Is an Otoplasty Painful?

During surgery, patients are kept comfortable with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on what’s best for them. Afterward, mild soreness or tightness around the ears is common for a few days, but it’s usually easy to manage with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Most of our San Diego patients say the recovery feels more like tenderness or pressure than real pain, and this subsides quickly as swelling decreases.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

You’ll have your initial consultation, the surgery itself will take place in a single session, and then a few follow-up appointments to allow Dr. Kolstad to monitor your healing and make sure your results are taking shape as planned.

How Long Until I See Results?

You’ll notice a difference right after surgery, though swelling and bruising can make your final results less visible for a few weeks. By about one month, your ears should look more refined, and most of the swelling should have faded. Complete healing can take up to three months, but once everything settles, your results are long-lasting and typically permanent.

Can I Combine an Otoplasty With Other Procedures?

Yes, otoplasty can be combined with some of our other facial surgeries, like rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or even a facelift, to create overall facial balance. Dr. Kolstad also performs non-surgical treatments, such as fillers and laser procedures, that may complement your results. During your consultation at our San Diego office, he’ll help design a safe and effective plan if you’re interested in combining treatments—call (858) 859-2563 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kolstad.

What Are the Risks Associated With an Otoplasty?

The most common side effects of an otoplasty include temporary swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort, which usually improve within the first week or two. In rare cases, there may be minor asymmetry between the ears, scarring, or slight changes in skin sensation as the area heals. Infection and bleeding are possible but uncommon when you follow your aftercare instructions carefully.

San Diego & La Jolla, CA

Otoplasty

Name: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Brand: Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (95 reviews)

Otoplasty in San Diego

Otoplasty, commonly known as ear pinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the position or projection of the ears. For patients with prominent or protruding ears, otoplasty can transformative.

At Dr. Kolstad’s facial plastic surgery practice in San Diego, otoplasty is tailored to each patient’s individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. The goal is not simply to “pin the ears back,” but to create natural-looking ears with appropriate shape, contour, and symmetry.

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the external ear. It may be performed to reduce excessive ear projection, improve ear shape, correct asymmetry, or address certain congenital ear deformities.

During ear surgery, the cartilage of the ear can be carefully reshaped and repositioned to create a less projected and less prominent appearance. The specific technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and the desired result.

Natural Looking Otoplasty Results

The objective of modern otoplasty is a natural and balanced appearance, rather than ears that look excessively flattened against the head. Careful attention is given to the curves and folds of the ear so that the result blends naturally with the patient’s facial features.

Because facial symmetry is rarely perfect, minor differences between the two ears will remain after surgery. Dr. Kolstad evaluates each ear individually when developing the surgical plan.

What Are the Benefits of an Otoplasty?

An otoplasty can create a noticeable yet natural improvement that brings harmony to our patients’ faces. By reshaping or repositioning the ears, the procedure helps reduce how far they project from the head, refine their contour, or correct asymmetry.

Many patients also feel a major boost in their self confidence, especially if they’ve spent years feeling self conscious due to their ears.

Why Choose Dr. Kolstad?

Dr. Christopher Kolstad is double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a proud member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Patients choose Dr. Kolstad because he focuses entirely on facial aesthetics and hair restoration, taking the time to understand each person’s goals and deliver outcomes that look natural to each of his patients.

With Dr. Kolstad, it is not just about the procedure itself. It is about achieving balance and symmetry while maintaining the highest standards of safety and precision in all his otoplasty procedures.

Who Are the Best Candidates For an Otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be an excellent option for both children and adults in San Diego who are unhappy with the appearance of their ears. The best candidates typically:

Have ears that protrude more than desired, appear uneven, or are disproportionate to the head
Are in good physical health and do not have conditions that impair healing
They are motivated by their own goals rather than pressure from others
An underdeveloped or poorly defined antihelical fold

Children are often eligible for otoplasty once their ears have reached near full development, which typically occurs around age 5 or 6. Adults can safely undergo otoplasty at any age as well, as long as they’re in good overall health.

What’s the First Step?

Your Otoplasty Journey with Dr. Kolstad

Customize your Otoplasty!

Your journey begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Kolstad at his San Diego office. During this appointment, he’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, examine your ears, and understand what you hope to accomplish.

Using a mirror, Dr. Kolstad can help share potential results with you to help you visualize what’s possible before making any decisions. He’ll explain your surgical plan in detail, including incision placement and recovery expectations.

What to Expect on the Day of Otoplasty Surgery

Before the procedure, Dr. Kolstad marks the planned incision lines behind the ear and confirms the desired positioning with you. Once you’re comfortable and the anesthesia has taken effect, he begins by making small, hidden incisions in the natural folds behind the ears. Through these, he reshapes and repositions the underlying cartilage with extreme precision. Fine sutures are used to maintain the new contour and secure the ears closer to the head.

