Ear Pinning (Otoplasty)
Do your ears make you feel self-conscious? Ear pinning surgery offers dramatic, near-immediate results for patients of all ages — enhancing appearance and boosting confidence.
When to Consider Ear Surgery
Do your ears make you feel self-conscious?
No other facial feature seems quite as obvious as protruding ears, especially on young children. Even the toughest individuals can become self-conscious if their ears stick out a little too far from their head. Dr. Robinson recommends otoplasty — more commonly known as cosmetic ear surgery or ear pinning — to patients of any age whose ears appear misshapen or protrude significantly, not only to correct the abnormality but also to increase confidence and self-esteem.
Otoplasty can make ears more symmetrical; improve natural position, shape, or proportion; correct structural birth defects; and repair tears or distortions caused by injury. Dr. Robinson performs this procedure on adults and children whose ears have grown to full size, usually around their fifth or sixth birthday. Whether you're young or old, the dramatic and near-immediate results of ear cosmetic surgery will enhance your appearance and provide a meaningful psychological boost.
Dr. Ernest B. Robinson is a Board Certified Specialist in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery with more than 20 years of experience performing cosmetic and corrective otoplasty on patients from Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Laguna Hills and Santa Ana in Orange County and beyond. If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery to request a consultation.
Communicating Your Goals for This Procedure
Prior to surgery, Dr. Robinson will take your medical history, examine the structure of your ears, and discuss your desired surgical outcome — whether cosmetic, reconstructive, or both. He'll review realistic expectations, describe the specific surgical technique he recommends, and answer any questions you may have.
To create a symmetrical appearance and achieve optimal, natural-looking results, Dr. Robinson may suggest surgery on both ears — even if only one appears to need adjusting. True symmetry and natural proportion are always the goal.
Ear pinning surgery is suitable for both adults and children once the ears have reached their full size — typically around age 5 or 6. Early correction can provide lasting confidence and prevent years of self-consciousness for young patients.
👶 Children (5+)
Dr. Robinson performs otoplasty on children whose ears have grown to full size — usually around age 5 or 6. General anesthesia is used for the youngest patients to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
🧑 Adults
Adult patients benefit from the same proven surgical results. Local anesthesia with a mild sedative is used, making this a comfortable and relatively straightforward outpatient procedure for older patients.
- Full medical history review and structural ear examination
- Discussion of cosmetic vs. reconstructive goals
- May recommend bilateral surgery even when one ear appears normal
- Honest, realistic expectations discussed in full detail
- Personalized surgical technique selected for your anatomy
Surgical Techniques to Achieve Your Desired Outcome
Cosmetic ear procedures usually take one to two hours and are performed at Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery or Pacific Hills Surgery Center. Local anesthesia with mild sedation is used for older children and adults; general anesthesia is used for the youngest patients.
Anesthesia & Setting
Performed at Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery or Pacific Hills Surgery Center. Older children and adults receive local anesthesia with a mild sedative; younger children receive general anesthesia for their complete safety and comfort. Procedure duration is typically one to two hours.
Hidden Incision Placement
Dr. Robinson makes an incision behind the ear in the natural fold where it joins the head — a location that keeps any scarring completely hidden from view once healed.
Cartilage Reshaping & Repositioning
Any unnecessary cartilage or skin is carefully removed. Dr. Robinson then re-sculpts and adjusts the position of the ear cartilage to achieve the desired natural look — bringing the ear closer to the head and improving its shape and symmetry.
Securing & Closure
The repositioned cartilage is secured with permanent internal stitches to hold its new position as it heals. The incision is closed, and protective dressing is applied to support the ears during recovery.
Recuperating After Your Ear Surgery
When your surgery is complete, Dr. Robinson will place protective dressing over your ears, which you'll wear for a few weeks to keep them properly positioned. For added protection, some patients may be required to wear a headband over their ears at night during recovery.
You will need to avoid sleeping on your side until you can comfortably put pressure on your ears and the surrounding area — usually after about a week. It's normal for the sides of your face to feel tender after surgery, especially within the first 24 hours, but any initial discomfort is easily controlled with mild pain medication.
Dr. Robinson will advise you about post-procedure care and let you know when it's safe to resume normal activities — usually after four or five days of healing. Moderate exercise may be cleared about a week after surgery, though strenuous physical activity should be avoided for several weeks.
Expected Results from This Procedure
You will see the dramatic results of your ear surgery as soon as the protective dressing has been removed. Cosmetic ear surgery will have no impact whatsoever on your hearing, and because your ears have been repositioned closer to your head, the hidden surgical scars behind your ears are barely visible after just a few weeks.
The results are both immediate and long-lasting — giving patients of all ages a renewed sense of confidence and a more naturally balanced, proportionate appearance.
- Dramatic results visible immediately once dressing is removed
- Ears repositioned closer to the head for a natural appearance
- Improved symmetry between both ears
- No impact on hearing — purely cosmetic and structural correction
- Hidden incision scars barely visible after a few weeks
- Long-lasting results with increased self-confidence for all ages
Before & After Results
This website does not contain medical advice and the use of this website does not create a physician/patient relationship between you and Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery. The photographs of models displayed on this web site are for decorative purposes only. See before & after photos for possible results.
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Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery
- Phone : (949) 831- 5900
- Email : info@drface.com
- Address : 24541 Pacific Park Drive | Suite 103 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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- Address : 24022 Calle De La Plata Laguna Hills, CA 92653-3626
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