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San Jose in San Jose & Palo Alto, CA
While ears aren’t always the first feature people may think about, when ears stick out too far, appear disproportionate to the face, or are shaped unevenly, they can affect a person’s overall self-confidence. Kids can often be teased at school. Adults may go to great lengths to cover their ears with their hair or hats. At Illuminate Plastic Surgery, we help patients in San Jose, Palo Alto, and throughout Silicon Valley feel more assured in their appearance. We offer otoplasty surgery to reshape the ears and bring them into better balance with the rest of the face. Our team of plastic surgeons takes a thoughtful and individualized approach to helping patients of all ages achieve natural-looking results.
Most people with large or prominent ears are born with them. Contributing factors include genetics and the formation of the ear cartilage in early development. In some cases, the ears may lack the natural folds that give them shape or have excess cartilage that pushes them away from the head. Cartilage can also change with age, causing ears to appear even larger. While there are likely no health-related issues, the appearance of asymmetrical ears or ears that seem out of proportion with other facial features can prompt individuals to explore surgical options.
Otoplasty is any type of corrective ear surgery performed on the outer ear. Ear pinning, also known as pinnaplasty, is a procedure that specifically addresses protruding ears. Ear pinning offers a permanent way to bring ears closer to the head and into better proportion with an individual’s other facial features. Benefits of ear pinning may include:
While it may seem like a simple procedure, the results can have a significant impact on anyone who has spent years feeling limited by their appearance.
Unlike many other plastic surgery procedures, otoplasty is commonly performed on children. We see patients as young as five or six, soon after the ears are fully developed, as well as teens and adults who want to correct ear size, shape, or symmetry.
You may be a good candidate if you are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results of ear shaping procedures. During your initial consultation, we’ll review your medical history, examine your ear structure, and discuss a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.
At Illuminate, most otoplasty procedures take about two hours and are done in our accredited surgical facility in Palo Alto. We perform otoplasty using either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the specific procedure and whether it is being combined with any other procedure. Small incisions are made behind the ear, where any scar can be easily hidden. From there, the ear cartilage may be reshaped, removing excess tissue if necessary, and permanent sutures are used to position the ears closer to the head. The goal is always to create a natural, more asymmetrical look that aligns with your facial structure.
Recovery after otoplasty surgery is relatively straightforward. Most patients return to their daily activities within one week; however, younger children may require a slightly longer recovery time. You’ll wear a light headband or dressing to support healing, and you might feel mild pain or soreness for the first few days. We’ll provide pain medication as needed and offer clear guidance, including when it’s safe to shower, how to sleep comfortably, and how long to avoid exercise or contact sports. Complete healing typically takes about six weeks, but the results of ear surgery are visible much sooner.
The goal of ear pinning is to bring the ears closer to the head, creating a balanced look. Once the ears are fully healed, you’ll notice an improved overall shape and symmetry that blends with your other facial features. Because we use permanent sutures and reshape the cartilage directly, the results are long-term. Our patients find that their ears no longer draw attention, which helps them feel more confident in both everyday life and social situations.
Otoplasty cost can vary based on your individual goals, the complexity of the case, and whether one or both ears are being treated. During your private consultation, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the cost, along with any necessary information for insurance (in rare cases where it's medically indicated) or financing.
Changing the appearance of your ears has never been more accessible, and our patient care team is with you every step of the way. At Illuminate, we listen and support you with honesty, expertise, and a commitment to your unique needs and objectives. We serve patients of all ages from our offices in Palo Alto and San Jose. To schedule your consultation or to learn more about ear surgery, call us at (408) 369-9300 or use the form below to contact us.
We typically recommend waiting until a child is at least five years old. At that point, the ears have finished most of their development.
Otoplasty incisions are made behind the ears, so scars are hidden and usually fade over time.
Most patients return to their regular activities within one week. Consider wearing a soft headband at night for a few weeks to protect your ears during sleep.
There may be some mild pain or swelling initially, but it’s usually easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication.
Yes. If only one ear is prominent or shaped differently, we can adjust it to match the other.
Yes. Once the ear cartilage has healed and the permanent sutures are in place, the results are designed to last a lifetime.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
