OtoplastyEar Pinning & Reshaping
Correct prominent, protruding, or asymmetrical ears for children and adults — with permanent, natural-looking results from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty — commonly called ear pinning or ear reshaping — corrects prominent, protruding, or asymmetrical ears by reshaping the ear cartilage and repositioning the ears closer to the head.
It is one of the few cosmetic procedures suitable for children from around age 5–6, once ear development is essentially complete. Adults of any age can also benefit. The psychological impact of correcting prominent ears — particularly for children who experience bullying — can be significant and lasting.
The procedure leaves a small scar hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, making it one of the most discreet of all cosmetic surgeries.
What otoplasty addresses
Common ear concerns
Prominent / protruding ears
Ears that stick out more than 2cm from the side of the head. Usually caused by underdeveloped antihelical folds or excess conchal cartilage. Otoplasty repositions and reshapes the ear to sit closer to the head.
- Ears repositioned to 1–2cm from head
- Antihelical fold created or enhanced
- Natural-looking, proportional result
Asymmetry & other concerns
Significant differences between the two ears, oversized earlobes, ear deformities from injury or prior surgery, and constricted or cupped ear shapes can all be addressed with otoplasty techniques.
- Ear asymmetry correction
- Earlobe reduction or reshaping
- Post-traumatic ear reconstruction
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses ear shape, cartilage structure, and degree of protrusion. For children, age and ear development are assessed. A detailed surgical plan is created and explained.
- 2
Anaesthesia
Adults and older children are usually treated under local anaesthesia with sedation as a day procedure. Young children typically require general anaesthesia for their comfort and safety.
- 3
Cartilage reshaping
An incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear. The cartilage is sculpted, folded, and secured with permanent internal sutures to create the desired shape and position.
- 4
Closure and dressing
The incision is closed with fine sutures hidden behind the ear. A supportive head bandage is applied and worn for 1–2 weeks to protect the ears during initial healing.
- 5
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients go home the same day. The head bandage is reviewed at 1 week. A softer headband is worn at night for a further 4–6 weeks to protect the result during sleep.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 7
Head bandage worn
A supportive bandage protects the ears. Mild aching and pressure are managed with pain relief. Rest at home and avoid knocking the ears.
Week 1 – 2
Bandage removal and review
The bandage is removed and the result is visible for the first time. Sutures are checked. A softer headband is worn at night for 4–6 weeks.
Weeks 2 – 4
Return to school or work
Most children return to school and adults to work within 1–2 weeks. Contact sports must be avoided for 6 weeks.
3 – 6 months
Final result
Scars behind the ear have faded to near-invisible. The repositioned ears look completely natural and the result is permanent.
Fees
Cost of otoplasty in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Swelling and bruising
Expected and temporary, resolving within 2–3 weeks. The head bandage helps compress swelling in the first week.
Asymmetry
Perfect symmetry is not possible — ears are never identical before surgery. Minor differences are normal. Significant asymmetry can be addressed with revision if needed.
Suture complications
Occasionally a suture may loosen or need adjustment. This is managed in clinic and does not usually require a return to theatre.
Overcorrection or recurrence
Very rarely the ear may protrude again over time or be over-corrected. Permanent internal sutures minimise these risks.
Scarring
Scars are placed in the natural crease behind the ear and are typically undetectable. Raised or hypertrophic scarring is uncommon.
Numbness
Temporary numbness around the ear is common and usually resolves within weeks to months as nerve sensation returns.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionOtoplasty costs in NSW vary depending on complexity and whether one or both ears are treated. A transparent written quote is provided at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Medicare rebates do not typically apply as this is generally considered a cosmetic procedure.
Ear development is largely complete by age 5–6, making this the earliest appropriate age for surgery in children. Operating at school age can prevent years of self-consciousness and bullying. Adults of any age can also have otoplasty with excellent results.
Children typically return to school within 1–2 weeks. Adults return to desk work within a similar timeframe. Contact sport and activities that risk knocking the ears must be avoided for 6 weeks. A protective headband is worn at night for 4–6 weeks.
Incisions are placed in the natural crease directly behind the ear, making scars virtually undetectable. Hair naturally covers the area further. Most patients and their families are unable to see any scarring once healed.
Otoplasty results are generally long-lasting. The cartilage is reshaped and secured with internal sutures — the ears do not revert to their previous position. The result lasts a lifetime.
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia so there is no pain during surgery. Afterwards, mild aching and pressure are common for a few days and are well managed with prescribed pain relief. Most patients find recovery very manageable.
Otoplasty at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons in Erina NSW, serving the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has broad experience in cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery including otoplasty for both children and adults.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in ear reshaping procedures, delivering natural and symmetrical results.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a careful and precise approach to otoplasty, with a particular focus on natural-looking, proportionate outcomes.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.