What Happens to the Ears During Otoplasty — A Step-by-Step Breakdown for Patients

Otoplasty is a highly precise procedure that reshapes the ear’s underlying cartilage to create a more balanced, natural appearance. Through carefully placed incisions—typically hidden behind the ear—the cartilage is refined, repositioned, or supported with sutures to improve proportion, symmetry, and contour while preserving your unique features.

At the Klausner Institute, this process is guided by exceptional surgical expertise and aesthetic judgment. As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and otolaryngologist, Dr. Lee Ann M. Klausner brings an advanced understanding of facial anatomy—ensuring that each adjustment to the ears complements the face as a whole rather than the ears in isolation.

Below, we walk through exactly what happens during otoplasty, step by step—so you can feel informed, reassured, and confident in your next steps.

Otoplasty Basics

Otoplasty is designed to refine the shape, position, and proportion of the ears without affecting hearing (Cleveland Clinic). While the ears may seem like a small feature, their position and structure play an important role in overall facial balance and harmony.

This procedure is commonly performed to address concerns such as:

• Ears that project too far from the head
• Underdeveloped or absent natural folds
• Asymmetry between the ears
• Structural irregularities from genetics, injury, or prior procedures

Rather than changing who you are, otoplasty focuses on aligning your features so nothing feels distracting or out of place. The goal is to:

• Bring the ears into better balance with your facial features
• Correct prominence, asymmetry, or structural concerns
• Create a natural-looking contour that feels authentic to you
• Ensure the ears complement your face from every angle, both at rest and in motion

Step 1: Anesthesia for Comfort and Precision

Depending on the extent of correction—whether addressing prominent ears, reshaping cartilage, or refining structural concerns—this may include:

• Local anesthesia with sedation, which allows you to remain relaxed while the area is fully numbed
• General anesthesia, which is used in select cases for more comprehensive procedures or patient preference

Establishing this controlled surgical environment is essential for:

• Complete physical comfort throughout the procedure
• Absolute stillness for precise, delicate work
• The ability to perform refined cartilage reshaping with accuracy and care

Step 2: Strategically Placed Incisions

Once you’re fully comfortable, small, carefully planned incisions are made to access the underlying cartilage. In most cases, these incisions are placed behind the ear, allowing Dr. Klausner to reshape and reposition the ear while keeping any visible signs of surgery discreet.

This approach provides access to address a range of concerns, including:

• Ears that sit too far from the head
• Underdeveloped folds or excess cartilage contributing to prominence
• Congenital differences such as lop ear, cupped ear, or other structural variations
• Irregularities from prior injury or stretched or torn earlobes

In select cases, additional incisions may be placed within the natural contours of the ear to refine specific areas with precision. This thoughtful placement is essential to achieving:

• Minimal visible scarring, with incisions concealed in natural creases
• A natural, balanced result, rather than an overly “pinned” appearance
• Preservation of delicate ear anatomy, allowing for subtle, customized reshaping

By approaching each incision with intention, Dr. Klausner ensures that the foundation is set for results that look seamless, refined, and entirely in harmony with your features.

Step 3: Reshaping the Ear Cartilage

The ear’s cartilage is carefully exposed and reshaped using refined techniques. Depending on your anatomy and goals, this may involve:

• Creating or enhancing the antihelical fold (the inner curve of the ear)
• Repositioning the conchal bowl (the deeper central portion) closer to the head
• Scoring or thinning cartilage so it bends naturally into a new shape
• Removing small amounts of cartilage or skin, when necessary

Step 4: Securing the New Shape

Once the cartilage has been carefully reshaped, Dr. Klausner uses precise, strategically placed internal sutures to support and maintain the ear’s new position. This step is highly technique-driven and reflects her meticulous, individualized approach to otoplasty.

Rather than applying a uniform “pinning” method, Dr. Klausner customizes suture placement based on your unique ear anatomy—whether that involves refining the antihelical fold, setting the ear closer to the head, or correcting asymmetry.

Step 5: Dressing and Initial Healing

After surgery, a protective dressing is applied to support the ears in their new position and protect them during early healing. This dressing helps reduce swelling and maintain shape while preventing accidental trauma. Once removed, the new ear position is typically visible right away, though final refinement occurs as swelling subsides.

The First Step is to Book Your Consultation at the Klausner Institute

At the Klausner Institute, your consultation is designed to be informative, collaborative, and reassuring. Dr. Lee Ann M. Klausner is known for taking time to understand not only the structure of your ears but also how they relate to your overall facial balance and your individual aesthetic goals. Her consultations are collaborative and detail-oriented, focused on creating a plan that enhances your natural features rather than changing them. Contact us today to book yours and begin a thoughtful, expert-guided process designed around you.