Otoplasty
Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY
Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a procedure that reshapes, resizes, and modifies the appearance of the ears. This procedure can improve self-confidence and self-esteem by creating more natural and balanced ears and bringing harmony to the entire face.
Dr. Jennifer Levine is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She is also an ENT, and hers was recently named best liquid rhinoplasty in NYC by Modern Luxury Manhattan in their latest publishing. She leads her practice as a top-rated plastic surgeon in NYC with a deep specialization in facial surgery. Her deep understanding of the intricacies of facial anatomy allow her to enhance ear aesthetics to achieve harmony and balance. If you want to correct the appearance of your ears, contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to learn more.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Otoplasty
Otoplasty pins back ears that stick out too far from the head by reshaping the ear cartilage to fix structural deformities. (1) This procedure is ideal for children between the ages of 5 and 14 once the ear cartilage has matured or teens and adults who feel self-conscious about their ear appearance.
Benefits
Otoplasty can bring a number of benefits, including:
- Aesthetic Improvements: Otoplasty can correct issues such as overly large ears, protruding ears, or asymmetrical ears, enhancing facial symmetry and balance.
- Improved Confidence: By addressing concerns about ear appearance, this procedure can significantly improve self-confidence, thus improving social interactions and overall quality of life.
- Safety & Effectiveness: As a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Levine’s minimally invasive approach makes otoplasty a safe, smooth, and effective procedure.
- Minimal Downtime: Recovery from otoplasty is typically quick, allowing patients to return to their normal activities immediately.
- Long-lasting Results: The changes made during an otoplasty are permanent, providing long-term satisfaction with the appearance of the ears.
Candidates
If you are experiencing prominent ears that protrude noticeably, have ears that appear large for your face, have asymmetrical ears, or are seeking revision ear surgery, you may benefit greatly from otoplasty. You must also be in relatively good health and free from chronic ear infections or medical conditions that can impede healing or elevate surgical risks. Additionally, you must be a non-smoker. It is vital that you have a clear understanding of the procedure’s outcomes. Dr. Jennifer Levine considers each patient’s motivation for change and other factors to ensure they have realistic expectations for the results of an otoplasty.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, Dr. Levine will begin by evaluating your medical history and thoroughly examining the appearance of your ears to identify the areas in need of correction. She will also discuss your goals for your procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your otoplasty. After gathering the necessary information, she will create a detailed treatment plan that will include your personalized procedure along with a cost estimate. If you are ready to explore your otoplasty options, contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to schedule your personal consultation.
Preparation
To effectively prepare for your otoplasty procedure, Dr. Levine advises that you follow certain guidelines to achieve optimal results. She advises you to:
- Quit smoking and other nicotine use
- Avoid any blood-thinning medications and supplements
- Pick up any antibiotics or other prescribed medications
- Arrange transportation home and have a trusted adult stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure
- Arrive at your appointment with thoroughly washed hair and without any makeup or ear jewelry
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for your procedure
Procedure
At the beginning of your procedure, if you are an adult, you will typically receive local anesthesia; however, children typically will receive general anesthesia to remain comfortably asleep throughout treatment. Next, Dr. Levine will make small incisions behind the ears or within the natural folds of the ears to hide future scarring. To reshape the ear, she will trim the excess cartilage or bend it toward the back of the head to create a balanced, natural contour. Next, she will place internal sutures to hold the ear in its new position. After creating your ideal ear appearance, she will suture incisions and apply the appropriate dressings. This surgery typically takes one to three hours, depending on the severity of your concerns and whether one or both ears are being addressed.
It is crucial that the surgeon you choose for your otoplasty is an expert in facial and aural anatomy. (2) Dr. Levine is an experienced plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial procedures. She is one of only a few surgeons who are double-board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery), making her a sought-after specialist for ear surgery. Thousands of patients have trusted Dr. Levine to perform otoplasty for life-changing results and a boost in self-confidence. She will ensure the final appearance of your ears is symmetrical and aligns with your facial features.
Recovery
The recovery after otoplasty depends on a variety of individual factors. For optimal healing, it is important to follow post-operation instructions. Your recovery may look something like this:
24 Hours
You may experience swelling, but wearing a headband day and night can offer support to the new ear position and keep pressure on swollen areas. Resting during this time is crucial, and you must limit physical activity.
First Week
Swelling and bruising may peak during the first few days, and you must continue to wear a headband day and night to protect your ears. Most patients can return to work or school, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting are still prohibited.
