Ear Surgery Overview

What is Ear Surgery, or “Ear Pinning?”

More prominent, oddly shaped, or protruding ears can impact the self-image of children and adults. For custom ear reshaping surgery, Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery in Aliso Viejo performs custom ear-shaping surgeries to create a more balanced appearance. This procedure brings the ears closer to the head or creates a more aesthetic shape, so the ears no longer detract from the most appealing facial features. Dr. Miller is also an expert at repairing enlarged earring holes or torn earlobes (called lobuloplasty). As a leader in the field, he has even published his innovative techniques in scientific journals.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Miller, please call our office or request a consultation online. Dr. Miller has established a private, luxury facial plastic surgery practice in Aliso Viejo, equipped with a fully-certified, onsite surgery center. Every ear surgery in Orange County is customized to the individual patient. Dr. Miller is widely known as one of the most talented facial plastic surgeons in Orange County. 

What Can Ear Surgery Do?

Ear surgery, when performed by a talented facial plastic surgeon, can address a range of ear shape or size issues, including:

  • Overly prominent ears
  • Projecting ears
  • Ears with an odd shape
  • Asymmetrical ears
  • Large earlobes
  • Ripped or torn earlobes
  • Ears damaged by trauma
  • Congenital ear shape issues

What Is the Ear Surgery Procedure?

When performing otoplasty, Dr. Miller places incisions, with precision, behind the ear to avoid visible scarring. He employs a cartilage-sparing technique (as opposed to a cartilage-splitting technique) that reduces the possibility of ear contour irregularities. By applying a meticulous approach to the surgery that includes precise measurements and carefully executed surgical techniques, Dr. Miller avoids an overly aggressive, “pinned back” appearance to create a natural-looking, Refreshed result.

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Who Is a Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery (otoplasty) may be a good option for individuals who feel self-conscious about the size, shape, or position of their ears. By reshaping the ear cartilage and improving facial balance, this procedure can create a more natural, proportionate appearance. Patients from Aliso Viejo and throughout Orange County often consider ear surgery to address cosmetic concerns or correct structural irregularities, helping them feel more confident in their appearance.

You may be a good candidate for ear surgery if you:

  • Feel bothered by ears that protrude or stick out
  • Have asymmetrical ears or an irregular ear shape
  • Want to correct large, stretched, or torn earlobes
  • Have experienced ear trauma or injury
  • Were born with congenital ear shape differences
  • Are in good overall health with realistic expectations for surgery

Dr. Miller's Approach to Ear Surgery

Ear and earlobe surgeries are routinely performed at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery in Aliso Viejo, with patients coming from the local area, Newport Beach, and other nearby communities. Dr. Miller approaches corrective ear surgery with meticulous attention to detail to produce the most natural-looking and attractive results.

For protruding ears in children, the procedure can be planned once a child reaches age five or six. It is not uncommon for older children, teenagers, or even adults to have their ears reshaped, recontoured, or made less prominent. Dr. Miller and his staff are exceptionally warm and caring, making the journey a positive, personalized experience.

All ear surgeries occur on an outpatient basis in the privacy and safety of the onsite, accredited surgery suite. Young children require general anesthesia for their comfort. Dr. Miller uses only board-certified anesthesiologists with pediatric training, while adults often have the procedure under local anesthesia with mild sedation.

Ear Surgery Before & After Photos

View More Ear Surgery Results
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The Extra Touch

Dr. Miller and his medical and support staff bring a rare level of personalized care to every procedure. The surgery will be explained in great detail. The entire team at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery is exceptional—super friendly, warm, and caring. The practice is pristine, with a state-of-the-art, onsite surgery center. To resolve ear issues, appointment response time is fast. Dr. Miller is a fellowship-trained, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon. He is a “face only” practice with over two decades of experience. His innovative techniques and exceptional outcomes have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

    Ear Surgery FAQ

    What aesthetic issues can be resolved with ear surgery in Orange County?

    Ear surgery in Orange County at Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery can address a variety of structural and cosmetic concerns. Dr. Timothy R. Miller performs custom ear reshaping to correct overly prominent or projecting ears, asymmetrical ear shapes, congenital ear differences, and ears damaged by trauma. He also specializes in repairing large, stretched, or torn earlobes through a procedure called lobuloplasty.

    Who is the ideal candidate for cosmetic ear surgery Orange County?

    An ideal candidate for cosmetic ear surgery in Orange County includes children aged five or six, teenagers, and adults who feel self-conscious about ears that protrude, stick out, or appear asymmetrical. Candidates should be in good overall health with realistic expectations, or looking to repair earlobe damage resulting from trauma or heavy earrings.

    What surgical technique is used during otoplasty in Orange County by Dr. Miller?

    For otoplasty in Orange County, Dr. Miller employs a meticulous, cartilage-sparing technique rather than a cartilage-splitting method. By placing precise incisions hidden safely behind the ear, he minimizes visible scarring, reduces the risk of contour irregularities, and avoids an overly aggressive, artificially 'pinned back' appearance to ensure a natural result.

    What should patients expect during an ear pinning Orange County procedure?

    The ear pinning procedure in Orange County is performed on an outpatient basis at Dr. Miller's private, certified, onsite surgery suite in Aliso Viejo. To ensure patient safety and comfort, young children receive general anesthesia administered by board-certified anesthesiologists with specialized pediatric training, while adults typically undergo the procedure under local anesthesia combined with mild sedation.

    Why should I select Dr. Timothy R. Miller for ear reshaping surgery in Orange County?

    Dr. Timothy R. Miller is a fellowship-trained, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who runs a 'face only' practice with over two decades of experience. Choosing him for ear reshaping surgery in Orange County guarantees highly personalized care in a pristine, state-of-the-art facility, utilizing innovative techniques that have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

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