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Facial Aesthetics

What Is Otoplasty and What Age Is Best for Ear Pinning Surgery?

By July 14, 2026No Comments
The Short Answer

Otoplasty reshapes and repositions protruding ears closer to the head. It can be performed at any age, but the ideal time for children is between ages 5 and 7, before school-age social pressures intensify.

Considering this at Evolve Your Life? Learn more about Ear Surgery

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects the shape, position, and proportion of the outer ear. It is most commonly performed for:

  • Prominent (protruding) ears: The most common indication — ears that stick out significantly from the sides of the head.
  • Macrotia: Ears that are disproportionately large.
  • Ear shape abnormalities: Cupped ear, lop ear, shell ear, or underdeveloped structures.
  • Asymmetry: One ear that differs significantly from the other.

During otoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear in the natural crease, reshapes or scores cartilage as needed, bends the ear backward and sutures it in a new position, and closes with hidden stitches. Results are permanent, and scars are hidden behind the ear.

What Is the Best Age for Otoplasty?

Children

The optimal time for otoplasty in children is between ages 5 and 7 because ear cartilage is softer and more easily reshaped, the ear has reached approximately 85% of its adult size by age 5, and children benefit psychologically by avoiding school-age teasing. Surgery is generally not recommended in children under 5.

Adults

Otoplasty is equally effective in adults. Many who were self-conscious about their ears throughout childhood choose to have the procedure as adults, and results are consistently excellent. Adults have slightly denser cartilage, which may require more scoring technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can otoplasty be performed on adults? Yes, otoplasty is equally effective in adults, many of whom choose the procedure after years of self-consciousness.

Is otoplasty ever done before age 5? It’s generally not recommended before age 5, since ear cartilage hasn’t reached sufficient size and stability for predictable results.

Are otoplasty results permanent? Yes, the repositioned ear shape is considered a permanent result.

Authoritative Resources

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a board-certified plastic or facial plastic surgeon for a personalized evaluation.

 

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Amir Dorafshar, MD, FACS is a globally recognized, board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery, craniofacial reconstruction, microsurgery, and facial gender-affirming procedures.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Manchester, UK, and trained at UCLA, the University of Chicago, and Johns Hopkins Hospital. He previously held the Endowed Chair, Professorship, and Residency & Fellowship Program Director role at Rush University Medical Center.

A facial transplantation pioneer, he has co-authored 230+ peer-reviewed articles and co-edited major surgical textbooks. He is currently Chief of Plastic Surgery at OSF St. Francis Hospital and President & CEO of Evolve Your Life, Chicago.

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