DVA Plastic Surgery | Precision Ear Surgery

Otoplasty

Ear Pinning & Reshaping in Bellaire & River Oaks, TX

Improve Appearance & Self-Confidence

Otoplasty (ear surgery) is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. It does not affect hearing, but provides significant psychological benefits to anyone who is teased about ear size or shape, has had a serious ear injury, or simply wants to improve their appearance.

People of any age who feel self-conscious about their ears may be good candidates, although it is typically performed on children between 4 and 14 years old. Ears are almost fully developed by age 4, making early intervention an excellent choice for a child’s confidence.

The Goal: Otoplasty is most often performed to set unusually protruding ears closer to the head (ear pinning) or to reduce the size of abnormally large ears.

Correction & Repair

Beyond aesthetic pinning, otoplasty is helpful in repairing a variety of developmental or trauma-related ear conditions.

Lop ear (abnormal constructions) | Cauliflower ear | Stretched or torn earlobes | Microtia (abnormally small ears) | New ear construction from birth defects or injury

The Otoplasty Procedure

Strategic Incisions
Otoplasty begins with a small incision behind the ear, placed in the natural crease where the ear meets the head for maximum discretion.
Cartilage Sculpting
The cartilage is expertly sculpted and bent to achieve the desired appearance. In some cases, excess skin is removed while the cartilage is folded back on itself to create a less protruding ear.
Outpatient Care
The procedure generally takes 2 to 3 hours. General anesthesia is used for very young patients, while local anesthesia and a sedative are recommended for older children and adults.
Achieving Symmetry
To ensure results are as symmetrical as possible, both ears may be operated on even if only one has a noticeable problem. Sutures and bandages hold the ears in position during the initial healing.

Recovery & Downtime

Although the ears may ache or throb for a few days, patients usually feel normal within hours of surgery. Medication is prescribed to alleviate discomfort. Bandages around the head are replaced with a surgical dressing for about a week.

Most patients return to their normal routines in about 1 week. It is essential to avoid sleeping on your side for the first 2 weeks after surgery to ensure the newly sculpted cartilage remains in position.

Post-Op Expectations

Invisible Scarring
After healing, faint scars remain on the backs of the ears. Their strategic placement makes them virtually invisible.
Stitch Removal
Stitches are typically removed after approximately one week of healing.
Sleep Positioning
Sleeping on the back (not sides) is strictly recommended for at least 2 weeks following the procedure.

Expertise you can trust

Dare V. Ajibade, MD, Ph.D., MPH

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Dare V. Ajibade is an aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks, Lipo 360, and breast surgery, all of which are central to a Mommy Makeover. He completed his plastic surgery fellowship at Temple University Hospital and an aesthetic fellowship at North Texas Plastic Surgery.

His extensive background in general surgery, plastic surgery, and clinical research informs every personalized treatment plan. As a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ajibade follows the highest standards in patient care.

More about Dr. Ajibade

Risks & Complications

Complications of otoplasty are rare and usually minor. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot or an infection in the cartilage, which can be treated medically. Other possible complications include temporary changes in skin sensation.

While every effort is made to achieve harmony, patients should not expect the ears to match exactly; even natural ears are not entirely symmetrical. Otoplasty aims for a natural look that sits closer to the head and is proportional to your features.