Many people have the privilege of not thinking about their ears, but some people with ears that are too large, stick out, or fold over often think—and worry—about them every day. Studies show that people with these kinds of ear abnormalities don’t just struggle with their self-esteem, but also their social and professional lives.
At Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, we don’t accept that. Rather than letting your anxieties control you, we’re here to empower you to take control of them, so you can make the most of every moment.
As a uniquely board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and head and neck (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Steven Pearlman specializes in otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, in NYC. Here’s everything you need to know about “ear pinning”—a life-changing, lifelong solution.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes prominent or protruding ears, whether it be due to injury or inborn congenital deformity, to reestablish facial harmony. The procedure consists of reshaping and/or repositioning the ear cartilage, moving the ears closer to the sides of the head, and oftentimes reshaping them.
Before we discuss how Dr. Pearlman personalizes every patient’s otoplasty, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the ear. The auricle or “pinna” is the external, visible part of the ear that funnels sound waves into the ear canal, and the auricular cartilage is what otoplasty primarily remolds. The concha is the cup-like structure in the middle of the ear, which can emphasize the appearance of prominent ears, depending on its depth and position. The antihelical fold is the inner ridge that defines the ears’ shape, and an underdeveloped fold can cause the ears to appear more prominent.
While Dr. Pearlman tailors his otoplasty techniques to every individual’s needs, the two most common primary objectives to correct protruding ears include:
- Removing small pieces of cartilage or adding sutures to the concha bowl to minimize deep “cupping.”
- Defining the antihelical fold that creates a “Y” shape at the top of the ear through Mustardé sutures.
Remember, every patient’s surgical plan looks different, and we also correct “constricted” ears that are excessively small or cupped. While many individuals undergo this surgery in early childhood, we perform the procedure on patients who are 6 years of age and older, as the ears generally grow to their full size by this age. While otoplasty is typically performed on both ears to ensure symmetry, in special cases (such as some injuries), Dr. Pearlman may only perform surgery on one ear.
What to Expect From Ear Pinning Surgery
In NYC, many plastic surgeons perform otoplasty, but there aren’t many with the same proven expertise as Dr. Pearlman. Here’s a closer look at what to expect when you come to our office for ear pinning surgery, but remember that we do things differently—we do them better—in every aspect, from your experience to your results.
Your Consultation
First, you’ll meet privately with Dr. Pearlman for an in-person consultation. Here, we’ll take the time to truly get to know you and understand your situation, from your concerns and goals to your budget and lifestyle. Then, we’ll examine your—or your child’s—ears before providing personalized recommendations, explaining the reasoning behind each step that we propose.
We do not provide cost estimates over the phone because many factors influence your otoplasty cost in NYC. Those factors can only be determined from an in-office visit, after which we will provide a detailed estimate and discuss financing options as needed.
Preparing for Ear Pinning Surgery
Once you’re cleared for ear pinning surgery in NYC, we’ll craft your unique plan and help you schedule your procedure. Then, we’ll provide you with specific pre-op instructions, which may include fasting for at least 8 hours and adjusting your medication usage.
The Procedure
We value your emotional comfort just as much as your physical comfort. When you arrive for your surgery, we’ll answer any questions you have and review the process once again before helping you get situated and administering anesthesia. Typically, we place adult patients under local anesthesia with some oral sedation and children under general anesthesia.
The surgery itself generally takes about 2.5 hours. After carefully making incisions around the posterior (back) of your ear to minimize visible scarring, Dr. Pearlman will remove excess skin and cartilage. To reshape the auricular cartilage, he may perform “scoring,” creating tiny incisions in the cartilage to reduce its rigidity and make it more malleable.
If needed, he’ll then recreate or enhance the antihelical folds to ensure the most natural-looking results. In cases of severe ear protrusion, Dr. Pearlman will carefully adjust the concha—possibly removing a small amount of cartilage—to reposition them closer to the head. Finally, he’ll “pin” the gently folded cartilage securely into place with internal stitches, covering the ear in a soft dressing aid and placing drains to support the healing process.
