Ear Surgery in Murrieta
Ear reshaping surgery, known clinically as otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. Most often it sets prominent ears closer to the head, and it also corrects structural irregularities such as lop ear, cupped ear, and shell ear. Candidacy in general opens once the ears have reached close to adult size, usually around age five, and adults who never had the operation as children remain candidates, since ear cartilage can still be reshaped long after growth is finished. Dr. Vishal Banthia is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery as well as in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, which on an operation about ear cartilage and its position is the more directly relevant of the two.
At a Glance
- Approximately 4,825 otoplasty procedures were performed by ASPS member surgeons in 2024[1]
- Otoplasty can be performed on children once the ears reach near-full size, typically around age five or six[4]
- Hematoma is the most common early complication, occurring in approximately 1 to 3 percent of cases[5]
- Results are typically visible immediately after dressings are removed and are generally long-lasting[1]
Overview
Otoplasty is a well-established cosmetic and reconstructive operation on the external ear, or auricle. It changes the ear’s shape, position, or proportion and most commonly sets prominent or protruding ears closer to the head. ASPS reports that its member surgeons performed approximately 4,825 ear surgery procedures in 2024.
Otoplasty addresses congenital and acquired ear deformities. Congenital auricular abnormalities occur in a significant proportion of live births and range from mild asymmetry to more notable structural differences. These include an underdeveloped antihelical fold, excess conchal cartilage, lop ear with downward folding of the upper ear, cupped ear with a small size and constricted rim, and Stahl’s ear deformity with a pointed upper ear.
Incisions, cartilage scoring, and sutures are used to reshape the cartilage and change the ear’s position. The combination depends on the deformity’s severity and the characteristics of the individual cartilage. Adults may have otoplasty under local anesthesia with sedation, while general anesthesia is typically used for children.
What to expect
- Consultation including ear examination, photography, and discussion of goals and expectations
- Preoperative assessment of ear anatomy, cartilage characteristics, and degree of protrusion
- Administration of local anesthesia with sedation (adults) or general anesthesia (children)
- An incision is made behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head
- The ear cartilage is exposed by elevating the skin from the posterior surface
- Suture techniques are used to reshape the antihelical fold and reposition the ear closer to the head
- Excess conchal cartilage is removed or scored if contributing to protrusion
- The process is repeated on the opposite ear, with careful attention to symmetry
- Incisions are closed with sutures and a protective head dressing is applied
- A follow-up headband may be prescribed for continued support during healing
How a ear surgery works
- The incision is typically placed behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. This provides access to the cartilage while minimizing visible scarring.
- Prominence usually has one of two causes. A weak or absent antihelical fold is created or strengthened with sutures, including techniques such as Mustarde sutures, to bring the ear closer to the head. An enlarged conchal bowl pushes the ear outward and is reduced differently.
- When excess conchal cartilage contributes to protrusion, cartilage may be removed or scored. Concha-mastoid sutures may also be placed to reduce the projection of the conchal bowl. Many prominent ears have both an underdeveloped antihelical fold and excess conchal cartilage.
- Cartilage scoring involves controlled incisions in the cartilage surface. These weaken the cartilage and allow it to bend into a new shape, particularly when the cartilage is thick or stiff.
- After the cartilage has been reshaped, the skin is redraped and the incisions are closed with sutures. A protective head dressing or bandage supports the ears in their new position during initial healing.
- Dr. Banthia examines each ear separately and plans around the asymmetry already present. Ears are rarely a matched pair before surgery, and placing them in identical positions can look more conspicuous than leaving a small difference.
When it's recommended
- Prominent or protruding ears (ears that stick out noticeably from the head)
- Ears that are disproportionately large (macrotia)
- Lop ear (downward folding of the upper ear tip)
- Cupped or constricted ear (small ear with a tight, constricted rim)
- Shell ear (absence of natural folds and creases in the outer ear)
- Stahl's ear deformity (pointed shape of the upper ear)
- Ear asymmetry (noticeable difference in size or position between ears)
- Acquired ear deformity from trauma or injury (including cauliflower ear)
Is a ear surgery right for you?
Reach out to learn more from Dr. Vishal Banthia.
