What Age Is Best For Otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be performed once the ears are fully developed, usually by age 6. Many patients undergo this surgery during childhood, but it is also common and effective for adults.

Will I Have Visible Scars After Otoplasty?

Dr. Zamani places incisions behind the ear or within natural folds to minimize visibility. The scars typically become faint and virtually undetectable with proper healing and post-operative care.

Is an Otoplasty Painful?

Otoplasty is performed under anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and a pain-free experience. Following the procedure, patients may experience mild pain, throbbing, or swelling, which can be managed by following Dr. Zamani’s post-operative instructions and taking pain medications as needed.

Does Otoplasty Affect Hearing?

No. Otoplasty changes the appearance of the external part of the ear and does not affect hearing ability.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of appointments for your otoplasty procedure will depend on each patient’s individual ear presentation and desired results. Dr. Zamani will monitor her patients’ healing progress during follow-up appointments to ensure their ears are maintaining their repositioned adjustments. Dr. Zamani will be able to provide you with an estimate of the number of appointments necessary at the time of your consultation.

How Long Until I See Results?

Once the dressings are removed, results are immediately noticeable. The full outcome becomes more refined as swelling resolves over the following weekend.

Is Otoplasty Permanent?

Yes, the results of otoplasty are long-lasting. Once healed, the ears maintain their new shape and position for years to come.

Can I Combine an Otoplasty With Other Procedures?

Many of our patients are interested in combining multiple procedures to reduce the time spent in recovery. If you are interested in combining your otoplasty procedure with additional surgical procedures, please let Dr. Zamani know at the time of your consultation so she may devise the safest and most appropriate surgical plan for you. Dr. Zamani places her patients’ safety and comfort at the center of every surgical discussion, so she encourages her patients to be transparent with their medical history and reasons for electing these procedures.

What Are the Risks Associated With Otoplasty?

An otoplasty is generally a safe procedure when performed by experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Zamani, but as with any surgery, it can be associated with certain complications. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, or changes in sensation. During your consultation, Dr. Zamani will discuss these potential risks to ensure you are fully informed. She minimizes these risks through meticulous technique and personalized aftercare.

Beverly Hills, CA

Otoplasty

Introduction

Introduction to Otoplasty

Ears that protrude prominently or appear asymmetrical can draw unwanted attention and disrupt facial harmony. Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning surgery or ear reshaping, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reposition or reshape the ears for a more balanced, natural appearance. In the hands of double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Maryam Saheb-Al-Zamani, otoplasty is performed with meticulous precision and a deep understanding of facial aesthetics, helping patients of all ages feel more confident and at ease with their appearance.

If you or your child are self-conscious about the appearance of your ears, otoplasty may offer a life-changing solution. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Zamani at her boutique practice in Beverly Hills to learn more about ear reshaping in Beverly Hills and begin your journey toward greater confidence and facial harmony.

Otoplasty Breakdown

Otoplasty Surgery

Ear surgery reshapes, repositions, or reduces the size of the ears to correct protruding or misshapen ears and create a more balanced appearance.

Recovery

You should take one week off from work and household duties, with a full return to physical exercise after four weeks.

Anesthesia

Local or General Anesthesia (depending on age and procedure)

Surgery Length

1 – 2 hours

A woman with long dark brown hair and light-colored eyes poses against a soft beige background. She has a light complexion and a neutral, direct expression, looking slightly toward the viewer. Leaning slightly forward, she rests one hand on her head and the other on a surface. She wears a simple black sleeveless top, a delicate pearl necklace, and small stud earrings. - Otoplasty in Beverly Hills, CA

What is
Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the ears’ size, shape, or position. Also referred to as ear pinning, it is most commonly performed to correct prominent or protruding ears by repositioning them to sit more closely to the sides of the head. However, otoplasty may also be tailored to address large, disproportionate, or misshapen ears due to genetics, congenital issues, injury, or prior surgery. The procedure addresses the outward appearance of the ear and does not impact hearing.

Dr. Zamani uses refined techniques that allow for natural-looking results, such as concealing incisions behind the ear or within the natural folds of the ear structure. The goal is to create symmetry and proportion that harmonize with the patient’s facial features without appearing overcorrected or artificial.

What are the
benefits of
Otoplasty?

An otoplasty is a commonly requested procedure in the Beverly Hills and greater Los Angeles area. Some of the reasons it is a frequently performed procedure are the following benefits:

Reduces prominence of ears that stick out
Pinning back ears to fit more comfortably with hats, headsets, or other headgear
Improves ear shape and symmetry
Creates better facial balance and proportion
Boosts confidence and self-esteem, particularly in children and teens
Delivers permanent, natural-looking results

Who are the
best candidates
for Otoplasty?

If you are a patient in Beverly Hills or the greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Zamani may recommend you for an otoplasty, provided you meet some or all of the following criteria:

Have overly large or abnormally shaped ears
Excessively protruding ears that may or may not interfere with wearing articles of clothing or headgear
Maintain realistic expectations for what is possible with an otoplasty and their current ear presentation.
Are generally healthy and stable
Non-smokers
Have fully developed ear cartilage (typically by 6 years old)

Dr. Zamani offers consultations to evaluate candidacy and help patients—or parents of younger patients—feel fully informed and confident about moving forward.

