Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)
Otoplasty — ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery — addresses ears that protrude significantly from the head, are asymmetrical in shape or size, or have structural irregularities that cause self-consciousness. It is one of the few cosmetic procedures commonly performed on children (typically after age 5, once the ear cartilage has sufficiently developed) as well as adults.
Dr. Rafizadeh performs otoplasty under local anesthesia with sedation for adult patients, and under general anesthesia for younger children in collaboration with a pediatric anesthesiologist. His technique reshapes the ear cartilage and positions the ears closer to the head, creating natural-looking results that are symmetric and proportionate to the face.
“The goal of otoplasty is not to create identical ears — no two ears on any person are perfectly identical. The goal is to create ears that are proportionate, symmetric within a natural range, and positioned in harmony with the rest of the face.”
What Can Otoplasty Correct?
Dr. Rafizadeh uses otoplasty to address: prominent ears that stick out significantly from the head, underdeveloped antihelical fold (causing the ear to appear flat), macrotia (overly large ears), cup ear deformity, asymmetric ears, and deformities from prior trauma or surgery.
The Surgical Technique
Incisions are placed in the natural crease behind the ear, making scars virtually invisible. Through these incisions, Dr. Rafizadeh reshapes the ear cartilage using sutures and, where necessary, removes or scores cartilage to establish the natural antihelical fold. Both ears are addressed in a single procedure, even if only one appears to be the primary concern, to achieve optimal symmetry.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–5: A soft headband or dressing is worn around the head over the ears. Mild discomfort managed with oral medication.
Week 1–2: Dressing removed. A headband is worn at night for several additional weeks to protect the ears during sleep.
Weeks 2–4: Return to most normal activities. Contact sports and activities that could bend or impact the ears avoided for 6–8 weeks.
Months 1–3: Final position settles. Scars behind the ears continue to fade.
