Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Ear Surgery
Dr. Jonathan Zelken, MD · Board-Certified · Newport Beach, CA
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Zelken reshapes protruding, oversized, or misshapen ears with otoplasty — restoring natural balance and proportion between your ears and your face.
Approach
Dr. Zelken's Philosophy
For some people, ears are an afterthought. But if you have overly large ears, a condition called macrotia, or ears that protrude, they can be all you think about — and that can quietly wear on your confidence. Ear surgery is about quieting that noise, not drawing new attention.
At the Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine in Newport Beach, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Zelken approaches the ear the way an artist and scientist would: correcting even minor differences with precision so the result looks natural, balanced, and entirely your own — never operated-on.
Whether an ear difference has been present since birth, developed with age, or resulted from an injury or a previous surgery, Dr. Zelken and his team can help you have the ears you have always wanted, for yourself or for your child.
The Procedure
What is Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, improves the shape, position, or proportion of the ear. By reshaping the cartilage, it creates a more natural contour and brings the ears into balance with the rest of the face.
Even a subtle correction can have a profound effect on appearance and self-esteem. Otoplasty can reposition protruding ears closer to the head, reduce overly large ears, refine ears that are misshapen from injury, or correct differences that have been present since birth.
Because every ear is different, Dr. Zelken tailors the technique to your individual anatomy and goals — with a focus on a result that looks like it was always meant to be there.
Tailored to You
Types of Ear Surgery We Offer
Every ear and every goal is different, so Dr. Zelken matches the approach to your anatomy — from a single lobe repair to full reconstruction.
- Otoplasty for Protruding Ears Repositions the ear closer to the head for a balanced, natural profile.
- Macrotia Reduction Reshapes and reduces overly large ears into better proportion with the face.
- Earlobe Repair Restores torn, stretched, or gauged lobes, often in a quick awake procedure.
- Congenital Correction Addresses ear differences present at birth or emerging as a child develops.
- Traumatic Reconstruction Rebuilds ears misshapen by injury, sometimes revealed in stages over time.
- Revision Ear Surgery Refines or corrects the results of a previous otoplasty.
Benefits of Ear Surgery
Restores natural balance and proportion between the ears and face.
Repositions protruding ears closer to the head.
Reduces the appearance of overly large ears (macrotia).
Refines ears misshapen by injury or present since birth.
Places incisions discreetly behind the ear or in natural folds.
Improves self-confidence for children and adults alike.
Is It Right For You
Who is a Good Ear Surgery Candidate?
Ear surgery is a highly individualized procedure, and the decision to proceed is yours alone. Children can be good candidates once they are healthy, free of untreated chronic ear infections, and their cartilage is stable enough for correction — usually around five years of age. It also helps when a child can express their own feelings about surgery.
Teenagers and adults are ideal candidates when they are healthy, without a medical condition that could impair healing, and have specific, realistic goals in mind. As with any procedure, it is important that candidates are nonsmokers. During your consultation, Dr. Zelken will review your goals and history and recommend the right approach for you.
What to Expect
The Ear Surgery Procedure
Every otoplasty begins with a consultation, where Dr. Zelken discusses your goals, reviews your medical history, and may take photographs for your record. Your candor helps ensure a safe, successful result, and this is the time to ask any questions and share any anxieties — a little nervousness before surgery is completely normal.
Depending on the scope of surgery, Dr. Zelken will recommend local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia for your comfort. Incisions are generally made behind the ear, so scars stay hidden as the ear is positioned closer to the head. When work on the front is needed, incisions are tucked within natural folds. Internal sutures hold the reshaped cartilage in place, and fine external stitches close the incision for a natural result.
Healing Timeline
Recovery
First Days
- Some discomfort is normal and easily controlled with medication.
- Dressings support the ear's new position — keep them intact.
Caring for Dressings
- You may feel itching beneath the bandages.
- Never remove them early, as this can undo the correction.
Follow-Up
- Our team provides detailed cleaning and medication instructions.
- Follow-up visits help healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Seeing Results
- For protruding ears, results appear once dressings come off.
- More extensive reconstruction may reveal its shape in stages.
The Outcome
Results & Longevity
Once the supportive dressings are removed, the new shape and position of the ear are revealed — and because otoplasty reshapes the cartilage itself, the result is designed to be lasting. For more extensive reconstruction, the final contour may continue to refine over the following weeks and months.
The hallmark of Dr. Zelken's work is a result that looks natural rather than corrected. The aim is never for the ears to draw attention, but simply to sit in quiet harmony with the rest of your features — an outcome that feels entirely your own.
Transparency
Risks & Considerations
As with any surgery, ear surgery carries some risks, such as infection or unfavorable scarring. Dr. Zelken believes in complete transparency and reviews every consideration during your consultation. To support safe healing, he asks that you stop smoking beforehand, and our team provides detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. You will review and sign consent forms so you fully understand the procedure and any potential complications.
Common Questions
Ear Surgery FAQ
Answers to the questions Dr. Zelken hears most often about ear surgery.
Yes. Dr. Zelken repairs torn, stretched, or gauged earlobes — often a quick in-office procedure performed awake, whether from heavy earrings, piercings that have pulled through, or old gauges.
Ear surgery is usually elective, so insurance typically won't cover it. Some cases tied to medical symptoms or hearing may qualify — our team can help you explore your options.
No. Ear surgery is an outpatient procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery; our team can also help coordinate your post-operative care.
As with any surgery, risks include infection or unfavorable scarring. Dr. Zelken reviews every consideration beforehand and provides detailed instructions to minimize risk and support smooth healing.
Children are often candidates once ear cartilage is stable, typically around age five, and can express their own wish for surgery. There's no upper age limit for teens or adults.
Incisions are usually made behind the ear, so scars stay hidden. When the front is involved, Dr. Zelken tucks incisions within natural folds to keep them discreet.
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Begin Your Journey
Ready to Reshape Your Ears?
If you're considering ear surgery, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Zelken and get answers to all your questions.