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Restore Balance and Confidence with Subtle Ear Refinement

For many patients, the ears can feel disproportionately prominent or draw attention away from the rest of the face. Otoplasty offers a thoughtful, highly targeted way to bring the ears into better alignment—without looking overcorrected or artificial.

At Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery, ear surgery in Bellevue is approached with restraint and precision. The goal is not simply to “pin back” the ears, but to create balance with your overall facial structure so the result feels natural, harmonious, and quietly confident.

Otoplasty Overview

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What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or refines the ears to improve their proportion and symmetry. It is most commonly performed to correct prominent ears, but may also address asymmetry, structural irregularities, or changes from prior injury or surgery.

In addition to cosmetic ear pinning, otoplasty may include earlobe repair (such as torn or stretched piercings), correction of gauged earlobes, or more advanced reconstructive techniques, depending on your needs. Each procedure is carefully tailored to the individual, with a focus on achieving balance rather than drawing attention.

For prominent ears, this typically involves reshaping the antihelix using carefully placed sutures and reducing the concha — the base of the ear — to bring it closer to the head, all through a discreet incision behind the ear.

Before & After Otoplasty

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The Benefits of Otoplasty

  • Improved Facial Balance: Otoplasty brings the ears into better proportion with the rest of the face, allowing other features to stand out more naturally.
  • Natural-Looking Results: A refined approach avoids an overcorrected or “pinned” appearance, preserving the natural contours of the ear.
  • Long-Lasting Outcome: Results are stable and durable, with improvements that maintain their shape over time.
  • Minimal Visible Scarring: Incisions are typically placed behind the ear, making scars discreet and difficult to detect.
  • Increased Confidence: Patients often feel more comfortable wearing their hair up or short without concern about ear prominence. 
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Otoplasty Revision Surgery for Prominent Ears & Congenital Defects

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“Dr. Philip Young Is an outstanding person, who makes you feel very comfortable and at home. I received Otoplasty from Dr. Young, and have been enjoying the results.”

— Mr. Smith

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Am I a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is well-suited for patients who feel their ears project too far from the head, appear asymmetrical, or have been affected by injury or prior procedures. It is appropriate for both adults and children. 

For younger patients, the procedure can typically be performed once ear development is complete, usually around age five. Adult patients often seek otoplasty for long-standing concerns or as part of a broader facial refinement. Candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about subtle, natural improvement rather than dramatic change.

The Otoplasty Process What to Expect

Private Consultation

We evaluate your ear structure, facial proportions, and goals to determine the most appropriate approach.

Personalized Surgical Plan

Your procedure is carefully designed to refine ear position and shape while maintaining natural contours and symmetry.

Procedure Day

Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with or without light sedation, depending on your comfort and the complexity of the procedure.

Initial Healing Phase

A protective dressing is placed initially, followed by a lighter headband as healing progresses.

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Results and Recovery

Mild swelling and tenderness are expected in the first few days following surgery. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal daily activities within about a week, with more strenuous activity resumed shortly after. As swelling resolves, the ears settle into their new position, revealing a more balanced and natural appearance.

Careful technique is especially important in otoplasty — an overcorrected ear can be very difficult to reverse, which is why doing it right the first time matters. Our approach specifically avoids a flattened or over-pinned appearance through precise planning and conservative refinement.

Why Choose Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery?

Otoplasty in Bellevue requires a nuanced understanding of both ear anatomy and overall facial balance. Dr. Young is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, a published author on otoplasty revision in a major plastic surgery textbook, and recipient of the Sir Harold Delf Gillies Award for his research on facial beauty.

  • A Structured Approach to Facial Balance: Every adjustment is guided by proportion and harmony, ensuring the ears complement—not compete with—your facial features.
  • Experience with Revision and Complex Cases: Correcting prior otoplasty or more advanced concerns requires a deeper level of expertise and careful surgical judgment.
  • Natural, Undetectable Results: Our goal is refinement, not transformation; results that feel appropriate, balanced, and entirely authentic.
  • Personalized, High-Touch Care: As a boutique practice, we take the time to understand your concerns and design a plan that reflects your goals with care and precision.
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Client Testimonials

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Amazing doctor

Amazing doctor and the result are amazing too.

