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La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
9850 Genesee Ave Suite 130
La Jolla, CA 92037
Call: (858) 452-1981 Text: (858) 203-2944
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Ear Pinning or Otoplasty is designed to create more normal-looking ears for people whose ears protrude excessively from the side of the head. Most otoplasties are performed on children, so the correction is completed before a child can be teased or ridiculed, as can often happen. Surprisingly, ears have reached about 80% of adult size by age five or six, so an ear-pinning operation during childhood is appropriate. If, for some reason, an otoplasty was not performed in the early years, it is a straightforward operation for teens and adults.
For children, the plastic surgeons at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre usually perform otoplasty using general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or for a very short stay. For teens or adults, ear pinning is a very comfortable operation to have on an outpatient basis and can even be done under local sedation.
There are several surgical techniques for correcting ears that stick out too far. All the ear-pinning methods aim to create ears that look more normal without visible scars. The most common methods leave a scar on the back of the ears that is essentially invisible unless the ear is folded forward.
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A wraparound head/ear dressing is usually left in place for several days after surgery. Pain is generally minimal. Sometimes, the desired correction is not maintained over time, but this is uncommon. All of the normal risks of any operation, including infection and thick or wide scars, can occur.
Ear Pinning is usually a very well-tolerated operation with happy outcomes. If you are interested in more information about an otoplasty, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre’s board-certified plastic surgeons.
You or your child can stop feeling self-conscious about prominent ears with affordable ear pinning and earlobe reduction surgery payment options. Put down an initial payment of $1,200 and pay only $163 over 48 months. You’ll reap even more monthly savings if you can pay more upfront or have above-average credit. It’s that straightforward!
Your price may vary depending on our approach, so visit our pricing page for full fee ranges and other details.
Still have concerns? We’ve made applying for financing easier than ever online, or we’ll guide you through it during your consultation. Let’s get started!
Not sure how to get the look you want? Tell us about your goals, and we’ll show you the possibilities.
Try Our Treatment PlannerYou may be a candidate for an earlobe reduction if you have earlobes that have become wide and elongated. The goal is to have shortened or smaller-appearing earlobes.
This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and usually while you are under local anesthesia. An earlobe reduction involves removing skin of the earlobes. This is done in a variety of ways, leaving a different scar in each situation. The exact way the skin is removed will be determined by your plastic surgeon. The skin is sutured together after removal of the excess skin.
Please contact La Jolla Cosmetic at (858) 452-1981 for more information on ear pinning, earlobe reduction, and our other San Diego cosmetic surgery procedures.
Last reviewed by a La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre Editor on March 13th, 2025. Meet Our Medical Editors
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