Ear Pinning & Reshaping (Otoplasty)
If prominent or asymmetrical ears have affected your confidence, or your child’s, you are not alone. Otoplasty, commonly called ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery, is one of the most rewarding cosmetic procedures performed at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates. Our board-certified plastic surgeons serve patients throughout Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, delivering precise, natural-looking results for children and adults alike.
Whether you are a parent exploring options for your child or an adult ready to address a lifelong concern, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the shape, size, position, or projection of one or both ears. It is most commonly performed to set prominent ears closer to the head, but it can also address:
- Ears that protrude more than 2 cm from the side of the head
- Asymmetrical ears, where one ear sits differently than the other
- Overly large ears (macrotia)
- Congenital ear deformities or underdeveloped ear structures
- Stretched or torn earlobes1
The procedure does not affect hearing. It focuses entirely on the external structure of the ear, reshaping and repositioning the cartilage to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance.
Why People Choose Ear Pinning Surgery
Protruding or misshapen ears can be a source of self-consciousness from a very young age. Children are especially vulnerable to teasing, and many adults carry the emotional weight of this concern well into adulthood. Otoplasty offers a permanent solution with results that look completely natural and can have a dramatic effect on self-esteem.2
Patients choose ear pinning surgery to:
- Improve facial balance and proportion
- Boost self-confidence and reduce self-consciousness
- Expand hairstyle and eyewear options
- Correct asymmetry between the two ears
- Address concerns that have persisted since childhood
Results are long-lasting. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and secured, the ears maintain their new position as a natural part of your anatomy.
Am I a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is appropriate for both children and adults. Most surgeons recommend waiting until a child is at least 5 years old, when the ear cartilage has reached sufficient maturity. There is no upper age limit for adults.
You or your child may be a good candidate if:
- One or both ears protrude noticeably from the head
- Ear shape or size causes self-consciousness or social difficulty
- The ears are fully developed (typically by age 5 to 6 in children)
- You are in good overall health with no active ear infections
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome3
During your consultation at Hankins & Sohn, our surgeons will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate technique for your situation.
How Otoplasty Works
Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s age and preference. The surgery generally takes one to two hours.
The most common technique involves:
- A small incision made in the natural crease behind the ear, keeping any scarring hidden from view
- Reshaping and repositioning the ear cartilage to achieve the desired contour and position
- Placing permanent sutures to hold the cartilage in its new position
- Closing the incision with fine sutures
For cases involving ear reduction or earlobe repair, the technique is adjusted accordingly. Our surgeons tailor every procedure to the individual patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Otoplasty Recovery Timeline
Recovery from ear pinning surgery is generally straightforward. Most patients return to school or desk work within one week.
Days 1 to 3: A soft bandage or headband dressing is worn around the ears to protect the surgical site and support healing. Some swelling and bruising are normal.
Days 4 to 7: Dressings are typically removed or replaced at a follow-up visit. Mild discomfort is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Weeks 1 to 2: Most patients return to school or non-strenuous work. A lighter headband may be recommended at night to protect the ears during sleep.
Weeks 2 to 6: Strenuous physical activity and contact sports should be avoided. Swelling continues to subside.
Months 1 to 3: Final results become fully visible as residual swelling resolves. The ears settle into their new, natural position.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries a small degree of risk. Our surgeons discuss all potential considerations with you in full during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Possible risks include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, or numbness around the ears
- Asymmetry in the final position of the ears, which may require a minor revision
- Infection at the incision site (rare when post-operative care instructions are followed)
- Changes in skin sensation that typically resolve over time
- Suture complications, including sutures that may become visible under the skin
Serious complications are uncommon when otoplasty is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Our team will review your medical history, current medications, and health status prior to surgery to minimize your individual risk profile.
Before & After Photos
Results speak louder than words. Browse our otoplasty before and after gallery to see the natural, lasting outcomes our board-certified surgeons have achieved for patients in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Each case reflects our commitment to proportion, symmetry, and results that look like you, only more balanced.
Planning Your Otoplasty Procedure*
Average Procedure Time:
1 – 2 hours
Average Recovery Time:
1 week
Post-Op Consultation:
8 weeks
*Your treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates will be customized to meet your needs and your individual experience will vary depending on a number of factors. All information provided on this page is an estimate of typical time and cost and does not represent an offer or guarantee of pricing or availability. Please schedule a consultation appointment to discuss which options may apply to you.
Why Choose Hankins & Sohn for Otoplasty in Las Vegas and Henderson
At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, our board-certified plastic surgeons bring decades of combined experience to every procedure. Our practice has earned recognition as one of the most trusted names in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in the Las Vegas Valley.
Our credentials and distinctions include:
Dr. W. Tracy Hankins has dedicated more than 25 years to the practice of plastic surgery, earning consistent recognition among the region’s top physicians for his precision, artistry, and commitment to patient outcomes. His Castle Connolly Top Doctor designation and Vegas Seven Magazine recognition reflect a standard of care that Las Vegas and Henderson patients have trusted for over two decades.
Dr. Samuel M. Sohn is fellowship-trained and holds a medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. His approach to otoplasty is rooted in individualized care, meticulous technique, and a genuine commitment to helping each patient, and each family, feel heard and supported throughout the process. Patients consistently highlight Dr. Sohn’s thoroughness and compassion in their reviews on RealSelf and Google.
Together, our surgeons and clinical team are dedicated to helping every patient, child or adult, feel confident and comfortable from the first consultation through final results.
Financing and Payment Options
We believe exceptional surgical care should be accessible. Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates offers flexible financing options to help make your procedure fit your budget. Otoplasty performed for cosmetic reasons is generally not covered by insurance; however, cases involving congenital deformities or reconstructive needs may qualify for partial coverage. Our team is happy to discuss your needs with you in person or via telehealth.
Contact Us
Ready to take the next step? Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates are proud to serve patients throughout Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. Schedule your otoplasty consultation today and discover what natural, lasting results can do for your confidence.
1 Mayo Clinic. Otoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/otoplasty/about/pac-20394822. Accessed April 16, 2026.
2 Eskandari S, Ramirez G, Aderinwale B, Yohannes R, Zabel D. Assessing Patient Satisfaction Following Otoplasty: A Social Media Analysis. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2026 Feb 6;19(1):11. doi: 10.3390/cmtr19010011. PMID: 41725914; PMCID: PMC12922110. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12922110/. Accessed April 16, 2026.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for ear surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/ear-surgery/candidates. Accessed April 16, 2026.
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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.