Once complete, the incisions are closed with meticulous care to ensure a clean, minimal scar. A soft, protective dressing is applied to support the ears as they heal. You’ll be able to go home shortly after surgery with detailed aftercare instructions and a direct line of communication to Dr. Kolstad and his team for any questions during recovery.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Ear Surgery?

You’ll wear a light bandage around your head for the first few days to protect the ears and help them hold their new shape. After that, you’ll switch to a soft headband at night to prevent accidental pressure while sleeping.

Mild swelling and soreness are common during the first week, but most patients say it feels more like tightness than pain. Discomfort is easily managed with prescribed medication. The majority of swelling should subside within two weeks, and most people return to work or school within about a week.

It’s important to avoid heavy exercise or contact sports for a few weeks while your ears continue to heal.

How Much Does an Otoplasty Cost in San Diego, CA?

The cost of otoplasty in San Diego will vary depending on what your specific needs are and the extent of your procedure. You also need to take into account factors such as the surgical technique, type of anesthesia, and the complexity of the correction when pricing.

After your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed quote that covers all associated fees. Dr. Kolstad’s team will also discuss financing and payment options to make your experience as seamless as possible.

Otoplasty FAQ’S

During surgery, patients are kept comfortable with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on what’s best for them.

Afterward, mild soreness or tightness around the ears is common for a few days, but it’s usually easy to manage with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief.

Most of our San Diego patients say the recovery feels more like tenderness or pressure than real pain, and this subsides quickly as swelling decreases.
You’ll notice a difference right after surgery, though swelling and bruising can make your final results less visible for a few weeks. By about one month, your ears should look more refined, and most of the swelling should have faded.

Complete healing can take up to three months, but once everything settles, your results are long-lasting and typically permanent.
Yes, otoplasty can be combined with some of our other facial surgeries, like rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or even a facelift, to create overall facial balance. Dr. Kolstad also performs non-surgical treatments, such as fillers and laser procedures, that may complement your results.

During your consultation at our San Diego office, he’ll help design a safe and effective plan if you’re interested in combining treatments—call (858) 859-2563 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kolstad.
The most common side effects of an otoplasty include temporary swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort, which usually improve within the first week or two.

In rare cases, there may be minor asymmetry between the ears, scarring, or slight changes in skin sensation as the area heals. Infection and bleeding are possible but uncommon when you follow your aftercare instructions carefully.

Trusted by Patients

5.0

Highly recommend!

Dr. Kolstad has such a strong attention to detail and truly listens to what you want. He makes sure you feel comfortable and cared for throughout the entire process. His professionalism and calm demeanor really put me at ease, and I trust his expertise completely. Highly recommend!

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Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor!

Dr. Kolstad is an amazing doctor! I had two hair transplant surgeries over a span of 12 months with him, 4,800 grafts. I saw a number of other hair transplant surgeons in the area, and Dr. Kolstad’s prices are very reasonable. The outcome was exceptional, I am so happy with my new look! The scheduling of pre- and post-op visits was easy and his staff are excellent. Highly recommend!

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Dr. Kolstad is so incredibly talented

Been coming here for years for filler and Botox. Dr Kolstad is so incredibly talented with his work and keeping a natural look to enhance the beauty you already have! He’s so thorough and communicates with such intent and everyone who works here is so amazing and kind! 10/10

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Dr.Kolstad is a blessing

Dr.Kolstad is a blessing to patients who are looking for a facial rejuvenation and natural beauty changes. He has state of the art with all the latest technology in house operation theatre which is emergency equipped bringing costs to patients lower. The office is immaculately hygienic. Dr K and his staff – Jaina, Saranya and Janice are the entire team is top notch, so caring that I didn’t miss a family member. His facial plastic surgery skills are exquisite. He has amazing bed side manners. Very caring and considerate , putting patient care first. I highly recommend him for any facial plastic surgery without breaking your bank along with top notch care. He is the perfect package.

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Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted

I absolutely love Dr. Kolstads office! I’ve been going here for a few years now for lip filler and Botox. Everyone here is so welcoming and incredibly smart! Dr. Kolstad is truly gifted at what he does all while making sure you still maintain a natural look! Thank you to the team for an amazing experience!

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve been considering ear reshaping surgery, there’s no better time to take the next step.

Contact Kolstad Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego today at (858) 859-2563 to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Kolstad. You can also request your appointment online using our online request form.

Discover how refined ear surgery can restore balance, confidence, and harmony to your appearance.

Schedule a Consultation

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