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Cosmetic Surgery

Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery): What It Is, Who It’s For, and What to Expect

June 23, 2026
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)

If you or your child have been self-conscious about prominent or asymmetrical ears for years, you’re far from alone. Specifically, ears that stick out noticeably from the sides of the head are one of the most common cosmetic concerns patients bring to consultation, and one of the most straightforward to correct.

Importantly, prominent ears don’t affect hearing at all. However, for many people they have a significant impact on confidence, particularly when it comes to hairstyles, how they feel in photos, and how comfortable they are in social situations. That’s exactly where otoplasty, also known as ear pinning surgery, comes in.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before considering the procedure. Specifically, we’ll walk through what otoplasty involves, who it suits, how much it costs at Eden Clinic in Beverly Hills, and what recovery looks like from start to finish.

What Is Otoplasty?

Essentially, otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions the outer ear to create a more balanced, natural appearance. Most commonly, this means drawing ears that protrude too far from the head closer to it, though the procedure can also address ears that differ in size, shape, or position.

Importantly, otoplasty does not affect hearing in any way. Instead, it focuses entirely on the structure and position of the outer ear, the visible part that sits against the side of the head. As a result, the improvement is purely cosmetic, though for many patients the effect on self-confidence is profound.

At Eden Clinic, otoplasty takes place under local anesthesia. Consequently, there’s no need for a general anesthetic or an overnight hospital stay. In short, most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a week.

What Does Otoplasty Treat?

In general, otoplasty is the most effective solution for the following concerns:

  • Ears that protrude noticeably from the sides of the head
  • Asymmetry between the two ears in terms of position, size, or shape
  • An underdeveloped antihelical fold, which causes the ear to appear flat and lacking in natural contour
  • Ears that feel disproportionately large relative to the head and face
  • Self-consciousness about ears that has persisted into adulthood
  • Children or teenagers who experience teasing or bullying related to the appearance of their ears

Notably, otoplasty addresses a structural characteristic of the ear’s cartilage. As a result, no non-surgical treatment can deliver comparable results. The procedure is the only reliable way to permanently correct the position and shape of a prominent ear.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

In general, otoplasty suits both adults and older teenagers who are bothered by the appearance of one or both ears. At Eden Clinic, the procedure is available to patients whose ear cartilage has fully developed, which typically occurs around age 16 to 17.

Specifically, you may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have ears that protrude significantly from the sides of your head
  • Feel self-conscious about the appearance of your ears in photographs or social situations
  • Avoid certain hairstyles because they draw attention to your ears
  • Have noticeable asymmetry between your two ears
  • Are in good general health with no conditions that could affect healing
  • Are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve

Importantly, for younger patients whose cartilage is still developing, Eden Clinic recommends waiting until growth stabilises before proceeding. In every case, suitability is assessed thoroughly during your free consultation.

What Happens During an Otoplasty Procedure?

Before the procedure, your surgeon will assess the structure of both ears and walk you through exactly what the surgery involves. At that point, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask any remaining questions and confirm your goals.

Specifically, the procedure takes place under local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake and comfortable throughout. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. Through this incision, the surgeon reshapes and repositions the cartilage using sutures to hold it in its new position. In most cases, both ears are treated in the same session to ensure symmetry.

In total, the procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Afterward, a soft bandage wraps around the head to protect the ears and support their new position during the initial healing phase. Most patients go home within a few hours of arriving at the clinic.

Otoplasty Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week

Recovery after otoplasty is generally quick and well-tolerated. Generally speaking, here’s what most patients experience at each stage:

Timeframe

What’s Happening

Days 1-3

A soft bandage covers the ears. Mild discomfort, tightness, and some swelling are normal. Rest is recommended. The bandage protects the ears and supports the new position.

Days 4-7

The bandage is typically removed around day five to seven. A softer headband takes its place and is worn, particularly at night, to protect the ears during sleep.

Week 2

Most patients return to work and light daily activities. Swelling reduces noticeably. The new ear position is clearly visible and the improvement is immediately apparent.

Weeks 3-6

The headband continues to be worn at night. Residual swelling fades further. Results become more settled and natural-looking.

Months 2-6

Final results are fully visible. The scar behind the ear fades to a fine line within the natural crease, making it virtually invisible.

In most cases, patients take five to seven days off work or school. However, contact sports and activities that could bend or knock the ears should be avoided for six weeks. As always, your surgical team will provide specific guidance tailored to your recovery.

