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Ear Surgery New York City, NY

Refine Ear Shape and Proportion

Introduction to Ear Surgery

Top New York plastic surgeon Dr. Darrick Antell is board-certified in plastic surgery and specializes in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery. Two of the plastic surgery procedures he performs at his New York City practice are ear pinning (also known as otoplasty) and earlobe repair.

Otoplasty is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. If you are considering otoplasty, this section will provide a basic overview of the procedure.

Earlobe repair is usually done to correct torn, stretched, or damaged earlobes, often due to trauma or wear and tear from heavy jewelry. If you are considering torn earlobe repair, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure.

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  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
  • Real patient results in New York, NY Performed by Darrick E. Antell MD, FACS
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Dr Antell performing operation in sterile operating room under bright surgical lights - ear surgery in New York, NY

What Is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery in older patients.

If you’re considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure – when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. It can’t answer all of your questions because a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure.

Earlobe Repair

When earrings get snagged in clothing, pulled accidentally, or even yanked by a small child, the result can be a torn earlobe. Earlobes can also stretch over time from the wear and tear of heavy jewelry, or earring holes can gradually enlarge. If you’re not satisfied with the appearance of your earlobes, or you have damage that makes it difficult to wear the jewelry you love, make an appointment with Dr. Antell to find out more about torn earlobe repair in NYC.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Ear Surgery?

The best candidates for ear surgery at Dr. Antell’s practice should be in the greater New York City area and have at least some of the following:

  • Have overly large ears
  • Ears that protrude on one or both sides of the head
  • A lack of confidence in the appearance of their ears
  • Want to achieve a more symmetrical facial appearance by altering the shape, size, or projection of one or both ears
  • Torn earlobe(s)
  • A congenital disability or experienced an injury or trauma that damaged the natural appearance of their ear(s)

What Are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?

Dr. Antell has helped thousands of patients in New York City feel more comfortable with the appearance of their ears through ear surgery, whether it is through otoplasty or earlobe repair. Some of the many benefits his patients walk away with are:

  • Enhanced confidence in the appearance of their ears
  • Correction of protruding ears by pinning them closer to the head
  • Correction of congenital deformities
  • Improved facial symmetry
  • Repaired trauma-induced deformities
  • Permanent results
Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

How to Begin Your Ear Surgery Journey

Most surgeons recommend that parents stay alert to their child’s feelings about protruding ears; don’t insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

In the initial meeting at Dr. Antell’s office in New York City, he will:

  • Ask about you or your child’s ear concerns, covering size, shape, and projection
  • Evaluate your child’s condition or yours if you are considering surgery for yourself
  • Review the candidate’s medical history
  • Recommend the most effective technique
  • Give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery

Where the Ear Surgery Will Be Performed

Ear surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital, a doctor’s office-based surgical facility, or a freestanding surgery center. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend that the procedure be done as an inpatient procedure, in which case you can plan on staying overnight in the hospital.

Types of Anesthesia for Ear Surgery

Many ear surgery procedures are performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Whether sedation is indicated for your procedure or your child’s procedure will be discussed with Dr. Antell during your consultation.

What to Expect on the Day of Ear Surgery

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. They will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon removes a larger piece of cartilage to create a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. The surgeon removes skin and uses stitches to fold the cartilage back on itself, reshaping the ear without removing cartilage. In most cases, ear surgery leaves a faint scar in the back of the ear that fades with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgeons usually perform surgery on both ears for better balance.

The Torn Earlobe Repair Surgery Procedure

Depending on your individual circumstances, torn earlobe repair in New York City can be performed either immediately after an injury or delayed until the wound has healed and the tissue is no longer inflamed. The specific repair method depends on how much tissue was lost and the nature of your injury.

A variety of different techniques can be performed to close the wound, redistribute tissue, and reshape the ear to match your natural ear shape. Torn earlobe repair is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in Dr. Antell’s state-of-the-art surgical facility and with a local anesthetic.

Dr Antell in navy suit and tie having serious discussion in office setting - in New York, NY

Ear Surgery Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Ear Surgery Care

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until they are ready to return home. The patient’s head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately after surgery to promote optimal molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but medication can relieve this.

Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Stitches are usually removed or will dissolve in about a week.

Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can return to work about 5 days after surgery. Children can return to school after about 7 days if they’re careful with playground activities. You may want to ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

Combining My Ear Surgery with Other Procedures

Dr. Antell is happy to discuss your concerns and goals during your consultation at his New York City office. After you let him know what your desired outcomes are, he can recommend various procedures to help you achieve your goals. Many of Dr. Antell’s patients combine at least one procedure with their ear surgery, including:

A chin reduction, also known as genioplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to shrink and/or reshape the chin to achieve facial balance and symmetry. This combination achieves synergy across your facial profile for a more attractive, contoured silhouette.

Other Ear Problems

Besides protruding ears, surgery can help with a variety of other ear problems. These include: “lop ear,” when the tip seems to fold down and forward; “cupped ear,” which is usually a very small ear; and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury. Sometimes, however, the correction can leave a scar that’s worse than the original problem. Ask your surgeon about the effectiveness of surgery for your specific case.

More Natural-Looking Ears

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery. But keep in mind, the goal is improvement, not perfection. Don’t expect both ears to match perfectly – perfect symmetry is both unlikely and unnatural in ears. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon before the operation, chances are, you’ll be quite pleased with the result.

How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of ear surgery in New York City depends on several important factors, including whether you get otoplasty or earlobe repair, which anesthesia is used, the extent of the procedure, and the surgeon’s expertise.

We recommend asking any and all questions you have to ensure you fully understand what you are signing up for. An estimate will be provided during your consultation at Dr. Antell’s office in New York City.

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

When considering plastic surgery, it is critical that you choose a surgeon with a long, illustrious career. The beauty and natural look of your enhancement will be the direct result of the artistry and skills of your surgeon. Dr. Antell is a leader in his field with over 20 years of experience serving patients at his New York City-based clinic and is often called upon to present his advanced techniques at national and international professional conferences. His peers recognize him as being among the most accomplished plastic surgeons practicing in New York and beyond.

Dr. Antell is renowned for delivering exceptional results and is proudly board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also an official spokesperson for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and is a member of several regional and national medical societies, including the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Antell is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and will be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Ear Surgery FAQ’S

  • “I recommend him with complete confidence”

    It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

    Giovanni S.

  • “I am extremely grateful”

    I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

    Anonymous

  • “I’m so pleased and grateful”

    I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

    Theresa D.

  • “Had a fantastic experience”

    Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

    Ben R.

  • “Highly recommend”

    Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

    Eric L.

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