—S.M.

Dr. Young is very personable

Dr. Young is very personable and was very detailed in his work, with much concern about his patients.

—L.C.

Very happy

Very happy with how my otoplasty turned out. Thanks Dr Young

—J.P.

More than pleased with the fantastic results!

I have had two procedures done by the amazing Dr. Young and am more than pleased with the fantastic results!

—C.V.

Amazingly impeccable after care

Amazingly impeccable after care from all of the staff, including of course Dr. Young who ensures the patient has access to him at all times.

—S.S.

I would recommend him to my family and friends.

My experience with Dr. Philip Young and his entire staff has been really positive! I would recommend him to my family and friends.

—J.Y.

It looks completely natural

Wonderful experience. The doctor did a little Botox around my eyes and it raised my droopy eyebrows - it looks completely natural.

—R.H.

I made the right choice.

I had a great experience. I had some deep scars from acne but now after a scar surgery, my over all skin texture is more smooth. I made the right choice.

—F.S.

A brilliant and amazing doctor.

I would like to share my experience. Dr.Philip removed a mole for me that was disfiguring my face. He removed it with a laser. It was a very wonderful experience. As I mentioned be...

—Allaa Kamill

Dr. Young is not only a superb surgeon, he is a kind, empathetic person

Dr. Young is not only a superb surgeon, he is a kind, empathetic person who values his employees, his patients and the community. He runs a very busy practice, with a long waiting ...

—Angela R.

My experience with Dr. Young and his staff was excellent.

My experience with Dr. Young and his staff was excellent. I had a blephaloplasty (eyelid lift) and from the 1st consult all the way through the follow-up care, the entire experienc...

—Tara Kenneway

The staff was super nice and accommodating!

The staff was super nice and accommodating! They were very informative. Dr Young was also very informative. You can tell he cares for all his patients! He always answers any questi...

—Haystacks Grassy

Dr. Young and his team are spectacular!

Dr. Young and his team are spectacular! They helped me with a scar revision with the utmost sensitivity and care. The follow up is amazing, they truly take time to make sure you ar...

—Amira Beidas

He went above and beyond!

Dr. Young is an outstanding plastic surgeon who is very passionate about his work. He made me feel very comfortable with the surgery I came in for. He went above and beyond!
I w...

—chuck meyer

I trust him and his work and will keep coming back!

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Young for over 10 years and have had several procedures with him, including Asian blepharoplasty, Perma lip implants, Asian rhinoplasty, and neck liposuc...

—Taylor D

Dr Phillip Young and his office are fantastic!

Dr Phillip Young and his office are fantastic! They are thorough, patient, and kind. Particularly, I appreciate Dr Young’s attentiveness and expertise - I previously went to Seoul ...

—Carolyn Chong

Truly grateful to Dr Philip Young

Truly grateful to Dr Philip Young for taking such excellent care of me before, during and after my face, neck and brow lift. I have felt well informed and well cared for through...

—Jennifer Kent

Kindest Doctor I’ve ever met!

I can’t say enough about Doctor Young! He is an amazing person and Doctor! I drive four hours there and four hours back just to see him! He is a perfectionist and loves to help peo...

—Stacia Wright

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Frequently Asked Questions Ear Surgery

How much does otoplasty cost?

Otoplasty ear pinning typically ranges from $6,000 to $17,000 depending on the complexity of your case. Final pricing will be confirmed during your consultation.

Is otoplasty painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days, which is typically well managed with medication.

How long is the recovery?

Most patients return to normal activities within one week, with continued healing over several weeks.

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are typically placed behind the ear, making them discreet and difficult to see once healed.

How long do results last?

Results are long-lasting and generally permanent.

Can otoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes, it can be combined with other facial procedures depending on your goals.

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there are risks, but they are uncommon. These will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

When can children have otoplasty?

Children can typically undergo otoplasty once ear development is complete, usually around age five.

Related Procedures

Earlobe Repair Ear Pinning Otoplasty Revision

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