How Much Does Otoplasty Cost at Eden Clinic?

At Eden Clinic, all pricing is clear and all-inclusive. Specifically, all prices cover your consultation, the procedure itself, and all follow-up aftercare. There are no hidden costs to factor in.

Otoplasty (both ears)

$4,500

What’s Included

Consultation, procedure, dressings, headband, and all follow-up aftercare

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia

Duration

60 to 90 minutes

Hospital Stay

None – outpatient procedure

Recovery

5 to 7 days before returning to most activities

Location

435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 405, Beverly Hills, CA 90210



How Long Do Otoplasty Results Last?

In good news, otoplasty produces permanent results. Specifically, once the cartilage heals in its repositioned shape, it remains stable for life. As a result, this is one of the very few cosmetic procedures where patients genuinely need to think about it only once.

That said, the natural aging process does cause very gradual changes to all facial features over many decades, including the ears. Nevertheless, the structural correction the procedure achieves remains stable and visible throughout a patient’s lifetime.

For patients who also want to address other aspects of facial balance and symmetry, otoplasty pairs naturally with procedures such as blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery, or facelift surgery. Your surgeon will advise on what combinations make sense for your specific goals.

Will Otoplasty Look Natural?

Understandably, this is one of the top concerns patients raise, particularly those who worry that their ears will end up looking overly flat or pinned. Fortunately, the goal of otoplasty is never to eliminate the natural contour of the ear. Rather, it’s to bring the ears into a more balanced proportion with the rest of the face.

At Eden Clinic, specifically, our surgeons take a conservative approach. The aim is always to achieve a result that looks as though the ears were simply always in that position, not that they’ve had surgery. As a result, the improvement reads as natural balance, not an obvious procedure.

Furthermore, because incisions sit behind the ear in the natural crease, scarring is virtually invisible from the front, side, or back in most patients within a few months of surgery.

Is Otoplasty Right for You?

Overall, otoplasty has one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any cosmetic procedure. For many patients, particularly those who have felt self-conscious about their ears since childhood, the change in confidence following surgery is genuinely significant and immediate.

However, it’s not the right solution for every concern. For example, patients who want to address ear size rather than protrusion, or those with more complex structural concerns, may need a different approach. That’s precisely why a thorough consultation matters.

Ultimately, the best way to find out is to speak with one of our consulting doctors. At Eden Clinic, we offer free virtual consultations so you can explore your options from the comfort of your home, with no pressure and no obligation to proceed. Book your free consultation here.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Procedure

Is otoplasty the same as ear pinning?

Essentially, yes. Otoplasty is the clinical name for the surgical procedure, while ear pinning is a common term that specifically describes drawing prominent ears closer to the head. In practice, both terms refer to the same procedure at Eden Clinic. Your surgeon will tailor the technique to your specific ear structure and goals.

No, not at all. Specifically, otoplasty addresses only the outer ear, which plays no role in hearing. Consequently, the procedure has absolutely no effect on your ability to hear. It focuses entirely on the cosmetic appearance and position of the ear.

Yes, in cases where only one ear requires correction. However, in most cases surgeons treat both ears in the same session, even if one is more prominent than the other. This approach ensures the best possible symmetry between the two sides. Your surgeon will assess both ears during your consultation and advise accordingly.

In most cases, no. The surgeon places the incision behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. As a result, the scar sits completely out of sight from the front and sides, and typically fades to a fine, barely noticeable line over the months following surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions: Costs and Next Steps

How much does otoplasty cost at Eden Clinic?

Specifically, otoplasty at Eden Clinic is priced at $4,500 for both ears. Importantly, this price includes your consultation, the procedure itself, your dressings and headband, and all follow-up aftercare. There are no additional costs to factor in.

Generally speaking, most patients take five to seven days off work or school. Furthermore, the soft headband is worn at night for around six weeks to protect the ears during sleep. In most cases, patients feel very comfortable and back to normal well within the first two weeks.

Yes, absolutely. Otoplasty pairs well with other facial procedures for patients seeking broader facial balance and rejuvenation. For example, popular combinations include blepharoplasty, brow lift surgery, and facial fat transfer. Your surgeon will advise on what makes sense for your specific goals.

Simply book a free virtual consultation with one of our consulting doctors. You can book online at edenclinic.com or call us at +1 (424) 266-6670. There’s no commitment required, and our team is happy to answer any questions you have in advance.

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