Refine Ear Shape, Position & Proportion
Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the shape, position, size, or proportion of the ears. For patients who feel their ears protrude too far from the head or appear disproportionate to their facial features, otoplasty can create a more balanced and natural-looking appearance.
Schedule a Plastic Surgery ConsultationOtoplasty may be appropriate for patients concerned about the following. Your consultation will determine whether otoplasty is the most appropriate procedure for your specific concern.
At SOMA Face & Body, otoplasty is individualized to each patient’s anatomy and goals. The objective is not to create an artificial or “pinned back” appearance, but rather to achieve ears that look naturally positioned and harmonious with the rest of the face.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions the cartilage of the external ear. It is most commonly performed to correct prominent or protruding ears, but it may also address differences in ear shape, symmetry, or proportion.
Depending on the patient’s anatomy, the surgeon may reshape existing cartilage, remove a small amount of cartilage when appropriate, or use internal sutures to reposition the ear closer to the head.
Incisions are typically placed in discreet locations, often within the natural crease behind the ear, helping scars remain well concealed as they heal.
Every ear is different, which is why your procedure begins with a personalized surgical consultation.
During your appointment, your surgeon will evaluate:
Your surgeon will then discuss the surgical approach best suited to your anatomy and goals.
The exact technique varies depending on what needs to be corrected.
During ear pinning surgery, carefully placed incisions are generally made behind the ear. The underlying cartilage can then be reshaped, repositioned, or secured with sutures to create a more natural contour and decrease excessive projection.
The procedure is carefully planned to maintain the natural curves and definition of the ear while improving its relationship to the head.
Both ears are evaluated together to achieve the best possible balance and symmetry.
Following surgery, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, tenderness, and tightness around the ears. These changes gradually improve as healing progresses.
A protective dressing or headband may be recommended following surgery to protect the ears and support their new position.
Patients should avoid pressure or trauma to the ears during the early healing period. Your surgical team will provide specific instructions regarding sleeping position, showering, activity, exercise, and when a protective headband should be worn.
Most patients can gradually return to their normal routine as healing allows, although strenuous activity and activities that could impact the ears may need to be avoided for several weeks.
Recovery varies by patient, so your surgeon will provide individualized postoperative instructions.
The improvement in ear position is often noticeable soon after surgery, although swelling may temporarily obscure the final appearance.
As swelling continues to resolve and the tissues settle, the ears develop a more natural appearance. Final healing occurs gradually over the following weeks and months.
Otoplasty results are generally intended to be long-lasting.
Whenever possible, otoplasty incisions are positioned behind the ears within natural folds and creases, making them difficult to see from the front.
Scars initially may appear pink or firm but typically soften and fade with time. Scar healing varies from patient to patient.
Although both procedures involve the ear, they address very different concerns.
Otoplasty changes the shape or position of the external ear and is often used for prominent or protruding ears.
Earlobe repair focuses specifically on the earlobe and may be used to correct stretched, torn, elongated, or damaged earlobes.
Patients with concerns involving both the ear and earlobe can discuss all available options during their consultation.
Yes. Depending on a patient’s goals, otoplasty may be performed independently or discussed alongside other facial procedures.
Related procedures may include:
Your surgeon will determine whether combining procedures is appropriate based on your health, anatomy, and treatment plan.
At SOMA Face & Body, our approach to ear surgery focuses on proportion, balance, and natural-looking results.
Every otoplasty procedure is individually planned according to the patient’s unique cartilage structure, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
If prominent, asymmetric, or disproportionate ears have been a concern for you, a surgical consultation can help determine which approach is most appropriate.
Otoplasty may be an option for patients who are bothered by the appearance or position of their ears and would like a more balanced facial profile.
Otoplasty can be performed in both adolescents and adults. For younger patients, ear development, maturity, overall health, and the individual circumstances surrounding treatment are considered during consultation.
ACCREDITED. VERIFIED. TRUSTED.
SOMA Face & Body is proudly AAAHC accredited, reflecting rigorous standards for patient safety, clinical protocols, infection prevention, emergency preparedness, and quality of care. This accreditation is earned through an independent evaluation of the facility, team, and systems behind every patient experience.
For our patients, it means care is being delivered in an environment built around exceptional safety, precision, accountability, and continuous quality improvement.
Ear pinning is a commonly used term for otoplasty. Otoplasty can involve much more than simply moving the ears closer to the head; it may also reshape cartilage, improve ear folds, address asymmetry, or improve overall ear proportion.
The goal is a natural position and contour, not an overly flattened appearance. The procedure is customized to the patient’s anatomy so that the ears remain proportionate to the face.
Yes. Otoplasty can be performed on adults who have been bothered by prominent or disproportionate ears for many years or who simply wish to improve their ear shape or position.
Yes. Some degree of natural asymmetry is extremely common. One ear may protrude more than the other or have a slightly different cartilage structure. Your surgeon evaluates each ear individually while planning them together for improved balance.
The structural changes created during otoplasty are designed to be long-lasting. However, normal aging and changes in the tissues continue throughout life.
Incisions are generally positioned behind the ears or within natural creases whenever possible. Scars typically become less noticeable as they mature.
Meet with our surgical team to discuss your concerns, learn about your options, and receive a personalized treatment plan.