Otoplasty Treatment Guide
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What is an Otoplasty?
Otoplasty reshapes and repositions ears that stick out, are unusually large, or are misshapen. Working through an incision hidden behind the ear, the surgeon reshapes the cartilage and places permanent sutures that hold the ear closer to the head and recreate the natural fold. The change is visible as soon as the dressing comes off.
It is a same-day procedure, local anesthetic with sedation for most adults, general anesthesia for children. Ears reach close to adult size early in childhood, so surgeons often consider otoplasty from around age five, and many families choose to do it before a child starts school. There is no upper age limit.
It is not earlobe repair, which is a separate minor office procedure for torn or stretched lobes, and it is not medical ear surgery for hearing or infection, which belongs to an ENT. Cosmetic ear pinning is its own procedure with its own price.
How much does an Otoplasty cost?
Otoplasty nationally typically starts at $4,000 for both ears and ranges up to $7,000 depending on complexity and anesthesia.
Last updated August 2026. Estimates reflect national averages and Get Clear Beauty provider data — read how we estimate prices.
What to ask your provider
- Is the shape issue in the fold of the cartilage, the bowl of the ear, or both?
- Local anesthetic with sedation, or general, and why for my case?
- How do you guard against over-correction, so the ears do not look pinned?
- How long will I wear the headband at night, and what happens if I skip it?
- What is your plan if one ear settles differently from the other?
- I scar with keloids, how does that change my risk behind the ear?