Otoplasty New York City

Name: Otoplasty
Brand: Dr. Matthew White
Rating: 4.9 (174 reviews)

Facelift Mini Facelift Neck Lift Rhinoplasty Ethnic Rhinoplasty Eyelid Surgery Brow Lift Chin Implants Fat Grafting Lip Augmentation Mid Facelift (Cheek Lift) Otoplasty Buccal Reduction Golden Angle Lift Harmony Rhinoplasty

Prominent or protruding ears can be the cause of self-consciousness in adults, and children can feel that protruding ears make them the subject of unwanted attention. Otoplasty can reshape not only the ears but the individual’s self-image as well.

Enhance Your Confidence with Otoplasty

Dr. Matthew White is an experienced facial plastic surgeon in NYC who offers advanced treatment options to help patients affected by prominent ears. Ears that protrude too far from the sides of the head (a condition known as Promin Auris) are an inherited trait found in about 5% of Caucasian children. When a child has prominent ears, they can sometimes become the focal point for cruel remarks from their peers. This type of teasing can be psychologically damaging for children as young as six years old and ultimately lower their self-esteem.

His understanding, skill, and care make Dr. White one of the most gifted at performing otoplasty in New York City. Adults are also not exempt from the psychological effects that can be caused by prominent ears. For those who have lived with protruding ears for many years, they may be especially sensitive in regard to their personal appearance and therefore lack confidence in other aspects of their lives. With ear surgery, Dr. White can effectively improve the look of ears affected by an enlarged appearance or other conditions. To learn more about the otoplasty procedure or set up a private consultation, please contact us today.

Otoplasty Before & After

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Otoplasty Benefits

The otoplasty procedure repositions the ears of the patient in such a way that they lay flatter against the head. Benefits of otoplasty include:

Repositioning the ears to create a more aesthetically pleasing look
Correcting ear abnormalities caused by trauma or injury
Boosting confidence and self-esteem
Often little downtime required and a minimal recovery period

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Ear Surgery Candidates

By the time a child has reached the age of six, the ear has already grown to 90% of its adult size. Therefore, children who are six years of age or older are typically eligible for otoplasty surgery. Most patients over the age of six who wish to reposition their ears closer to the sides of the head are candidates for this procedure, provided the patient maintains realistic expectations for results and meets other criteria for surgical procedures.

In addition to “ear pinning” procedures to reduce the appearance of prominent ears, Dr. Matthew White’s skills in correcting abnormalities of the ear due to injury, trauma, or congenital deformities make him particularly qualified for addressing these types of concerns.

Otoplasty Procedure

During otoplasty surgery, small incisions are carefully made behind the ears to access the ear cartilage for reshaping and repositioning. This meticulous process aims to create a less prominent ear appearance. Sutures are then delicately placed to secure the newly contoured cartilage in its desired position until it fully heals.

Typically lasting around 2-3 hours, the procedure prioritizes patient comfort by utilizing IV sedation and local anesthesia as needed. Following surgery, patients will wear a protective bandage around the head for the initial few days to shield the ears during the healing process. While some discomfort, like aching or throbbing, may occur during this time, it can be effectively managed with oral pain medication.

The Recovery Process

Typically, Dr. White’s otoplasty patients are able to move around just a few hours after surgery with only minor discomfort. One week after the procedure, stitches will either dissolve on their own or be removed in the office. Most adult patients are able to return to work after a few days and children can usually return to school within a week. However, until the healing process is complete (1-2 months), vigorous exercise, contact sports, or any other activity that might risk injury to the ears should be avoided.

Contact Dr. W. Matthew White

To schedule a consultation with Dr. White and learn how otoplasty surgery can help you or your child, please contact our office.

Otoplasty FAQ

Why is age six considered the optimal starting point for a child’s otoplasty?

By age six, a child’s ear cartilage has reached roughly 90% of its adult size, meaning the structural development is stable enough to undergo permanent reshaping without disrupting future natural growth. Clinically, this timing is also chosen to prevent the psychological impact and peer teasing that often intensifies when a child enters a structured school environment, helping protect their developing self-esteem.

What exactly happens to the cartilage during the 2-to-3-hour procedure?

Rather than just "pinning" the ear back, Dr. White modifies the structural framework. Through discreet incisions hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, the cartilage is carefully reshaped—often by weakening specific areas to allow it to fold naturally or by removing small pieces of excess cartilage. Internal, permanent sutures are then delicately placed to act as an invisible scaffold, securing the cartilage in its new, flatter position while it heals.

How soon can adults return to work versus children returning to school?

Adults can typically return to a sedentary desk job within a few days, provided they feel comfortable doing so. Children generally require a full week at home before returning to school to ensure they are past the initial phase of throbbing or aching, and to give the early incisions time to securely close.

What are the specific healing restrictions during the 1-to-2-month recovery window?

While normal daily movements are encouraged just hours after surgery, the reshaped cartilage takes up to two months to fully settle into its new position. During this time, patients must strictly avoid contact sports, vigorous exercise that elevates blood pressure, or sleeping directly on the ears. Any accidental bending, pulling, or trauma to the ear during this vulnerable phase can cause the internal sutures to snap, compromising the final aesthetic result.

Can otoplasty correct structural issues that aren't related to naturally prominent ears?

Yes. Beyond correcting Promin Auris (protruding ears), the procedure is highly effective for reconstructing ear abnormalities caused by physical trauma, sports injuries, or congenital deformities. Because Dr. White's approach focuses on reshaping the underlying cartilage framework, the same surgical techniques can be adapted to restore symmetry and a natural proportion to ears altered by external injury.