If you’re curious how ear surgery—also known as otoplasty—can affect one’s appearance, take a look at our otoplasty photo gallery. Here you can see the amazing results that our board-certified plastic surgery team has achieved for their patient’s aesthetic goals.

What is an Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can greatly improve one’s facial appearance by reducing or reshaping the ears. When people usually think of procedures that improve the appearance of the face, most are familiar with facelifts or rhinoplasty. However, by correcting even subtle ear defects from birth or misshapen ears caused by injury, patients can give their faces a more symmetrical, natural shape.

Top San Diego plastic surgeons are known to achieve great otoplasty results by setting back the ears, so they appear natural and proportionate to the head. Once corrected, the ears appear normal from the front, rear, and side. Otoplasty surgery is mostly performed on adults, but our surgeons can also treat children as young as six years old to improve their appearance and self-confidence.

Who Typically Wants Otoplasty Surgery?

Typical patients who want ear surgery are those whose ears do not entirely meet their ideal appearance. Cosmetic ear surgery can correct disproportionate or mispositioned ears to create a more uniform face shape. Common reasons for wanting an otoplasty include overly large ears (also called macrotia) or ears that “stick out” or protrude farther from the head than desired. Any condition that leaves patients feeling too self-conscious to put their hair up or reveal their ears in an otherwise normal way is a potential candidate for ear surgery.

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Dr. Cameron Francis: San Diego’s Most Experienced Ear Surgeon

Dr. Cameron Francis, a renowned surgeon at Ranch & Coast Plastic Surgery, specializes in otoplasty and takes pride in delivering stunning results that bring out the innate beauty of his patients while boosting their confidence and self-esteem in personal and professional settings.

Dr. Francis began his medical career with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and a medical degree from UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. He then completed a two-year research fellowship in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery and a six-year integrated plastic surgery residency. With his extensive education and experience, Dr. Francis combines a confidence-building bedside manner with impeccable results in the operating room.

Otoplasty Treatment & Technique

In performing otoplasty surgery, your surgeon will first make an incision in the natural fold behind the ear. He will then remove excess cartilage and skin from the earlobe in order to make a more natural ear shape. Your surgeon will then perform an ear pinning method that takes the modified parts of the ear and attaches them to existing structures of the ear in order to keep them in place. Sometimes cartilage removal is not required, and your surgeon will use stitches to hold the cartilage in place. Not every procedure is the same. Each unique instance requires your surgeon to apply his reshaping and sculpting skills to find the best method that will suit our patients’ needs.

Patient Testimonial for Ear Surgery

"Dr. Francis was attentive and helpful throughout the whole process. I had great results and would go back again. I came in for an ear surgery as my first ever plastic surgery. I was very nervous about the process, but the consultation with Dr. Francis helped put my nerves at ease. The surgery went seamlessly. My follow-ups with Dr. Francis were helpful and encouraging. He was readily available when I had questions or concerns. He responded immediately and offered additional follow-up when I requested. I love my results and now wear my hair up for the first time in my life."

Before & After

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How Much Does an Otoplasty Cost?

Otoplasty patients in San Diego can expect the cost of their surgery to cost between $5,500 —$7,500. Due to the variability of cases, some otoplasty procedures are priced higher depending upon the level of surgical complexity.

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Otoplasty Recovery & Results

The recovery period for ear reshaping surgery is about seven days. During this time, patients are not to put any pressure on the head dressings, which could disrupt the healing process. Once the head dressings are removed, patients often find that they see a significant difference in their appearance and, as a result, their self-esteem. With cosmetic ear surgery, there is usually minimal visible scarring after the procedure, as the ears will be positioned closer to the head, and the scar is usually located in a natural fold behind the ear. Otoplasty surgery does not affect the patient’s hearing.

Ear Surgery