Otoplasty in NYC

Reshaping prominent or asymmetrical ears with precision plastic surgery in NYC.

Ears that protrude, appear asymmetrical, or differ in shape can be a source of self-consciousness for both adults and children. Otoplasty, or ear pinning surgery, is one of the most rewarding procedures in plastic surgery because the results are immediate, lasting, and deeply meaningful to patients. At StudioMD, board-certified plastic surgeons perform otoplasty with careful attention to proportion and natural appearance, helping patients of all ages feel more confident in their own skin. StudioMD has been serving the New York aesthetic community since 2008 with honest guidance and expert surgical care.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the ears to create a more balanced and natural appearance. It is most commonly performed to set back ears that protrude significantly from the side of the head, though it can also address a range of other ear concerns including asymmetry, unusual cartilage shape, overly large ear size, or earlobes that are disproportionate. While otoplasty is often thought of as a procedure for children, many adults seek it as well, often to address concerns they have lived with for years.

The Otoplasty Procedure

Otoplasty at StudioMD is typically performed under general anesthesia for younger patients and under local anesthesia with sedation for many adult patients. Your surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head, to avoid any visible scarring on the front of the ear. Through this incision, the cartilage is carefully reshaped, repositioned, and secured with permanent sutures to hold the ear in its new position closer to the head. The procedure typically takes one to two hours depending on the complexity of correction needed, and patients return home the same day.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty produces lasting results with minimal visible scarring, making it one of the most straightforward corrective procedures in facial plastic surgery. Patients frequently report that the improvement in ear position or shape has a significant positive impact on their confidence, particularly those who have spent years avoiding certain hairstyles or feeling self-conscious in social situations. The results are immediate in terms of ear position and shape, though final refinement in appearance takes place as healing progresses.

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Good candidates for otoplasty include children typically age five or older, when ear cartilage is sufficiently developed, and adults of any age who have protruding, asymmetrical, or unusually shaped ears that cause them distress. Candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Your StudioMD surgeon will evaluate your ear anatomy in detail during your consultation and discuss whether otoplasty alone or in combination with other procedures will best address your concerns.

Otoplasty Pricing

$4500

Why Choose StudioMD for Otoplasty?

The StudioMD team understands that otoplasty is often a very personal decision, whether for a child whose confidence is affected or an adult who has carried this concern for decades. Our surgeons bring precision and care to every otoplasty procedure, with an emphasis on natural results and proportionate outcomes that suit the patient's face and head shape. Procedures are performed in a Joint Commission-accredited facility, and the entire team is committed to making your experience safe, comfortable, and well-supported. StudioMD has been part of the New York aesthetic community since 2008 and has performed over 100,000 aesthetic treatments.

Meet Your Providers In aesthetics, provider quality & experience mean everything.

View All Providers

Dr. Ali Khan, MD

Physician

Dr. Ali Khan, with 18+ years in aesthetics, is a Smartlipo pioneer with 5,000+ procedures performed. He specializes in liposuction, injectables, hair restoration, and minor surgical treatments.

Dr. Anni Wong, MD

Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr. Anni Wong is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced training from the University of Pennsylvania and a residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai. She specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, and a comprehensive range of surgical and nonsurgical facial procedures. A New Jersey native and Alpha Omega Alpha honoree, Dr. Wong is known for her precise technique and commitment to natural, balanced results.

Dr. Sadaf Qazi, DO

Cosmetic Surgeon

Dr. Sadaf Qazi is a skilled cosmetic surgeon specializing in body contouring, facial procedures, and injectables. Her expertise spans tummy tucks, BBL, liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, and advanced dermal filler techniques.

Dr. Amar Singh, MD

Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Amar Singh is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Trained in multiple fellowships, he specializes in facial plastic surgery, liposuction, injectables, and advanced laser treatments, while actively teaching future surgeons.

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, a board-certified physician with 17+ years of experience, specializes in injectables, laser treatments, liposuction, hair restoration, and regenerative therapies, providing patients with advanced, medically guided aesthetic care and natural results.

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez, MD

Physician

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez is an experienced Primary Care Physician with 13+ years of experience and specializes in dermal fillers, wellness, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Her caring approach to her patients is to provide the best preventative care modalities and evidence based medicine possible to maintain their long term health and wellness.

Dr. Meredith Corson, DO

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Meredith Corson is a seasoned Primary Care Physician specializing in anti-aging medicine, promoting both internal and external wellness. With over 16 years of experience, she has honed skills in toxins applications, biostimulator fillers, and wellness treatments, earning a solid reputation in facial aesthetics.

Vanessa Sanchez, NP

Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

Vanessa Sanchez, a board-certified nurse practitioner with 8+ years of experience, specializes in women’s health, injectables, and advanced anti-aging. She also provides personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term aesthetic and wellness goals.

Dr. Afnan Talat, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Afnan Talat, a board-certified physician with 9+ years of experience, specializes in aesthetics, weight loss, and sexual health. Her background in skincare science informs her expertise in botox, fillers, and anti-aging medicine.

