Reshape what holds your confidence back. Ear surgery (otoplasty) at Southern Coastal Aesthetics treats prominent, asymmetrical, or misshapen ears with natural-looking results. Led by Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS—our triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon—this procedure helps restore facial harmony and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
Reposition and reshape your
ears for optimal balance
Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure that repositions, reshapes, or reduces the size of the ears to create a more balanced, symmetrical appearance. Whether you’re bothered by ears that stick out, are misshapen due to injury or genetics, or simply don’t feel in proportion to your face, ear surgery offers a tailored solution. Dr. Morris uses a precise, minimally invasive approach to sculpt natural-looking results that align with your unique features—restoring both aesthetic balance and personal confidence.
Ear surgery treats:
- Ears that protrude too far from the head
- Asymmetrical or uneven ear positioning
- Misshapen ears due to genetics or trauma
- Overly large ears (macrotia)
- Stretched, torn, or damaged earlobes
- Disproportion between ear size and facial features
How ear surgery (otoplasty) is done
Ear surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation, though general anesthesia may be used for younger patients. Dr. Morris makes a small incision behind the ear, hidden in the natural crease where the ear meets the scalp. Through this point, she reshapes the ear cartilage to create a more natural contour and bring the ears closer to the head.
Dr. Morris’ techniques may include permanent sutures to form or enhance the antihelical fold, reduce the conchal bowl, or adjust ear projection. In cases where the ears are overly large (macrotia), a small amount of cartilage may be removed. Once the desired shape is achieved, the incision is closed with fine sutures, and a soft compression dressing is applied. Dr. Morris customizes every procedure based on your anatomy to ensure natural-looking results.
Benefits of ear surgery (otoplasty):
- Creates a more balanced, symmetrical facial appearance
- Reduces ear prominence for a more refined profile
- Improves self-confidence and comfort in social settings
- Corrects congenital ear shape irregularities
- Repairs damage from trauma or previous piercings
- Leaves minimal, hidden scarring behind the ear
- Offers long-lasting, stable results with minimal downtime
How old do you need to be to have ear surgery?
Otoplasty is often performed on children as young as five or six—typically once the ears have reached about 85-90% of their adult size. At this age, the cartilage is more pliable, which can make reshaping easier and healing smoother. That said, ear surgery can be performed at any age, including in teens and adults. Whether you’re looking to correct a lifelong concern or address changes from trauma, Dr. Morris will tailor the approach to your individual goals.
Ear Surgery FAQs
Will there be visible scars after ear surgery?
Scarring from otoplasty is minimal and strategically hidden. Dr. Morris places the incision in the natural fold behind your ear, making it virtually invisible once healed. Her surgical technique is meticulous, and she uses layered suturing to support fine, well-healed scars. Most patients report that any scarring is barely noticeable, even up close.
Is ear surgery painful?
Ear surgery is not considered painful, especially under local anesthesia with sedation. You’ll feel relaxed during the procedure. Afterward, you might experience some mild soreness, tightness, or swelling—especially in the first few days—but most patients describe it as more of a pressure sensation than true pain. Over-the-counter medication is usually enough to manage discomfort.
What is recovery like after otoplasty?
Most people return to non-strenuous activities within 5 to 7 days. You’ll wear a soft dressing or compression band for the first few days to support healing and protect the ears. After that, you may switch to a headband worn at night for a couple of weeks to prevent accidental bending while sleeping. Swelling and bruising typically resolve within two weeks, and the final results become more apparent as the tissue settles.
What happens if only one ear is prominent?
It’s more common than you might think for just one ear to protrude or appear different. In these cases, Dr. Morris can perform otoplasty on just one ear or perform subtle adjustments to both ears to create ideal symmetry. Her goal is always to bring balance to your overall facial appearance without making the results look surgical or unnatural.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, the results of ear surgery are long-lasting. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and sutures have stabilized the new position, it rarely reverts back. With proper care during recovery and minimal risk of trauma, your results should remain stable for life. If a revision is ever needed—such as for changes related to aging—Dr. Morris has the expertise to refine the outcome.
Prioritize yourself… do what feels right
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon known for her pioneering techniques and surgical mastery. With nearly two decades of experience, she blends surgical precision with an artistic eye to deliver results that feel natural and completely your own. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, her approach is deeply personal—no one-size-fits-all solutions. If you’re considering ear surgery, schedule your consultation in Gulf Shores, AL, today.