What’s the
first step?

Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Zamani at her Beverly Hills practice. Dr. Zamani will take the time to review your medical history, evaluate your ear position and the health of the cartilage tissue, and explain how an otoplasty procedure will work to create the best results for your ear presentation. She will provide you with before-and-after pictures of previous otoplasty procedures so you may understand what is possible with your particular surgery. Dr. Zamani wants every patient to ask her any and all questions they may have so that they feel comfortable, prepared, and completely informed about their chosen procedures.

If you agree with Dr. Zamani’s proposed surgical strategy, she will design a personalized surgical treatment plan for your ears. A member of our patient care team will then schedule your otoplasty procedure at a time that is convenient for your schedule.

What to expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

Dr. Zamani’s practice is hands-on and focused on the comfort and care of every patient. Following the scheduling of your otoplasty procedure, she will give you instructions to ensure successful results. These may be specific to your health needs, though in general, she advises patients to abstain from smoking and drinking at least several weeks prior to their surgery.

On the day of your surgery, Dr. Zamani will meet with you again to explain the surgical plan and address any outstanding questions. Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation for adults or general anesthesia for children. Depending on the extent of correction, the procedure usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Dr. Zamani begins by making a small, discreet incision behind the ear to sculpt or remove pieces of cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head or correct contour irregularities. Once the desired ear shape and position have been achieved, the incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a protective dressing is applied to support the healing process.

Otoplasty
recovery

Patients return home the same day as surgery accompanied by a friend, family member, or caregiver. Dr. Zamani provides a tailored recovery protocol, including pain management, wound care, and activity restrictions.

A soft head dressing or bandage will be worn for the first week to support healing and maintain the new ear position. Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal and subside gradually over 1–2 weeks. Most patients can return to work or school after 1 week, though contact sports and strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks.

How much
does Otoplasty
cost in Beverly Hills, CA?

The cost of otoplasty can vary based on the complexity of the correction, whether one or both ears are being treated, and the use of anesthesia. After evaluating your goals and anatomy, Dr. Zamani will provide a personalized surgical plan and a detailed cost estimate. Her patient concierge team is available to assist with scheduling, pricing, and financing options.

Why Choose
Dr. Zamani?

Dr. Maryam Saheb-Al-Zamani (known to her patients as Dr. Zamani or affectionately as “Dr. Z”) is an aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in aesthetic facial, breast, and body procedures. Dr. Zamani attended medical school at Washington University School of Medicine, where she graduated with a combined degree in Medicine and a Master’s for Research in Plastic Surgery. She returned home to the University of Toronto to complete her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training. She is one of a handful of Canadian plastic surgeons to have further specialized training in aesthetic plastic surgery as an American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)-endorsed fellow with world-renowned surgeons. She is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Plastic Surgery (FRCSC). Dr. Zamani brings the latest surgical and non-surgical treatment options to serve her patients and teach future aspiring surgeons. She serves on the editorial board of leading journals in the field of aesthetics (The Aesthetic Surgery Journal and The Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum), has multiple journal and book chapter publications, and regularly attends educational conferences to learn about new treatment options to offer her patients.

As a female surgeon, Dr. Zamani is dedicated to celebrating her patients’ unique features and realizing their beauty. Her treatment goal is for every patient to address their areas of concern and create harmony between how they perceive themselves and how the world perceives them. Her hands-on approach to crafting bespoke solutions for each patient—not relying on “one size fits all” techniques—is what sets her apart as a trusted provider.

Otoplasty FAQ’S

The number of appointments for your otoplasty procedure will depend on each patient’s individual ear presentation and desired results. Dr. Zamani will monitor her patients’ healing progress during follow-up appointments to ensure their ears are maintaining their repositioned adjustments. Dr. Zamani will be able to provide you with an estimate of the number of appointments necessary at the time of your consultation.
Many of our patients are interested in combining multiple procedures to reduce the time spent in recovery. If you are interested in combining your otoplasty procedure with additional surgical procedures, please let Dr. Zamani know at the time of your consultation so she may devise the safest and most appropriate surgical plan for you. Dr. Zamani places her patients’ safety and comfort at the center of every surgical discussion, so she encourages her patients to be transparent with their medical history and reasons for electing these procedures.
An otoplasty is generally a safe procedure when performed by experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Zamani, but as with any surgery, it can be associated with certain complications. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, or changes in sensation. During your consultation, Dr. Zamani will discuss these potential risks to ensure you are fully informed. She minimizes these risks through meticulous technique and personalized aftercare.

Rediscover

Timeless Beauty

An otoplasty can transform your appearance and your approach to life. Dr. Zamani offers both virtual and in-person otoplasty consultations in Beverly Hills, California. Contact us at your preferred location by completing the online booking form or sending an email to concierge@zamaniplasticsurgery.com. A member of our patient care team will reach out to schedule your consultation shortly!

Schedule a consultation

@dr.maryamzamani