Dr. Jeena Zachariah, MD

Board-Certified Physician

Dr. Jeena Zachariah is a board-certified physician with over five years experience in aesthetic medicine. She excels in facial optimization through the use of neuromodulators and dermal fillers, performs radiosurgeries, body contouring injections and hair restoration surgeries, demonstrating a keen eye for detail in every procedure.

Maria Rivera, RN

Clinical & Operations Director for Hair Restoration

Maria Rivera has over twenty years of experience in the medical field and hair restoration and is a leading expert in FUE, FUT, hair injections and everything else about hair loss treatments and procedures.

Niki Ioannou, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Niki Ioannou specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse, as well as non-surgical weight loss treatments. Known for her precision and personalized care, Niki combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to help patients look and feel their best.

Dr. Lena Makartian, MD

Physician

Dr. Lena Makartian is a board‑certified Primary Care Physician with over five years of clinical experience. She specializes in injectables, laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, hair restoration, wellness and weight-management therapies, offering patients comprehensive, medically guided aesthetic care.

Dr. Sarah Margolskee, MD

Physician

Dr. Sarah Margolskee is a board-certified physician with over 5 years of experience specializing in wellness, injectables, and aesthetic medicine. Her clinical background informs her precise approach to skin lesions, mole removal, and personalized weight loss treatments designed to support long-term health and confidence.

Dr. Louis Mariotti, DO

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mariotti is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, specialist in Hair Restoration Medicine and Surgery. With over 30 years of experience and a strong background in facial plastic surgery and hair restoration, he has trained and instructed other surgeons at leading conferences and has been actively involved in advancing techniques within the field.

Madisyn Ferone, NP

Nurse Practitioner

Madisyn Ferone is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner. She specializes in advanced injectables including Botox, Fillers, Sculptra, and Radiesse. Madisyn brings a patient-centered aesthetic care, and evidence-based beauty enhancements. Passionate about helping patients feel confident through natural-looking results while combining advanced clinical expertise with personalized treatment planning.

Recovery After Otoplasty

Immediately following otoplasty, a soft bandage or head wrap is placed around the ears to protect them and support healing. This bandage is typically worn for about a week before your surgeon removes it. Some swelling, tenderness, and temporary changes in sensation are normal in the first one to two weeks. A headband is often recommended for nighttime wear for several weeks to prevent the ears from being bent forward during sleep. Most patients return to school or work within a week to ten days. Contact sports and activities that could impact the ears should be avoided for four to six weeks.

What to Expect from Your Results

Otoplasty produces results that are permanent. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and has healed in its new position, it stays there. Final results become fully visible once swelling has resolved, typically within four to six weeks. The improvement in ear position, shape, or symmetry is typically significant and, for many patients, life-changing in terms of how they feel about their appearance.

FAQs Otoplasty

At what age can a child have otoplasty?

Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until a child is at least five years old, as ear cartilage is generally developed enough by this age to support surgical reshaping. Many families choose to have the procedure done before a child enters school to minimize social self-consciousness, though there is no single right age.

Will otoplasty leave visible scars?

The incision for otoplasty is placed behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. This location conceals the scar naturally, and most patients find it virtually invisible once healed.

How long does the procedure take?

Otoplasty typically takes between one and two hours depending on the extent of correction needed. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients go home the same day.

Is otoplasty permanent?

Yes, the results of otoplasty are intended to be permanent. Once the cartilage heals in its new position, it holds there.

Can otoplasty correct both ears at the same time?

Yes, both ears are typically treated in the same surgical session, which is the most efficient approach and allows your surgeon to ensure symmetry between the two sides.

Is adult otoplasty different from pediatric otoplasty?

The surgical technique is essentially the same, though adult cartilage tends to be firmer and less pliable than that of a younger patient. Adults often have the procedure under local anesthesia with sedation rather than general anesthesia. Your surgeon will tailor the approach to your specific anatomy and age.

Start Your Journey Today

Whether you are seeking otoplasty for yourself or your child, StudioMD is here to walk you through your options with honesty and care. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals, evaluate your ear anatomy, and determine the approach best suited to your situation.

Otoplasty in NYC

What Is Otoplasty?

The Otoplasty Procedure

Benefits of Otoplasty

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty Pricing

Why Choose StudioMD for Otoplasty?

Meet Your Providers In aesthetics, provider quality & experience mean everything.

Dr. Ali Khan, MD

Dr. Anni Wong, MD

Dr. Sadaf Qazi, DO

Dr. Amar Singh, MD

Dr. Sanja Kolarov, MD

Dr. Kathryn Alcarez, MD

Dr. Meredith Corson, DO

Vanessa Sanchez, NP

Dr. Afnan Talat, MD

Dr. Jeena Zachariah, MD

Maria Rivera, RN

Niki Ioannou, NP

Dr. Lena Makartian, MD

Dr. Sarah Margolskee, MD

Dr. Louis Mariotti, DO

Madisyn Ferone, NP

Recovery After Otoplasty

What to Expect from Your Results

FAQs Otoplasty

At what age can a child have otoplasty?

Will otoplasty leave visible scars?

How long does the procedure take?

Is otoplasty permanent?

Can otoplasty correct both ears at the same time?

Is adult otoplasty different from pediatric otoplasty?

Start Your Journey Today

Start Your Journey Today Schedule a Consultation