Recovering From Ear Pinning Surgery
In NYC, Dr. Pearlman has gained a reputation not only for his attention to detail during surgery, but also after. It’s important to closely follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions to ensure the safest, most comfortable recovery possible and support optimal results.
Otoplasty typically requires 1 to 2 weeks of downtime, so it’s important to take time off of work or school to prioritize your recovery. During that first week, we’ll remove any drains placed 1 to 2 days post-op and bandages about 4 days after surgery. We recommend managing any mild pain with Tylenol or Advil, although we may prescribe stronger pain medications as needed.
You’ll also need to wear a compression headband—including while you sleep—for at least the first week after surgery to support your ears as they heal in their new position. After 1 to 2 weeks, Dr. Pearlman strongly recommends that you continue to wear the headband at night for the next 3 months as the tissues settle into place. While most people can return to their normal activities after 2 to 3 weeks, keep in mind that full tissue healing will take 3 to 6 months.
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Common Misconceptions About Ear Pinning Surgery
As part of our commitment to empowering you to make informed decisions, we’re addressing some of the most common misconceptions about ear pinning surgery. For more exclusive insights from our surgeons, explore our blogs and video gallery, or sign up for our newsletter to get updates delivered.
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Otoplasty Is Only for Children
We perform ear pinning surgery in NYC on children—ages 6 and older—and adults alike. While we recommend otoplasty for children facing bullying, mental health issues, or isolation due to their “different” ears, we also recognize that some adults never had the opportunity to do so.
It’s not too late to take action if you’re unhappy with your ears. If you’re unsure whether surgery is right for you, we’re happy to help you discuss your options. During your consultation, Dr. Pearlman will simulate your otoplasty results using computer imaging software, helping you and/or your child visualize the outcome. When children’s faces light up, that’s all the confirmation parents need that they’re making the right decision, and the same goes for you if your face lights up.
You Can’t Wear Glasses or Headphones After Otoplasty
You can absolutely wear glasses, headphones, and hats after otoplasty, but it’s important to wait until your ears have healed. Typically, after a few weeks, you can wear these items comfortably.
Otoplasty Addresses All Cosmetic Ear Concerns
Otoplasty is only one kind of ear reconstruction surgery in NYC. While we recommend ear pinning surgery in NYC to address protruding ears, other cosmetic issues—such as lop ears, microtia, and split earlobes—require alternative procedures, such as earlobe repair.
Ear Pinning Surgery Leaves Noticeable Scars
Dr. Pearlman only creates otoplasty incisions behind your ear, making them invisible from almost any angle. These hidden scars will also fade over time, fading into your ears’ natural creases.
Otoplasty Will Completely Change My Ears’ Shape
Dr. Pearlman approaches ear pinning surgery in NYC with a preservation mindset, working to preserve and enhance your natural beauty rather than overpower it. Otoplasty may adjust your ears’ shape, size, or positioning—depending on your goals—but it will not completely change your ears’ shape. For example, it may bring protruding ears closer to your head while maintaining their natural contours for natural yet noticeable results that bring harmony to your facial features.
NYC’s Top Surgeons Are Here for You
More than an award-winning plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Pearlman is a leader—traveling across the world to share his proven techniques with other expert surgeons. He leads the leaders, so here, you can trust that you’re in good hands.
Beyond ear pinning surgery in NYC, Dr. Pearlman also specializes in nose reshaping in NYC (rhinoplasty) and has perfected the art of lip injections in NYC—as featured in Vogue—so you can achieve all of your aesthetic goals in one place.
When you come to Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery, you’re never alone on your journey. We empower beauty, and that starts by empowering you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed, confident decisions about your care. Book your consultation to clear the path toward the most confident version of yourself on your terms.
