Otoplasty ear pinning surgery at My Plastic Surgery Group in Carmel, Indiana

Face · Ear Surgery

Otoplasty in Carmel & Indianapolis

Permanent correction of prominent or protruding ears in adults and children age 5+. Incisions are placed behind the ear, so scars stay completely hidden.

Schedule a Consultation Call (317) 848-5512

★ 4.8 · 361 reviews Board-Certified — Dr. John Aker Adults & children (age 5+) Hidden scars

Overview

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is surgical correction of prominent or protruding ears. The procedure reshapes and repositions the ear cartilage to reduce protrusion and create a more natural, proportionate appearance. It is one of the few aesthetic procedures appropriate for children — and is commonly performed at age 5 or 6, before school age and the potential for self-consciousness.

Ears protrude primarily because of two anatomical variations: an underdeveloped antihelical fold (the inner ridge of the ear) and/or an overly deep or large conchal bowl (the central cup of the ear). Otoplasty corrects both through reshaping the cartilage itself and/or repositioning the ear closer to the head.

Dr. Aker performs otoplasty on adults and children with excellent results. The procedure takes approximately 1.5–2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia for children and local anesthesia with sedation for adults.

Technique

Otoplasty Technique

The incision for otoplasty is placed in the crease behind the ear, where it is completely hidden. Through this incision, the ear cartilage is accessed and reshaped using one of several techniques depending on the specific anatomy:

Antihelical fold creation: sutures placed through the cartilage to create or reinforce the inner ear fold, folding the ear back toward the head
Conchal reduction: removal of a segment of the conchal bowl cartilage to reduce its prominence
Combination: most patients require both techniques to achieve optimal positioning

The reshaped ear is secured with permanent sutures that maintain the new cartilage position. The incision is closed and a protective headband dressing is applied immediately following surgery.

Candidacy

Who Is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

For children, it is important that the child themselves wants the procedure and understands what recovery involves — not just the parents. Dr. Aker will meet with both the patient and family during consultation to ensure readiness.

Prominent or protruding ears that stand away from the head significantly
Ear asymmetry — one ear positioned noticeably differently than the other
Self-consciousness about ear appearance affecting hair styling, headwear choices, or confidence
Children: typically age 5–6 when ear cartilage is mature enough for reliable reshaping
Adults: any age — cartilage is more firm but still correctable
Good general health and realistic expectations

A Differentiator No Competitor Offers

You Don't Recover Alone

For procedures that call for overnight monitoring, you're driven to our dedicated recovery suite at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Carmel, where one of our caregivers — Evelyn, Lori, or Charmaine — meets you in the lobby and provides monitored overnight care, with a direct line to Dr. Aker, Dr. Beckman, and PA Amanda. You're never sent home to an empty house.

Learn About the Recovery Suite

Recovery

Otoplasty Recovery Timeline

Children typically return to their normal energy level quickly. The main restriction is protecting the ears from being bent or struck during the healing period.

Days 1–3: ears wrapped in a bulky protective dressing; some throbbing and tightness
Days 5–7: dressing removed; protective headband begins
Week 1: return to school or work for most patients; avoid contact sports and activities that could bend the ear
6 weeks: protective headband worn continuously for 3 weeks, then at night for an additional 3 weeks
3 months: final results fully visible; ears settled into their permanent position

Investment

Otoplasty Cost in Indiana

$4,000 – $7,000

Otoplasty pricing varies with surgical complexity and whether one or both ears are treated. A consultation is required for a personalized quote — financing options available.

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can otoplasty be performed?

For children, otoplasty is typically performed at age 5–6, when ear cartilage is mature and the ear has reached approximately 90% of its adult size. Performing surgery at this age allows correction before school age, which can prevent self-consciousness and teasing. The cartilage is more pliable at this age, which can make reshaping more reliable. Adults of any age are also excellent candidates for otoplasty.

Are the scars from otoplasty visible?

No — incisions are placed behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the scalp. This location completely conceals the scar, even when wearing the hair up or short. The healed scar is virtually undetectable. There are no incisions on the front surface of the ear.

How long do otoplasty results last?

Otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage is physically reshaped and/or repositioned and it maintains its new position long-term. There is no reversal of the correction with aging. Some minor relaxation may occur in the first few months after surgery — approximately 1–2 mm — which is accounted for in the surgical planning by slightly overcorrecting the initial position.

Is otoplasty painful?

Discomfort after otoplasty is typically mild and well-managed with oral pain medication. Most patients rate their discomfort as mild by day 3–4 after surgery. Children generally experience less discomfort than expected and return to their normal energy level quickly. A protective headband is worn to protect the ears during healing, which can feel snug but is essential for maintaining the corrected position.

Can otoplasty correct ear asymmetry?

Yes — because each ear is treated individually during otoplasty, Dr. Aker can correct asymmetry by repositioning one ear more than the other to achieve better symmetry. The goal is not perfect mirror-image symmetry (which is anatomically impossible) but rather a natural, balanced appearance where the ear position is not noticeably different between sides. Significant asymmetry can be meaningfully improved.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. John Aker or Dr. Di Beckman in Carmel, Indiana. 4.8★ rated · board-certified · 30+ years experience.

Schedule a Consultation Call (317) 848-5512