Facial Surgery  ·  Syracuse, NY

Otoplasty & Ear Pinning

Balanced, natural-looking ears — for children and adults.

Otoplasty repositions and reshapes ears that stick out too far, appear overly large, or are otherwise misshapen. Most patients seek correction of prominent ears that project forward, whether that concern has been lifelong or newly bothersome. Dr. Kim performs otoplasty on both children and adults in Syracuse, Rochester, and Manhattan, NY.

Double Board-Certified, Harvard-Trained · 141 Documented Before-and-After Cases · 4.9 Average  ·  314 Reviews
Understanding Ear Prominence

What causes ears to appear prominent

Most patients are born with ears angled forward or outward. Two anatomic features are most often responsible.

Underdeveloped Antihelical Fold

The antihelix — the inner fold of ear cartilage — normally curves the ear back toward the head. When this fold hasn't formed fully, the ear projects forward more than it should.

Overdeveloped Conchal Bowl

The conchal bowl — the deep cup-shaped cartilage near the ear canal — can be larger or deeper than average, pushing the entire ear outward from the head.

Related Ear Variations

Otoplasty can also address lop ear, cup ear, constricted ear, macrotia (overly large ears), and asymmetry between the two ears — not just the classic "sticking out" presentation.

The Procedure

How Dr. Kim approaches ear reshaping

During planning, Dr. Kim carefully examines each ear's anatomy to determine which combination of techniques will restore natural proportion and shape:

  • Suture technique — reshaping and creating the antihelical fold with permanent internal sutures, without removing cartilage.
  • Conchal setback — sutures that reduce the projection of an overdeveloped conchal bowl, pulling the ear closer to the head.
  • Cartilage scoring — for firmer, more resistant cartilage, precise scoring helps the cartilage hold its new, softer curve.
  • Ear lobe reduction — a small vertical incision at the lobe when lobe size or shape is also a concern.

Incisions & anesthesia

Most incisions are placed behind the ear, where they become inconspicuous as they heal. The procedure is performed at Natural Face Clinic's accredited, AAAHC-certified office-based surgery facility. Pediatric patients typically undergo the procedure at an outpatient surgery facility under light to moderate sedation; select patients may tolerate the procedure under local anesthesia with an oral sedative. Total surgical time is usually 1–2 hours, longer if lobe reduction or additional correction is needed.

Is This The Right Procedure For You

Candidates for otoplasty — children and adults

Ear cartilage is largely mature by around age 5, but most young patients in Dr. Kim's practice undergo otoplasty at age 8 or older, once they can better cooperate with post-operative care.

  • Ears that project forward or outward ("stick out")
  • Overly large ears (macrotia)
  • Asymmetry between the two ears
  • Ear shape concerns from injury or congenital variation
  • Adults who have lived with ear concerns since childhood, now seeking correction

A note for parents

Many parents come to Natural Face Clinic because their child is being teased or targeted by other kids specifically because of prominent ears. Correcting this before a child enters a new school setting, or at any point it's affecting their confidence, is a common and well-supported reason to pursue otoplasty — self-esteem, not just appearance, is often the real motivation. Female patients sometimes describe a different version of the same story: having hidden prominent ears behind long hair for years, now wanting the freedom to wear their hair back with confidence. Otoplasty does not affect hearing.

Recovery

What recovery actually looks like

There's an on-call physician during off-hours, and every surgical patient (or parent, for pediatric patients) has direct access to the surgeon's personal cell phone for surgery-related questions.

Week 1

Patients wear a headband or ear-band day and night, providing compression and preventing the ear from being accidentally pulled or retracted, especially during sleep. The ear can be sensitive, and pain medication may be needed for the first several days.

Week 2

Daytime headband wear is often no longer needed, but nighttime compression should continue during sleep to protect the healing position of the ear.

Through 8 Weeks

We recommend continued caution to avoid the ear being accidentally pulled forward or manipulated for the first 8 weeks — this includes avoiding contact sports and vigorous activity that could put the ear at risk during this window.

Manhattan & Rochester Patients — Recovery Program

A Note On Safety
As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries standard surgical risks, which Dr. Kim reviews individually with every patient (and parent, for pediatric patients) during consultation. Perfect symmetry between the two ears is not guaranteed, and cartilage can retain some "memory" of its original shape over time.
Common Questions

Otoplasty FAQs

At what age is otoplasty commonly performed?

While ear cartilage reaches maturity around age five, otoplasty is most commonly performed on patients aged eight and older in our practice, allowing for sufficient development and the ability to cooperate with post-operative care. Adults of any age can also undergo otoplasty.

Is otoplasty only for protruding ears?

No. Otoplasty can address protruding ears, asymmetrical ears, overly large ears (macrotia), and ear shape concerns from injury or congenital variation. Dr. Kim customizes the technique to each patient's unique ear anatomy and goals.

Will otoplasty affect my hearing?

No. Otoplasty addresses the external ear's cartilage and shape only; it does not involve the ear canal or the structures responsible for hearing.

How long does the procedure take?

Otoplasty usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on complexity. If additional correction is needed, such as ear lobe reduction, the procedure may take slightly longer.

Will there be a visible scar?

Most incisions are placed behind the ear, in the natural fold, where they become well-concealed as they heal.

Real Patient Results

Actual patients of Dr. Kim

Shown with patient consent. Individual results vary by anatomy, technique, and healing.

Otoplasty patient before, front view Otoplasty patient after, front view
Case 1Before (left) & after (right) — front view
Otoplasty patient before, front view Otoplasty patient after, front view
Case 2Before (left) & after (right) — front view
Otoplasty patient before, front view Otoplasty patient after, front view
Case 3Before (left) & after (right) — front view

View More Otoplasty Results in the Full Gallery →

Patient Reviews

In their own words

★★★★★

"Dr. Kim did a great job and his staff is wonderful. Would go back to him again."

D.G. — Google
★★★★★

"Absolutely love Natural Face Clinics — Dr. Kim is amazing. He is professional, knowledgeable and the staff are fabulous! I would never go anywhere else."

M.M. — Google
★★★★★

"Lovely office... girls are great and Dr. Kim is the best."

F.B. — Google
4.9 average rating  ·  314 reviews
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