Cosmetic Ear Surgery in Manhattan Beach: Otoplasty and Earlobe Repair

Cosmetic Ear Surgery: Otoplasty and Earlobe Repair

Cosmetic ear surgery can refine the shape, position, and balance of your ears. Dr. Kristin Egan—dual board-certified in Otolaryngology (ENT) and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—offers otoplasty (ear pinning for protruding ears) and earlobe repair for torn, stretched, or enlarged earlobes in Manhattan Beach and Torrance.

What is Otoplasty (Ear Pinning)?

Otoplasty repositions ears that stick out so they sit closer to the head and look more balanced with your features. It can also improve ear shape and symmetry. Many children have the procedure once the ears are mostly grown (often around age 5–6), but teens and adults can benefit as well. Otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia with or without sedation for adults, or general anesthesia for children.

Who is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

• Children with prominent ears who are good candidates once ear growth is largely complete

• Teens and adults bothered by ear prominence or asymmetry

• Healthy individuals with realistic expectations

• Non-smokers or those willing to pause nicotine use to support healing

How Otoplasty is Performed

Incisions are usually placed behind the ear or within natural folds. Dr. Egan reshapes the ear cartilage and uses internal sutures to set the ears back and improve contour. A soft dressing is placed at the end of the procedure, and most patients go home the same day.

Recovery After Otoplasty

• Head dressing or bandage typically worn for about one week

• A comfortable headband may be recommended at night for several weeks

• Soreness and swelling are expected and usually improve over the first 1–2 weeks

• Most children return to school and adults return to non-strenuous work in about a week

• Avoid contact sports and activities that could bend the ears for several weeks

• Follow-up visits help ensure proper healing and symmetry

Earlobe Repair and Reduction

Earlobe procedures address torn lobes, stretched piercings (including gauges), and lobes that are larger or elongated. These are typically performed in the office with local anesthesia. Dr. Egan precisely reshapes and sutures the earlobe for a natural contour, with minimal downtime—many patients return to work within a few days.

Recovery After Earlobe Repair

• Mild swelling or bruising is common for a few days

• A small dressing may be used for the first day or two

• Sutures are often removed in about 5–7 days if non-absorbable

• Keep the area clean and avoid heavy earrings while healing

• Re-piercing is possible after full healing; Dr. Egan will advise on timing, often a few months

Risks and Safety

• Bleeding, infection, and scarring

• Asymmetry or contour irregularities

• Temporary numbness or sensitivity changes

• Suture irritation or the need for minor revision

• Recurrence of ear prominence (otoplasty) or notching/firm scars (earlobe repair)

• Increased risk of thick scars in patients prone to keloids

Why Choose Dr. Kristin Egan

Dr. Egan is dual board-certified in ENT and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with extensive experience treating both children and adults. She has practiced in Manhattan Beach since 2011 and serves patients throughout the Beach Cities, Torrance, and surrounding communities. Appointments are available in Manhattan Beach and in Torrance.

What to Expect on Procedure Day

1. 1

   Check-in and a review of your treatment plan and consent forms

2. 2

   Pre-procedure markings and final questions answered

3. 3

   Anesthesia (local with or without sedation for adults; general for many children)

4. 4

   Surgery to reshape and secure the ear or repair the earlobe

5. 5

   A brief stay in recovery with instructions for home care

6. 6

   Discharge the same day with follow-up scheduled

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to discuss otoplasty or earlobe repair? Call Dr. Kristin Egan's Manhattan Beach or Torrance office to schedule a personal consultation and learn which approach is right for you.