Two to Four Weeks
During this time, you will notice a reduction in swelling and bruising, and you can transition to wearing a headband only at night. Additionally, normal activities can be resumed, but contact sports or activities that risk bending the ears should be avoided.
One to Two Months
After one to two months, most of the healing will be complete, and the final results will start to become noticeable. You may comfortably resume all activities, including sports, at this time.
Six Months and Beyond
After six months, you will see your final results, and scar tissues will mature and soften. Your ears will also fully settle into their new position with a natural appearance and symmetry. Ears that were once too prominent will now be flush with the head and blend with other facial features.
Results
The results from an otoplasty are generally permanent. During your procedure, Dr. Levine will reshape the ear using techniques such as ear pinning and the use of permanent sutures. (3) The cartilage will also be secured in place to maintain the new shape of the ear, and once healed, these changes are enduring.
Considerations
Otoplasty is ideal for individuals who are self-conscious about the shape, size, and symmetry of their ears. This procedure can correct protruding, large, or asymmetrical ears by enhancing facial balance and aesthetics. However, when we focus on a facial feature that seems to bring imbalance to our facial appearance, another feature may need to be addressed as well. The best way to find out if otoplasty is an ideal procedure for you is by scheduling a consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Levine.
Safety
Ear surgery can be suitable for both children and adults. When considering ear reshaping for children, parents should consider several factors, including:
- Ideal Age: Otoplasty surgery to correct the prominence of the ears can be completed for children starting around age five to six, as their ear cartilage is mature enough for correction but still pliable enough for reshaping.
- Psychological Benefits: Undergoing otoplasty at a younger age can be an advantage for children, particularly in terms of physical, psychological, and social benefits. It can help avoid potential teasing or self-esteem issues related to protruding or misshapen ears.
Corresponding Procedures
Facial Contouring Procedures
Depending on individual aesthetic goals, procedures such as cheek augmentation or chin reshaping can enhance facial symmetry and proportion, complementing the changes made to the ear’s shape. EMFACE can be combined with otoplasty to offer optimal lower face contouring by augmenting the cheeks while defining the jawline and reducing a double chin.
Injectables and Fillers
Injectables like Botox® or dermal fillers can refine results by addressing related areas, such as reducing wrinkles or enhancing other facial features for a more balanced look.
Non-Surgical Tightening Treatments
Procedures like Ultherapy PRIME and radiofrequency treatments such as EMFACE, Morpheus8, and Evoke can tighten and lift the skin around the ears and jawline to further enhance the results of otoplasty.
Cost of Otoplasty in New York City
The cost of your otoplasty procedure will vary depending on your goals, the surgical technique Dr. Levine will use, whether one or both ears are being addressed, and whether you decide to undergo any other treatments. She will provide you with a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation. Contact us online or call our office at (212) 517-9400 to learn more!
FAQ
What is otoplasty surgery?
Otoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reshapes the cartilage and pulls protruding ears back and closer to the head. This ensures a symmetrical appearance to both your ears and face, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
What are the benefits of otoplasty?
Otoplasty may set ears closer to the side of the head when they stick out too far, alter cartilage size, correct disproportion, fix injuries from sports, and boost self-esteem for an improved quality of life.
Can you pair otoplasty with any other procedures?
Yes, you can pair otoplasty with other procedures such as a cheek augmentation, chin reshaping, Botox or dermal fillers, and/or other radiofrequency treatments such as EMFACE, Evoke, and Morpheus8.
Are the results from otoplasty permanent?
The results of otoplasty are generally permanent, as Dr. Levine will use durable internal stitches to hold the reshaped ear in its new position. Because the cartilage does not grow back or revert to its original shape, the repositioning of the new ear stays the same.
How much does otoplasty cost?
The total cost of your ear surgery varies depending on the severity of your concerns, the techniques Dr. Levine will use, and more. She will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation.
References
- Janis JE, Rohrich RJ, Gutowski KA. Otoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2005;115(4):60e-72e. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000156218.93855.c9
- Kaleeny J D, Janis JE. Otoplasty Surgical Techniques and Clinical Outcomes: A Practical Review. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2026;14(1):e7404. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007404
- Günther SI, Böhrenz J, Lüdke T, et al. Optimizing outcomes in ear surgery: A dynamic framework for assessing postoperative complications and quality of care. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2026;283(2):791-802. doi:10.1007/s00405-025-09740-y
