Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) San Diego
Am I a Candidate for Prominent Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?
- Have prominent ears that protrude further than normal dimensions
- Are self conscious about how your ears look or are teased by others
- Are motivated to improve your ear appearance through surgical intervention
- Are able to refrain from vigorous contact sports for 6-8 weeks after surgery
- Are a healthy non-smoker and not taking any blood thinner medications
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Gallus is a board certified plastic surgeon and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. She will partner with you to develop a tailored surgical plan that prioritizes your safety and results.
Prominent Ear Surgery Options
Prominent ears are quite common and can be due to lack of a natural fold of the upper ear or an excess of cartilage at the base of the ear – or a combination of both factors. Your Restore SD surgeon will perform a thorough examination and discuss a comprehensive surgical plan that addresses your individual goals. In some cases, only the upper ear fold needs to be created while in others, only the cartilage reduction at the base of the ear needs to be done. Sometimes both areas need to be addressed surgically.
Otoplasty Procedure: What to Expect
Prominent ears are corrected under general anesthesia in a hospital or accredited ambulatory surgery center. The surgery generally takes about 2 to 3 hours and is an outpatient procedure. Incisions are made behind the ear and corrective sutures are placed to create an upper ear fold. If the base of the ear is involved, a small amount of cartilage may be removed to allow the ear to rotate back into a less prominent position. Sutures are then placed to hold the ear in the correct position. Absorbable sutures are then placed to close the skin and a compression dressing is placed.
Introducing Pro-Nox: Patient Controlled Pain Management
Your comfort is our top priority at Restore SD Plastic Surgery, so we perform your otoplasty in a calming environment and provide you with utmost care. We also offer Pro-Nox, a patient-controlled pain management system that allows you to administer your own pain relief. Learn more about Pro-Nox here»
Recovery After Otoplasty
After you recover from anesthesia you will be able to go home with a responsible adult. Ideally this loved-one or friend can stay with you for a day or two after surgery and drive you to your early follow up appointments. You will have a dressing that will be removed by the Restore SD team when you return for follow up within 24-48 hours. Some surgical pain is expected and you will be prescribed pain medication to help keep you comfortable during the recovery process. You will need to wear a headband for a few weeks after surgery to keep the ears in correct position during healing. Some of our patients have gotten very creative with their headwear!
Normal daily activities like showering, eating and light activity such as walking can be resumed within 24 hours after surgery. Some post-operative swelling is normal and generally resolves within the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should refrain from intense physical activity for 6-8 weeks and contact sports are not allowed during the healing process. During the recovery period, you will have follow-up with your Restore SD surgeon and will be guided back to your usual activities. Most complications occur from getting too active too early, so select a surgical date that allows an appropriate amount of time to heal and gradually return to your more vigorous activities.
Combined Procedures for Prominent Ear Surgery
Correction of prominent ears is generally performed as a stand-alone procedure but can be safely combined with breast surgery, some body contouring procedures, facial rejuvenation procedures, and even liposuction. Your Restore SD surgeon will listen closely to your goals and partner with you to develop an individualized surgical plan that optimizes your results and safety.
“Dr. Gallus and her team at restore are incredibly professional and caring. They make you feel comfortable from the first time you set foot in their beautiful office. My results from my procedure were exactly what I expected. I believe having a woman plastic surgeon like Dr. Gallus is key to getting the results you want. If you are looking for a great surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Gallus. Thank you Restore!”
—Actual patient of Dr. Gallus
Carpools & Cannulas: Modern Motherhood and Plastic Surgery – Listen Up! Ear Surgery 101
Prominent Ear Surgery FAQs
What happens at my prominent ear consultation?
When you come to Restore SD Plastic Surgery to discuss pinning of prominent ears, your Restore SD surgeon will perform a detailed facial examination as well as review your medical history and any medications you are taking. At your consultation, you will have photos taken with our Vectra 3D imaging system and discuss treatment areas and options while viewing your photos series. With our state-of-the-art Canfield software, potential surgical results can be viewed and adjustments can be made, helping you to visualize possible outcomes.
Why should I choose Restore SD Plastic Surgery for the treatment of my prominent ears?
Dr. Gallus has over 20 years of experience with cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, she takes the time to listen to your goals and partners with you to develop the best and safest surgical plan that will optimize your results and leave you looking and feeling your best.
How do I choose a surgeon for prominent ear surgery?
It is important to ask if your surgeon is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. As a board-certified plastic surgeon at Restore SD, Dr. Katerina Gallus has years of training and expertise in prominent ear surgery that cannot be imitated by short courses and alternative certifications. Ensure that your surgeon is proficient in facial surgery and treatment of prominent ears in particular. The American Board of Plastic Surgery is one of 23 members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. These specialties represent the traditional core of fully trained specialists. Alternative boards have cropped up over the last several years to lend legitimacy to incompletely trained or poorly trained practitioners. Accept nothing less than a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who preferably is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
How long do the results of prominent ear surgery last?
Once healing is complete, your new ear position should be permanent. Occasionally, your ear position might change over time and a little touch-up surgery can restore your optimal appearance. Following the postoperative instructions to the letter and avoiding contact sports for 6-8 weeks after surgery will give you the best chance to achieve the permanent change you expect.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Corrects ear shape, position, or proportion for a more balanced facial appearance
- Allows for a quick recovery, as most patients resuming normal activities within a week.
