Home » Face » Ear Recontouring

Ear Pinning Surgery in Las Vegas

Ear Reshaping for Children and Adults

Prominent ears can be emotionally distressing for young children and adults alike. Otoplasty works to correct prominent ears, by reshaping and/or repositioning the cartilage of the ears so they lay closer to the head and have a more natural appearance.

Performed with an incision hidden on the back of the ear, the cartilage is removed, refined and contoured into a more natural position and appearance. Stitches are then precisely placed to maintain the new form and close the incision.

  • Improved Ear Symmetry: Otoplasty can correct asymmetrical ears, making them more symmetrical and balanced with the rest of the facial features.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics for Protruding Ears: The surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals with protruding ears, bringing them closer to the head for a more typical appearance.
  • Boosted Self-Confidence: Many individuals, especially children, can experience increased self-esteem and confidence after the surgery, especially if they were previously self-conscious about their ears.
  • Correction of Congenital Defects: Otoplasty can correct congenital ear deformities, offering both aesthetic and psychological benefits.
  • Improved Proportions: The procedure can resize ears that are overly large, bringing them into better proportion with the head and face.
  • Minimal Scarring: Incisions are usually made behind the ear, making any scarring less visible.
  • Permanent Results: The results of otoplasty are generally permanent, providing a lifelong resolution to issues with ear shape or size.
  • Safe for Children and Adults: Otoplasty can be safely performed on both children (typically after the age of 5) and adults.
  • Customizable Procedure: The surgery can be tailored to the specific needs and goals of the individual, whether it’s pinning back, reshaping, reducing size, or repairing injury.
  • Enhanced Comfort with Glasses or Headwear: Reshaping the ears can make wearing glasses, headphones, or certain types of headwear more comfortable.
  • Anesthesia: Medications used to prevent pain during surgery, which can be either general (inducing unconsciousness) or local (numbing a specific area).
  • Cartilage: A flexible, connective tissue found in the ears; otoplasty often involves reshaping this cartilage to alter the ear’s appearance.
  • Congenital: A term referring to conditions present from birth. Some ear deformities corrected by otoplasty are congenital.
  • Ear Pinning: A common technique in otoplasty where protruding ears are surgically repositioned closer to the head for a more typical appearance.
  • Incision: A surgical cut made during otoplasty, typically hidden behind the ear or within its natural folds.
  • Otoplasty: A cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure to change the shape, position, or size of the ears.
  • Prominent Ears: Ears that stick out more than usual from the side of the head, often the reason for seeking otoplasty.
  • Recovery Period: The time it takes for a patient to heal postoperatively, during which activities may be restricted and swelling and bruising subside.
  • Reconstructive Otoplasty: Otoplasty performed to correct deformities or injuries of the ears, focusing on restoring normal shape and function.
  • Sutures: Stitches used to close incisions or reshape ear cartilage in otoplasty.
  • Symmetry: In otoplasty, the goal is often to achieve symmetry between both ears in terms of size, shape, and position.

Advantages of having otoplasty as a child

Performing the procedure earlier in life can reduce teasing and the negative self-image a child might develop as a result. Dr. Pancholi can perform otoplasty on children as young as 5 years old, when the ears are fully developed. For younger patients, he may recommend general anesthesia, administered by a board certified MD anesthesiologist, to make the experience more comfortable.

Otoplasty for adults

Adults who have always thought about changing the appearance of their ears can benefit from otoplasty as well. With an improved ear contour, you will have more options for wearing your hair without feeling self-conscious about your ears and enjoy a more refined balance to your facial features overall.

Learn more in a consultation

Whatever your age or concern, Dr. Pancholi can help you achieve more natural and proportionate ears. Please call or contact us online to schedule a consultation for you or your child to learn more about otoplasty.

References »

Handler EB, Song T, Shih C. Complications of otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2013 Nov;21(4):653-62. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2013.08.001. 

Siegert R, Magritz R. Otoplasty and Auricular Reconstruction. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. 2019 Aug;35(4):377-386. doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1693745. 

Hoshal SG, Morisada MV, Tollefson TT. Reducing Surgical Risks for Otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2023 May;31(2):253-261. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.01.011. 

Ordon A, Wolfswinkel E, Shauly O, Gould DJ. Aesthetic Otoplasty: Principles, Techniques and an Integrated Approach to Patient-Centric Outcomes. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019 Oct;43(5):1214-1225. doi: 10.1007/s00266-019-01441-2.

Stewart KJ, Lancerotto L. Surgical Otoplasty: An Evidence-Based Approach to Prominent Ears Correction. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2018 Feb;26(1):9-18. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2017.09.002.

Area Served