Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Serving patients in: Paramus, Wyckoff, Ridgewood, Allendale, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Westwood, Ho Ho Kus, Park Ridge, Rivervale, Old Tappan, and surrounding areas.
When the ears are prominent or asymmetrical, they can often become the unintended focal point of an otherwise balanced profile. Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, offers a sophisticated solution for both children and adults. At our Paramus practice, Dr. Gary Breslow utilizes meticulous surgical techniques to reshape the cartilage, bringing the ears into a more natural position closer to the head. The result is a profile that feels more cohesive and a life-changing sense of confidence.
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a specialized surgical procedure in which the ears are pinned back, and excess cartilage is removed to improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. The procedure incisions are made behind the ears to minimize potential scarring.
Because the ears reach nearly their full size by age five or six, otoplasty is a procedure frequently performed on younger patients to prevent social self-consciousness, though it is equally effective for adults seeking to refine their appearance. Children as young as 4 may be candidates for this procedure, which generally lasts around 2 hours. In just a few weeks, the patient can resume most normal activities.
Performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, the otoplasty procedure is a study in precision. Dr. Breslow makes small, discreet incisions on the back of the ear or within the natural folds. Through these, he reshapes the ear cartilage using internal, permanent sutures to create the desired fold or to pull the ear closer to the head. By working through the back of the ear, he ensures that any surgical evidence is tucked away from view.
The otoplasty procedure is the definitive solution for ears that "stick out" or appear disproportionate to the head. It corrects asymmetry—where one ear sits differently than the other—and can refine the shape of the earlobes or the upper ear rim. For patients who have felt the need to hide their ears behind long hair or hats, otoplasty addresses the structural issues that cause prominence, allowing for a natural-looking style.
Cosmetic ear surgery focuses specifically on the external ear, including the cartilage frame and the earlobes. Bringing the ears into a more standard alignment refines the entire facial silhouette. The jawline appears cleaner, and the eyes and cheekbones are given a more balanced stage, as the ears no longer distract from the central features of the face.
The most immediate benefit of otoplasty is a boost in self-esteem. For children, it can mean an end to teasing; for adults, it provides the freedom to wear shorter hairstyles or up-dos with confidence. Beyond aesthetics, the procedure offers a permanent structural change that requires no future maintenance. By choosing an elite surgeon like Dr. Breslow, you ensure that the ears do not look "over-corrected" or "plastered" to the head, but rather look as if they have always been in their new, natural position.
Otoplasty is an ideal match for healthy individuals who are dissatisfied with the prominence or shape of their ears.
Candidates should be at least 4-5 years old, as ear cartilage must be sufficiently stable for surgery. During your consultation in Paramus, Dr. Breslow will evaluate the ear structure and discuss your goals to ensure a bespoke treatment plan. Ear surgery offers a simple solution for anyone looking to bring their features into a more quiet, elegant harmony.
The otoplasty recovery process is relatively fast and straightforward. Following surgery, a soft headband or dressing is worn to protect the ears and maintain their new position during the initial healing phase. While there may be some mild swelling or throbbing in the first few days, this is easily managed with medication. Most patients are back to their social calendars within a week, though contact sports should be avoided for several weeks to ensure the ears have fully healed and settled into their new position.
The transformation is visible as soon as the initial dressings are removed, usually within a few days. While minor swelling may persist briefly, the new shape and position of the ears are immediately apparent.
The results of otoplasty are permanent. Because the ear cartilage has been surgically reshaped and secured, the ears will stay in their new position for a lifetime. While the body continues to age naturally, the structural changes made during your otoplasty will remain a lasting foundation for your profile.
Surgical mastery of the ear requires an artist's eye and an expert’s hand. For 20 years, Dr. Gary Breslow and his team have delivered refined aesthetic results to Bergen County.
We offer a luxurious, supportive environment where your comfort is our priority. At The Breslow Center, we understand that even the smallest refinement can have a profound impact on your life, and we handle every otoplasty with the clinical excellence that underpins our reputation.
Contact us today to learn more about otoplasty performed at The Breslow Center for Plastic Surgery — northern New Jersey practice.
Dr. Breslow typically places the incisions behind the ear or within natural creases, making them virtually invisible once healed.
Children can safely undergo the procedure once their ear cartilage has fully developed, typically around the ages 5 or 6.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort or a tight feeling for the first day or two. Any pain is well-managed with standard medication and subsides quickly.
Yes, otoplasty techniques can often be used to reconstruct and reshape ears damaged by trauma or sports injuries.
No. Otoplasty only addresses the external structure of the ear and has no impact on the internal ear or your ability to hear.
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