What Is Ear Surgery?

During ear surgery, Dr. Gupta will modify the cartilage to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Depending on your needs, he may:

  • Pin back prominent ears so they are closer to your head
  • Reduce the size of overly large ears
  • Sculpt ears that are symmetrical and balanced
  • Repair your ears after trauma, an injury, or a previous procedure
  • Ensure that your ears complement your face

Why Choose Dr. Gupta?

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon for 25+ Years

Dr. Gupta has spent two decades refining his approach to facial plastic surgery. You can trust him to guide you through each element of your otoplasty, ensuring results that are beautifully aligned with your unique vision.

Personalized Care

From planning your surgical details to the recovery process and follow-up visits, Dr. Gupta is directly involved with your care every step of the way.

Natural Artistry

You can trust Dr. Gupta to sculpt balanced and symmetrical ears that complement–rather than detract from–your facial features.

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The Benefits of Ear Surgery

  • Reduce prominent ears to create a more balanced facial profile
  • Correct asymmetry, size, and shape concerns
  • Provide a long-lasting result that’s tailored to your features
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The Otoplasty Process

Your otoplasty journey in San Diego will begin with a detailed consultation with Dr. Gupta. During this appointment, he’ll use visual aids so you can see how precise adjustments to your ear shape and position will affect your overall appearance. He will perform your actual surgery under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one to two hours and focuses on reshaping and repositioning the ear to achieve balance, symmetry, and a natural overall appearance.

To begin, Dr. Gupta will carefully mark your ears to guide the correction process and ensure that both sides are harmonious. He will then place incisions discreetly behind the ears or within their natural folds, where they will be virtually invisible once healed. Through those openings, he’ll gently access the underlying cartilage, which is the framework that defines the shape of the ear. Once the reshaping process is complete, Dr. Gupta will close the incisions with fine sutures and wrap the ears with light dressings to maintain their new position. You’ll need to wear these dressings for a few days. Once the dressing is removed, you’ll wear a soft headband at night to protect the results while you sleep.

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Recovery and Results

You’ll need to wear a light dressing or headband the first week to protect your ears as they heal. Mild soreness and swelling are common, but you should still be able to return to work within a few days. Your final results will appear gradually as swelling subsides, revealing balanced ears that complement your overall appearance.

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Revision Otoplasty: Restoring Balance With Precision

For patients who have undergone prior ear surgery but are dissatisfied with the outcome, revision otoplasty offers a second opportunity to restore balance. Revision cases are inherently more complex due to the presence of scar tissue, altered cartilage structure, or overcorrection. All of these factors can complicate the refinement process, but with the right expertise, it is possible. Dr. Gupta will approach your revision with a reconstructive mindset and an artist’s eye. He begins by evaluating your ears’ position, contour, and symmetry.

He then develops a plan to restore the gentle, natural curves that define an attractive ear shape. Using advanced cartilage reshaping techniques, he will correct any issues from the previous surgery, including excessive pinning, asymmetry, or visible irregularities. Throughout this process, he will focus on subtle adjustments that restore facial harmony. His meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of ear anatomy allow him to rebuild your ear structure while preserving long-term stability and comfort. 

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Ear Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

Are otoplasty results permanent?

Once the cartilage heals in its new position, the change should be very long-lasting. Maintaining gentle care and avoiding trauma to the ears during healing will help to ensure lasting, symmetrical results.

Can otoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?

Absolutely. Many of our patients combine otoplasty with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or chin augmentation for a comprehensive transformation.

Will there be visible scars?

No. Dr. Gupta hides incisions behind the ear, leaving minimal scars that are typically not visible.

Where are the incisions placed, and will they be visible?

Dr. Gupta will discreetly hide the incisions behind your ear or within its natural creases. Once your body has healed, the scars will be virtually invisible. Dr. Gupta uses delicate suturing and tension-free closure techniques to prevent any distortion and maintain symmetry.

Schedule Your Ear Surgery Consultation

If you’re considering ear surgery in San Diego or Encinitas, contact Gupta Plastic Surgery today and schedule your private consultation.

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