Otoplasty / Ear Pinning
When your ears draw more attention than they should, it can affect how you feel about your appearance. Whether it’s a child facing teasing at school or an adult who’s long considered making a change, ear reshaping offers a way to bring balance and confidence.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, we offer personalized otoplasty to help children and adults reshape the position, size, or prominence of their ears.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning or ear reshaping, is a surgical procedure that alters the position or shape of the ears. Most often, it’s used to treat ears that stick out or appear too large. Many patients opt to have both ears addressed simultaneously to achieve a more symmetrical result. The goal is to help the ears blend in with the rest of your features rather than stand out.
Who Is a Candidate for Otoplasty?
Candidates include children who are at least five years old, when their ears have reached near full maturity, and adults of any age in good health. The procedure may be suitable if the ears appear overly prominent or disproportionate to the head.
Each plan is customized to the individual, with careful consideration of your goals, anatomy, and healing process. Dr. Gardner evaluates each case thoroughly to determine the best path forward.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Otoplasty takes place in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting. Dr. Gardner uses either local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and your specific needs. The procedure usually takes two to three hours.
Incisions are placed behind the ear or within natural folds to keep scars discreet and inconspicuous. During the surgery, Dr. Gardner reshapes and secures the cartilage to create a more natural and less prominent position. Precision is key, and every effort is made to avoid an overcorrected look.
What to Expect After Surgery
You’ll leave the procedure with your ears covered in bandages to protect the area and support healing. After a few days, these are replaced with a lighter dressing, which you’ll wear for about a week. Some redness, swelling, or soreness is expected but usually subsides quickly.
Dr. Gardner may recommend wearing a soft headband at night for a few weeks to help keep the ears in place while you sleep. Most patients notice a visible improvement right away, with the final results becoming clearer as the swelling subsides.
Benefits of Otoplasty
Reshaping the ears can reduce distraction, restore facial harmony, and often improve confidence. For children, it may help them feel more comfortable in school or social settings. For adults, it’s a chance to finally address a feature that has long felt out of place.
Results are long-lasting, and with the right care, most patients are satisfied with the outcome for years to come.
Cost of Otoplasty in St. George
Costs depend on the extent of the correction needed and the complexity of the procedure.
During your consultation, we’ll provide a full breakdown of your surgical plan and associated costs. Financing options are available for those who want to spread payments over time. Visit our financing page to learn more.
Why Choose Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery
Dr. Kent E. Gardner is a double-board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facial procedures. Patients across Southern Utah trust his work because it’s thoughtful, detail-oriented, and based on what works, not just what’s popular. At our St. George office, we prioritize natural results and a smooth, supportive experience from consultation to recovery.
To see tangible outcomes, view our before-and-after gallery. You can also explore related procedures such as facelift, neck lift, and chin augmentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be under anesthesia?
Anesthesia is tailored to your procedure. Some patients receive local anesthesia with sedation, while others may need general anesthesia. Dr. Gardner makes a recommendation based on what’s safest and most comfortable for you.
Where are the incisions placed?
Incisions are usually hidden behind the ear or within natural folds. This helps minimize scarring and makes the results appear more natural.
How long is the surgery?
Most otoplasty procedures typically last between two and three hours. This varies slightly depending on the extent of correction needed.
What is recovery like?
You’ll wear bandages for the first few days, then switch to a lighter dressing for about a week. After that, we may recommend a soft headband for nighttime use to protect the ears as they heal. Many patients return to their daily routines quickly and see results immediately.
Schedule Your Otoplasty Consultation in St. George
If you’re ready to learn more about ear reshaping, we’re here to help. Call (435) 628-1704 or visit us at 617 E Riverside Drive, Suite 202, St. George, UT 84790 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Gardner. You’ll get answers, a clear plan, and care tailored to your or your child’s needs.