Recovery & aftercare
- A protective head dressing is worn for several days after surgery to support the ears
- Sutures are typically removed or begin to dissolve within 7 to 10 days
- A headband may be recommended for 4 to 6 weeks, particularly at night, to protect the ears during sleep
- Most patients return to school or desk work within approximately one week
- Swelling and mild discomfort typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks
- Strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks
- Results are typically visible immediately once dressings are removed and are generally long-lasting
Alternatives
- Ear molding (nonsurgical reshaping using splints in newborns, most effective within the first few weeks of life)
- Incisionless otoplasty using percutaneous suture techniques (for select cases of mild protrusion)
- Prosthetic ear reconstruction (for severe congenital deformities such as microtia)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, changes the shape, position, or size of the ears. It is most often used to set prominent ears closer to the head, but it can also correct lop ear, cupped ear, asymmetry, and other irregularities in ear shape.
- Otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, most patients have mild to moderate soreness and pressure around the ears. This is typically manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
- Otoplasty is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon. It is a well-established operation with a long track record. Hematoma is the most common early complication and occurs in approximately 1 to 3 percent of cases. As with any surgery, there are other risks, which are discussed during the consultation.
- Most patients return to school or desk work within about one week. A protective dressing is worn for several days, and a headband is often recommended at night for 4 to 6 weeks. Swelling and mild discomfort typically resolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Results are visible once the dressings are removed.
- Otoplasty can typically be performed once the ears have reached near-full size, usually around age five or six. Early correction may help reduce potential social concerns about ear appearance during the school years. A consultation can determine whether a child is a suitable candidate.
- Otoplasty may not be appropriate for children under age five whose ears have not reached near-full size, people with an active ear infection, those with an uncontrolled bleeding disorder, or patients with unrealistic expectations. A thorough evaluation during consultation helps determine candidacy.
- The incision sits behind the ear in the natural crease where it meets the head. The resulting line faces the skull and is not visible from the front or side. Dr. Banthia closes it in layers, as he does on the face. The mark remains after the ear’s new position has stopped drawing notice. A mark that heals badly is treated with scar revision, which is a separate procedure.
- An earlobe keloid is treated as a separate procedure rather than an addition to ear reshaping. Its recurrence rate is high enough that excision alone is not the plan, so treatment is staged with an adjuvant from the start. Keloid removal explains that process. Dr. Banthia evaluates both concerns during one consultation and determines whether they can share an anesthesia or need to be separated.
- Consultations for ear surgery are available at Dr. Banthia's Murrieta office (39755 Date St, Suite 105, Murrieta, CA 92563); Dr. Banthia's Carlsbad office (2390 Faraday Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008). Contact the office to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.
Ear Surgery risks & candidacy
Who should avoid this
- Active ear infection or otitis externa
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use without medical clearance
- Unrealistic expectations regarding surgical outcomes
- Children under age five (ears have not yet reached near-full size)
- Active skin infection at or near the surgical site
- Significant medical conditions that increase surgical risk (uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiopulmonary disease)
- Poorly controlled psychiatric conditions (surgery should be deferred until stabilized)
Possible risks
- Hematoma (blood collection under the skin), occurring in approximately 1 to 3 percent of cases
- Infection at the surgical site, which may rarely involve the cartilage (chondritis)
- Asymmetry or overcorrection (ears positioned too close to the head)
- Undercorrection or recurrence of ear protrusion
- Suture extrusion (sutures working through the skin surface)
- Scarring (typically hidden behind the ear but may become hypertrophic or keloid in predisposed individuals)
- Changes in skin sensation or temporary numbness around the ears
- Cartilage distortion or contour irregularities
- Anesthesia-related risks
Your practitioner
Dr. Vishal Banthia, MD, FACS
Dr. Vishal Banthia is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon practicing in Murrieta and Carlsbad, California. He is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His practice is surgical and face-only: facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty. He lectures internationally, has published peer-reviewed research indexed in the National Library of Medicine, and received the American Academy of Otolaryngology's Humanitarian Travel Award for cleft lip and palate surgery in Honduras.
Sources & references
This article draws on 6 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.
Government & research
Medical institutions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vishal Banthia, MD, FACS · Last reviewed: 2026-09-22