- Minimal scarring with incisions that are well-concealed within the natural creases of the skin
- Permanent results that age well over time
- Anesthesia: Medications used to prevent pain and alter consciousness during surgery; can be local, regional, or general.
- Antihelix: The inner ridge of the ear’s cartilage, parallel to the helix.
- Auricle (Pinna): The external part of the ear that is visible on the side of the head.
- Cartilage: A firm, yet flexible connective tissue found in the ear.
- Conchal Cartilage: The main cartilage of the ear that forms the back part of the ear bowl.
- Helix: The outer rim of the ear.
- Incision: A surgical cut made during procedures. In otoplasty, incisions are typically placed behind the ear to minimize visible scarring.
- Lobule: The lower, fleshy part of the ear that can be adjusted or resized during otoplasty.
- Otoplasty: A surgical procedure to alter the shape, size, or position of the ears, commonly known as ear pinning.
- Postoperative Care: Care and instructions followed after surgery to ensure a smooth recovery, including wound care and activity restrictions.
- Recovery Time: The period required for healing after surgery. For otoplasty, patients often return to normal activities within a week, with full healing taking several weeks.
- Revision Otoplasty: A subsequent surgery performed to correct or improve the results of an initial otoplasty.
- Scapha: The hollow or depression between the inner and outer ridges of the ear.
- Sutures: Stitches used to close wounds or surgical incisions.
- Symmetry: The goal of making both ears look uniform in appearance through surgery.
How much time off work should I take after prominent ear surgery?
Depending on your profession, you should expect to take 1-2 weeks off from work or school. You will not be able to drive while taking narcotic pain medication. You will need a ride home after having general anesthesia and have a friend or family member stay with you for the first night and a day or two if possible.
How do I minimize post-operative scarring after prominent ear surgery?
Unfortunately, scarless surgery does not yet exist. However, the scar from otoplasty is well hidden behind your ear. Your Restore SD surgeons will educate you about scar management postoperatively. A surgical scar will take 9-12 months to fully mature. Your scar will go through changes during the healing process and your Restore SD team will help you manage this part of your recovery. This can consist of sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and fractionated laser treatments.
What should I do to prepare for prominent ear surgery?
If you have close friends or relatives who have had prominent ear surgery – start there! A personal story of their journey may guide you to questions to ask your surgeon and having someone with a shared experience is invaluable. Educate yourself by reading our procedure page and viewing our educational videos. Remember to wear a button-down front opening shirt on the day of surgery so that your post-operative experience does not include wrestling a shirt over your head!
I am a smoker – can I have prominent ear surgery?
At Restore SD Plastic surgery, we pride ourselves in delivering safe, consistent, and reproducible results. Smoking tobacco or using any nicotine products has adverse effects on wound healing. Your risk of tissue loss, infection, and prolonged incision healing are much higher if you use nicotine. We recommend a nicotine-free period of 8 weeks prior to surgery and a minimum of 4 weeks post-operatively. We have a simple urinary nicotine test that we complete in the office to help you on your journey to a safe and gratifying surgical experience with us.
I have Diabetes – what do I need to know about prominent ear surgery?
If you have diabetes it is important to work with your medical team to maintain an ideal HbA1C. Diabetes can increase your risk for prolonged wound healing and certain types of infections. Surgery can be safely performed but requires a coordinated effort from patients, surgeons, and medical doctors to attain outstanding results. There are some instances where your Restore SD surgeon may want to postpone surgery until your diabetes is under better control.
How soon can I travel after having prominent ear surgery?
Having surgery means a commitment to an appropriate recovery. We recommend scheduling your surgery at a time that allows enough time to recover and gradually return to your normal activities. Flying, driving long distances, or leaving the immediate area are not recommended until you have been cleared by your surgeon. If you have specific travel needs or require advice for emergency travel soon after a procedure, please let us know and we will be glad to discuss the details with you.
Your Safety = Beautiful Results
Ear Surgery at Restore SD
At Restore SD Plastic Surgery, patient safety comes first. Board-certified plastic surgeon and former Navy plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus operates in a private, on-site Quad A-accredited surgery center, with state-of-the-art equipment and LED surgical lighting. She proudly works with a board-certified anesthesiologist and holds privileges at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Choose female plastic surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus for your prominent ear surgery in San Diego
Katerina Gallus, MD is a female cosmetic plastic surgeon who is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). With over 20 years of experience as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Gallus has the skills and expertise to develop a safe surgical plan that achieves your desired results. To schedule your consultation, call 858-224-2281 or contact us online.
Call to schedule your consultation today »
References »
Naumann A. Otoplasty – techniques, characteristics and risks. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;6:Doc04. Epub 2008 Mar 14. PMID: 22073080; PMCID: PMC3199845.
Ordon A, Wolfswinkel E, Shauly O, Gould DJ. Aesthetic Otoplasty: Principles, Techniques and an Integrated Approach to Patient-Centric Outcomes. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2019 Oct;43(5):1214-1225. doi: 10.1007/s00266-019-01441-2.
Stewart KJ, Lancerotto L. Surgical Otoplasty: An Evidence-Based Approach to Prominent Ears Correction. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2018 Feb;26(1):9-18. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2017.09.002.
Hoshal SG, Morisada MV, Tollefson TT. Reducing Surgical Risks for Otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2023 May;31(2):253-261. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2023.01.011.
Handler EB, Song T, Shih C. Complications of otoplasty. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2013 Nov;21(4):653-62. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2013.08.001.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Katerina Gallus — Updated on Mar 21, 2025
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