Ear Pinning

Ear pinning surgery is a type of otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) available at our clinic in The Sunset Towers, bordering West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It is used to address the appearance of protuberant ears. Also known as setback otoplasty, this procedure aims to “flatten” the ears against the head to make them less noticeable and pronounced.

BEFORE & AFTER

EAR PINNING SURGERY

Ear pinning surgery has the goal of making ears less prominent and noticeable. The surgery itself is relatively simple. The ears are “pinned back,” then sutured in place, leaving them much less prominent and closer to the sides of the head. Such procedures help bring balance and proportion to the face and ears and can help prevent traumatic teasing and low self-esteem in young patients.
Woman touching the sides of her face with her hands

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR EAR PINNING SURGERY?

If you are considering ear pinning surgery, you are probably interested in reducing the distracting prominence of your ears, often a great source of embarrassment for people of any age. This is particularly true for children, as they may be teased about the appearance of their ears. Ears that are too large and protruding can also distort facial balance and symmetry, leaving the head and facial features looking somewhat undersized. Ear surgery procedures can be performed on adults and children ages five and above.

SHOULD I HAVE
EAR PINNING SURGERY?

This surgery is performed to treat the following:

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EAR PINNING SURGERY?

Children with protruding ears are often victims of teasing, which is why ear pinning surgery can be beneficial even at a young age. In both children and adults, the results of this surgery can offer a boost in satisfaction of appearance. When ears no longer overpower the rest of the face, other facial features often become more noticeable, thus achieving better overall symmetry.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Jacob Sedgh can help you attain your surgery goals, which can include one or more of the following results:

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Your first step is a consultation with Dr. Sedgh. During your first meeting, he will take the time to get to know you, listen to your specific cosmetic concerns, and understand what you would like to achieve with the surgery. He will also ask about your motivations for the procedure and your expectations. All of this will allow him to determine the right surgical techniques for your procedure and help you achieve your desired outcome. The initial consultation will consist of the following steps:
If you are unable to come to West Hollywood for a consultation, Dr. Sedgh can also conduct the meeting over video conference. Additionally, for those needing to travel for surgery, our friendly staff can assist in arranging your transportation, accommodations, and more.

EAR PINNING SURGERY PROCEDURE: THE DETAILS

Dr. Sedgh tailors each ear pinning surgery to the unique anatomy and aesthetic goals of the patient. Depending on the specific needs, he may use one or more of the following techniques:

  1. Antihelical Fold Creation
    Dr. Sedgh carefully creates an antihelical fold if it’s absent or underdeveloped, using sutures to secure a natural-looking contour that brings the ear closer to the head.

  2. Conchal Setback
    In cases where the ears protrude due to an excess in conchal cartilage, Dr. Sedgh may reshape or reduce this cartilage to achieve the desired effect.

  3. Precision Sutures
    Sutures are strategically placed to refine ear position and maintain the new contour, achieving symmetry and balance in each patient’s unique facial structure.

The procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. Dr. Sedgh will recommend the best anesthesia option depending on factors such as age and the extent of surgery.

Woman standing outside adjusting her necklace

PRECISION EAR SURGERY: FAQ

What age is best for ear pinning surgery?
Ear pinning surgery is commonly performed on children aged five and older. At this age, the ears are fully developed, and early correction can prevent the impact of teasing and boost self-esteem.

Will ear pinning surgery leave scars?
Dr. Sedgh places incisions behind the ear, within natural folds, to keep scarring minimal and discreet. Any scarring is usually well-hidden and fades significantly over time.

How long does recovery from ear pinning surgery take?
Most patients return to regular activities within 7 to 10 days. Swelling and bruising should subside within a few weeks, with complete healing taking a few months.

Can adults benefit from ear pinning surgery?
Yes, adults frequently undergo ear pinning to improve facial balance and reduce ear prominence. Dr. Sedgh customizes each procedure to ensure that results look natural and suit the patient’s facial structure.

Is ear pinning surgery painful?
Patients experience minor discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Dr. Sedgh’s team provides detailed aftercare instructions to help make recovery as comfortable as possible.

For a consultation to learn more about ear pinning surgery and how it can benefit you, contact Dr. Jacob Sedgh’s office today. With his expertise and patient-centered care, you’re in the best hands for achieving balanced, natural results.

CUSTOM EAR SURGERIES

In cases where the ears already possess a developed antihelix but appear prominent as they sit too far from the head, Dr. Sedgh will perform a conchal setback, which involves the reduction or reshaping of the cartilaginous structures behind the ear. Since just setting the ears back will usually make the upper and lower parts of the ears pop out, Dr. Sedgh may also use sutures to achieve the right result. Both techniques are often used in ear pinning surgery, but this will still depend on the patient’s specific needs.

WHY CHOOSE DR. SEDGH?

Dr. Jacob Sedgh, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, brings over a decade of specialized experience in performing advanced facial surgeries, including otoplasty. Having completed rigorous training at top institutions like UCSF, the University of Pittsburgh, and Penn State under esteemed mentors in reconstructive surgery, Dr. Sedgh combines technical precision with a deep understanding of facial aesthetics. His reputation as one of the best ear surgeons in Los Angeles stems from his meticulous approach and dedication to natural-looking results. Dr. Sedgh’s compassionate, patient-centered care makes him a trusted choice for ear pinning surgery that achieves both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting satisfaction.

HOW LONG WILL IT
TAKE FOR YOU TO RECOVER?

Ear pinning surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, though children may need a brief hospital stay. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:

  • Initial Discomfort: Minor discomfort, bruising, and swelling are common and can be managed with prescribed medications.
  • Recovery Timeline: Most patients can resume regular activities within 7 to 10 days, though complete recovery may take several weeks.
  • Follow-Up Care: Dr. Sedgh is dedicated to supporting his patients’ recovery journey, providing regular check-ins via in-office visits, phone, or video conferencing.

Dr. Sedgh closely monitors the recovery process, ensuring each patient experiences an optimal healing journey with the best possible results.

COMFORT & TRANSPARENCY FROM START TO FINISH

When under our care, Dr. Sedgh always ensures you feel comfortable, cared for, well-informed about every aspect of your upcoming treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical. With an approach which focuses on achieving refreshed, natural-looking results, Dr. Sedgh prides himself on always acting with transparency, honesty, and the highest level of ethical treatment, from start to finish.