleep, and wear clothing you do not need to pull over your head. It’s common for your ears to feel slightly sore or itchy after surgery.
Each patient will receive a headband that protects the ears as they recover. This is worn all day for the first few days and then only at night for a few weeks. We advise most patients to avoid strenuous exercise for two to three weeks after their procedure and avoid any form of contact sports for six weeks.
Why L&P Aesthetics for an Otoplasty and I am a Good Candidate?
Common reasons for seeking out this type of surgery:
- Oversized ears
- Ears that protrude from the sides of the head
- Misshapen ears with abnormal folds or contours
Parents often ask about timing for treating their children’s ears. This can be a very personal decision for a family. If possible, we recommend correcting these deformities just before elementary school starts. This time typically coincides with a change in the social environment in schools, when a child is at higher risk of being teased or insulted.
We have also treated many older children and adults who never addressed their ears at an earlier age. We pride ourselves in being able to deliver extremely successful surgical correction for patients of any age that deal with this deformity. It is extremely rewarding to help our patients enhance their appearances to build their confidence.
An additional benefit of having surgery with L&P Aesthetics is access to The iO Clinic’s Surgical Recovery Package designed by Drs. Lieberman, Parikh, and Curti. This post-operative recovery protocol enhances your overall recovery, speeds up the recovery timeframe and improves your long-term results.
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Otoplasty Before and After Gallery
View real results from real patients below.
Types of Otoplasty Surgery
The right type of otoplasty ear surgery for you will largely depend on your desired results. The different types of otoplasty include:
- Ear reduction: If you have macrotia or a condition where your ears are larger than average, you may wish to reduce their size.
- Ear pinning: This form of otoplasty involves drawing the ears closer to the head to reduce their protruding appearance.
- Ear augmentation: If your ears are small or have not completely developed, you can undergo ear augmentation to increase the size of the outer ear.
Recovery and Beyond
Patients return home the same day of surgery after recovering from either sedation or anesthesia. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home following the procedure. Patients should expect about a one-week recovery. Each patient will receive a headband that protects the ears as they recover. This is worn all day for the first few days and then at night only for a few weeks. We advise most patients to avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks after their procedure. Any form of contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks.
The ear is a complex blend of contour and shadowing. To recreate a natural contour of an ear requires precise manipulation of the skin and cartilage. It is essential that the ears are set at a natural position, not “pulled” too tightly. We have extensive experience with cosmetic surgery of the ear, but also take great pride in our reconstructive ear surgery for congenital and traumatic ear defects. Our experience allows us to deliver consistent and reliable results. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem. We have provided otoplasty before and after photos of our patients to help you visualize the possibilities.
