Otoplasty

Protruding, oversized, or misshapen ears can affect facial balance and symmetry for both children and adults. Ideally, the ears should rest naturally close to the head, framing the face in a way that complements the overall appearance. Otoplasty — also known as ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery — can reposition, reshape, or resize the ears to create a more natural and harmonious contour. Even small changes to the ears can have a significant positive impact on appearance and self-confidence.

Procedure Details

Otoplasty is tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and desired outcome. During the procedure, Dr. Morrin makes discreet incisions hidden behind the ear or within its natural folds. She then uses a combination of cartilage reshaping, internal sutures, and tissue adjustment to achieve the desired position and contour. Excess cartilage may be reduced if needed, or folds may be created to refine ear shape.

The surgery typically takes one to two hours and can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s needs and whether the procedure is combined with other surgeries.

Who Is a Candidate?

Otoplasty may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Have ears that protrude noticeably from the head
• Have oversized ears (macrotia)
• Have misshapen ears due to congenital differences, injury, or prior surgery
• Are children whose ear growth is nearly complete (usually age 5 or older)
• Are seeking to enhance facial balance and symmetry

Otoplasty can be performed for adults of any age, as well as for older children and teens. In pediatric cases, many families choose to proceed just before a child begins elementary school to reduce the likelihood of teasing.

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from otoplasty is generally straightforward:

• Day of Surgery: Patients return home the same day; a protective dressing is placed over the ears
• First Few Days: Continuous use of a soft headband to protect the ears and maintain their position
• After Several Days: Headband worn only at night for 2–3 weeks
• 1 Week: Most patients return to school, work, or light activities
• 2–3 Weeks: Strenuous activity can be resumed
• 6 Weeks: Safe to return to contact sports or activities where the ears might be bumped

Dr. Morrin provides detailed aftercare instructions to minimize swelling, protect the surgical results, and ensure a smooth healing process.

What Results Can I Expect?

Once healed, the ears will appear more naturally positioned and proportionate to the rest of the face. Scars are well-concealed and fade over time. Many patients report a boost in confidence and a greater willingness to wear hairstyles or accessories that show off their ears.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Morrin

As a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Morrin combines technical precision with a refined aesthetic approach to create natural, balanced ear contours. She has experience with both cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery, including correction of congenital differences and repair of traumatic injuries. Her focus on proportion, symmetry, and discreet incision placement ensures results that enhance the overall appearance without looking “over-corrected.”