Ear Surgery
Key Takeaways
Ear surgery can improve the shape, position, and proportion of the ears, addressing concerns like protruding ears, torn lobes, and stretched or gauged piercings.
Otoplasty, earlobe repair, and gauged ear correction are tailored to each person’s anatomy to create natural-looking results and maintain ear function*.
Recovery usually involves temporary swelling and activity restrictions, with most patients returning to normal routines within days for earlobe procedures and a few weeks for otoplasty.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who focuses on safety, function, and aesthetics helps reduce risks and supports long-term results.
Mirror Plastic Surgery offers one-on-one consultations with Dr. Akash for ear surgery in Tampa; schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
Ear Surgery Options For Shape, Position, And Earlobe Repair
Ear surgery includes several procedures that adjust the ear’s shape, position, or proportion. Otoplasty, or ear pinning, creates or increases the antihelical fold and can reduce enlarged conchal cartilage so the ears sit closer to the head. Earlobe repair corrects torn or stretched lobes, and gauged ear correction closes or reshapes lobes stretched by large gauges.
These procedures can address:
Protruding or prominent ears
Torn earlobes from earrings or trauma
Stretched or thinned lobes from heavy jewelry or aging
Gauged earlobes that no longer match your preferred style
Goals often include more balanced facial proportions, restored ear contours, and improved comfort with your appearance*.
Personalized Ear Surgery Care At Mirror Plastic Surgery
Mirror Plastic Surgery follows a concierge-style model that focuses on thorough evaluation and individualized planning. Safety comes first, followed by function and then aesthetics. This sequence guides each decision during your treatment.
Consultations can last up to an hour, so there is time to review your anatomy, medical history, and goals. The practice limits the number of surgeries per day, which allows the team to focus on your procedure and recovery instructions without rushing.
Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to review which ear surgery option fits your needs.
Meet Dr. Akash: Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon In Tampa
Dr. Akash is a Harvard-educated, Johns Hopkins-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who focuses on aesthetic procedures of the face and body, including ear surgery. Newsweek has named him among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025), reflecting peer recognition of his expertise.
His fellowship training in aesthetic surgery at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and involvement with medical technology advisory boards support his use of refined, evidence-based techniques. For ear surgery, his goal is to create natural-looking changes that fit your facial features and are designed to last*.
Otoplasty, Earlobe Repair, And Gauged Ear Correction: What To Expect
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery)
Otoplasty repositions and reshapes protruding ears. Incisions are usually placed behind the ear and hidden in natural creases, and internal sutures hold the cartilage in its new shape. This approach can address a missing or weak antihelical fold, a deep conchal bowl, or excessive distance between the ear and the head.
Common candidates include children around age 5 or 6, when ear growth is mostly complete, as well as teens and adults who have felt self-conscious about protruding ears. Techniques may focus on reshaping cartilage, placing sutures, or both, with the aim of a balanced look rather than an overly “pinned” ear. Results are typically long-lasting, though a small number of patients may need minor revision if cartilage partially returns toward its old shape*.
Earlobe Repair For Torn Or Stretched Lobes
Earlobe repair treats partial or complete tears, enlarged piercings, or lobes stretched by heavy earrings. Treatment usually takes place under local anesthesia and involves trimming damaged tissue and closing the opening with careful suturing. Some complex cases may need flap techniques or small grafts for a more even contour.
Good candidates include people with:
Torn lobes after earring trauma
Stretched piercing holes that no longer hold earrings well
Lobes that have thinned or lengthened with age
The procedure aims to restore a smooth, rounded earlobe and reduce the visible signs of prior tearing or stretching*. After healing, many patients can re-pierce in a slightly different location to protect the repair.
Gauged Ear Correction Surgery
Gauged ear correction rebuilds earlobes that have been intentionally stretched with gauges. Tissue may be thin, drooping, or separated, so repair often requires more extensive planning than standard earlobe repair.
Candidates are people who no longer want gauged ears and prefer a more traditional appearance. Surgery typically removes excess stretched skin and reshapes the remaining tissue to recreate a natural lobe. Expected outcomes* include closure or marked reduction of the gauge opening and a more typical earlobe shape that blends with other facial features.
