Restore balance and refinement to the ears with personalized ear surgery at Nadia MD Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Nadia Mostovych, our double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, treats prominent or misshapen ears, elongated earlobes, and trauma-related concerns with meticulous care to produce natural-looking results.
Perfect Ear Form With
Understated Artistry
Ear surgery is a customized set of procedures that improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ears. Dr. Mostovych approaches ear surgery with a refined, detail-oriented mindset, whether correcting prominent or misshapen ears, addressing elongated or torn earlobes, or restoring form after trauma. The goal is never to make ears look “done,” but to help them blend harmoniously with the rest of your facial features so nothing draws unwanted attention.
Ear Surgery Treats:
- Prominent ears that extend noticeably from the head
- Misshapen or asymmetrical ears affecting facial balance
- Elongated, thinned, or wrinkled earlobes due to aging
- Stretched or torn earlobes from piercings or trauma
- Aesthetic or structural ear concerns that create self-consciousness
Types of Ear Surgery
Ear surgery includes a range of highly customized procedures that improve ear shape, position, and proportion while preserving a natural, balanced appearance. Each approach is carefully selected based on anatomy, goals, and lifestyle, whether the primary concern is prominence, aging-related changes, or damage from trauma or piercings.
Ear Pinning
Ear pinning, also known as otoplasty, corrects prominent or protruding ears by repositioning them closer to the head. This procedure reshapes or redefines the ear cartilage to create a more balanced contour while preserving the ear’s natural anatomy. Ear pinning can improve facial harmony without changing the ear’s identity, ensuring subtle, refined results.
Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair addresses damage caused by trauma, stretched piercings, or torn earlobes that make wearing earrings difficult or uncomfortable. The procedure restores the natural contour and strength of the earlobe by removing damaged tissue and reconstructing the area with precision. The goal is a smooth, refined earlobe that appears intact.
Earlobe Reduction
Earlobe reduction focuses on reshaping elongated or oversized earlobes that often develop with aging or long-term earring wear. During the procedure, excess tissue is gently removed, and the earlobe is refined to better match facial proportions. This subtle adjustment can significantly enhance overall facial harmony while maintaining a soft, natural look.
Benefits of Ear Surgery:
- Improves ear shape, position, and proportion for better facial balance
- Creates natural-looking refinement without drawing attention to surgery
- Restores damaged or stretched earlobes caused by trauma or aging
- Enhances confidence by reducing self-consciousness about the ears
- Offers long-lasting results with discreet, well-hidden incisions
What to Expect From Ear Surgery
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Mostovych takes the time to closely evaluate your ear anatomy, including cartilage structure, skin quality, symmetry, and the relationship of your ears to your facial proportions. She listens carefully to what’s bothering you and what you hope to improve, then walks you through realistic options in clear terms. Together, you will review procedural details and recovery expectations so you know exactly what to expect.
Procedure
On the day of surgery, you’re carefully placed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Mostovych begins by making precise incisions hidden behind the ear or within natural earlobe creases to keep scars discreet. She handles the skin and ear cartilage meticulously to preserve natural contours and symmetry.
Next, the underlying cartilage or soft tissue is reshaped, repositioned, or reconstructed based on your needs, whether that means setting the ears closer to the head or refining earlobe structure. Internal sutures are used to secure the new shape, the skin is closed with fine stitches, and a light dressing is applied for protection. Most ear surgeries take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Recovery
After ear surgery, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness, especially during the first few days. A light dressing or protective bandage is typically worn to support healing and protect the ears while tissues settle. You’ll be asked to avoid bending, pulling, or sleeping directly on your ears and to keep the area clean and dry.
Most patients can return to desk work or school within 5 to 7 days. However, strenuous exercise, swimming, and contact activities should be avoided for about two weeks, or until you’re cleared to resume them. As swelling resolves gradually, you’ll begin to see improved shape and proportion within a few weeks. The final results refine over several months as the ears fully heal and soften into their natural position.
Ear Surgery FAQs
Will Ear Surgery Look Obvious or Overdone?
This is one of the most common concerns, and it’s something Dr. Mostovych is especially mindful of. Her goal is always subtle refinement, not ears that look “pinned back” or artificial. She focuses on balance, symmetry, and preserving your natural ear anatomy so the results blend seamlessly with your facial features and never draw attention.
Can Ear Surgery Be Done on Adults and Children?
Yes. Ear surgery can be performed on both children and adults, depending on the concern being treated. Prominent ears are often addressed in younger patients, while adults frequently seek treatment for age-related earlobe changes or trauma. Dr. Mostovych carefully evaluates anatomy, emotional readiness, and expectations before recommending surgery at any age.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
Incisions are intentionally placed behind the ear or within natural earlobe creases, making scars discreet and difficult to see once healed. Over time, scars fade significantly. Dr. Mostovych uses meticulous closure techniques to support clean healing and refined results.
When Can I Wear Earrings Again After Earlobe Repair or Reduction?
Most patients can safely re-pierce their ears or resume wearing earrings after full healing, which typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks. Dr. Mostovych will guide you on the exact timing based on how your earlobes heal and your specific procedure.
Request a Consultation
Dr. Nadia Mostovych is a double board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who approaches ear surgery with exceptional precision and respect for natural anatomy. At NADIA MD, she takes the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and design a plan focused on subtle, natural-looking results. If you’re considering ear surgery, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Mostovych in Bend, Oregon, today.
