Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)

Your otoplasty journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Victoria Aimé. Whether the procedure is for you or your child, this visit is an opportunity to discuss your goals, review medical history, and explore the best treatment options. Dr. Aimé will perform a detailed evaluation of the ears, including their shape, position, and size, and recommend a surgical approach tailored to your specific anatomy and aesthetic preferences.

During this visit, medical photographs will be taken for your records, and Dr. Aimé will explain the procedure in full — including its benefits, risks, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and gain a full understanding of your options. If you decide to proceed, a surgical date will be scheduled.

Otoplasty can be performed awake in-office under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia at a surgery center, depending on the patient’s age and comfort level.

Otoplasty surgery begins with numbing the area around the ear. A discreet incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear, keeping any visible scarring well hidden. Dr. Aimé then reshapes the cartilage by folding, scoring, or removing excess tissue — depending on your ear structure and goals. The new shape is held in place using permanent internal sutures to maintain a long-lasting, natural contour.

Once the cartilage has been reshaped and repositioned, the incision is closed with resorbable (dissolving) sutures, and a soft protective dressing is placed over the ears to support healing and protect the surgical site during the initial recovery phase.

Recovery from otoplasty is generally smooth, and most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort that is well managed with over the counter and prescribed medications. Immediately following the procedure, a lightly compressive bandage is wrapped around the head to support the ears and protect the incisions. This is usually changed within a few days at your post-op visit to assess healing progress.

After the initial dressing is removed, patients are instructed to wear a soft headband to keep the ears gently in position — day and night for the first 2 weeks, then at night only for an additional 2 weeks. Gentle hair washing and showering can resume once the bandage is removed.

Mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding are common in the early stages and are typically managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication. Sutures usually dissolve on their own.

Most children and adults can return to school or work within a week, though it’s important to avoid activities that might accidentally bump or put pressure on the ears during the initial recovery period. As healing progresses, the ears will settle into their new position, offering long-term improvements in symmetry, proportion, and overall confidence.