Preparing For Ear Surgery
Preparation begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Akash reviews your ear anatomy, medical history, and goals, then explains which technique he recommends and what results you can reasonably expect*.
Pre-operative steps often include:
Medical evaluation to confirm you are a good candidate
Adjusting medications that affect bleeding or healing, such as blood thinners, under the guidance of your prescribing physician
Photographs for surgical planning and before-and-after comparison
Instructions about smoking, vaping, and alcohol, which may need to be paused to support healing
Planning usually takes several weeks, which allows time for clearances, schedule coordination, and any lifestyle changes that improve surgical safety.
Schedule your ear surgery consultation with Dr. Akash to review a personalized surgical plan.
Ear Surgery Recovery And Aftercare
Recovery details depend on the procedure, but most patients go home the same day. For otoplasty, a protective dressing or headband supports the new ear position. Results are visible soon after dressings come off, with scars usually hidden behind or within natural ear creases.
After earlobe repair or gauged ear correction, recovery is usually simpler. Stitches remain for about 1 to 2 weeks, and most people return to routine daily activities within a few days. Re-piercing is commonly delayed 2 to 3 months and placed at least 3 millimeters away from the repair to protect the new tissue.
Across procedures, patients can expect mild to moderate discomfort, bruising, and swelling, which usually improve over the first week. Activity restrictions often include avoiding strenuous exercise, contact sports, and heavy lifting for several weeks, especially after otoplasty, to protect the ears while they heal*.
How To Choose An Ear Surgeon
Ear surgery requires an understanding of both facial balance and ear anatomy. Not every provider performs these procedures regularly, and results can look unnatural if the surgeon overcorrects or ignores the way ears relate to the rest of the face.
Key factors to look for include:
Board certification in plastic surgery
Experience with otoplasty, earlobe repair, and gauged ear correction
Before-and-after photos that show natural results
Clear explanations of options, risks, and recovery
At Mirror Plastic Surgery, consultations include an unbiased review of whether surgery is appropriate and which technique best fits your anatomy. Dr. Akash provides step-by-step education about the plan so you can make informed decisions.
Cost Of Ear Surgery Procedures
Pricing varies based on the procedure type, whether one or both ears are treated, and the complexity of your case. A personalized consultation is the most accurate way to receive a detailed estimate. During your visit, Dr. Akash can outline options that match your goals and discuss how each choice may affect both cost and results*.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Surgery
Will my ear surgery results look natural?
The goal of ear surgery is a balanced, natural appearance. For otoplasty, this means bringing the ears closer to the head without flattening them. For earlobe repair and gauged ear correction, the focus is on recreating a smooth, well-shaped lobe that blends with the rest of the ear.
How long does ear surgery take?
Otoplasty usually takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether one or both ears are treated and how much reshaping is needed. Earlobe repair and gauged ear correction often take about an hour or less and are commonly performed with local anesthesia. Your consultation will include a time estimate based on your specific plan.
When can I re-pierce my ears after earlobe repair?
Most patients wait at least 2 to 3 months before re-piercing so the tissue can fully heal. Many surgeons recommend placing the new piercing a short distance away from the repair site to distribute tension and lower the chance of another tear.
Is ear surgery painful?
Anesthesia keeps you comfortable during surgery. Afterward, most people describe soreness or pressure rather than sharp pain. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications usually control discomfort during the first few days, and symptoms typically lessen as swelling decreases.
Are there age limits for otoplasty?
Otoplasty is often performed for children around ages 5 or 6, when ear cartilage is mature enough for reshaping. Many teens and adults also choose the procedure later in life. As long as a patient is medically healthy, there is usually no strict upper age limit.
Schedule An Ear Surgery Consultation In Tampa, FL
People seeking correction of protruding ears, torn earlobes, or stretched and gauged piercings can explore tailored options at Mirror Plastic Surgery. The practice combines detailed consultations, modern surgical techniques, and focused aftercare to support safe, natural-looking results*.
Book your ear surgery consultation with Dr. Akash to discuss your goals and receive a customized treatment plan. Call 727-361-6515 or email hello@mirrorplasticsurgery.com for scheduling assistance.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.