Facial Plastic Surgery · Dr. Susan Tan, MD ABFPRS

Otoplasty in Honolulu

Overly prominent or large ears can significantly affect both appearance and self-confidence — for adults, teens, and children alike. Dr. Susan Tan is double board-certified and has significant experience in ear-pinning surgery, size and shape improvements, and lobe repair. Natural-looking results with effects that last a lifetime.

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ABFPRS Board Certified Fellowship-Trained · University of Toronto Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Only Female Facial Plastic Surgeon in Honolulu

A Specialist’s Perspective

Otoplasty — Ear Surgery That Produces Immediate, Lifetime-Lasting Results

Ear surgery is among the most immediately gratifying procedures in facial plastic surgery — and among the most straightforward in terms of recovery. The ears are highly visible, disproportionate ears affect both appearance and confidence from an early age, and the correction — when done well — is permanent.

Dr. Tan is double board-certified and highly regarded for otoplasty in Honolulu. Her unmatched aesthetic abilities and thorough understanding of ear anatomy work in your favor — developing a personalized plan that produces natural-looking results tailored to your facial proportions, not a templated outcome.

Whether you are seeking ear pinning for protrusion, size reduction, shape correction, or lobe repair — the goal is always the same: ears that look natural, sit in appropriate proportion to the face, and no longer draw unwanted attention.

What Ear Surgery Corrects

Otoplasty Corrects and Improves These Ear Concerns

Protruding Ears

The most common otoplasty concern — ears that stick out too far from the head. Ear pinning surgery repositions the ear closer to the skull, eliminating protrusion and restoring a natural appearance.

Ears That Appear Too Large

Surgical reduction of the ear cartilage to bring the ear’s size into natural proportion with the face — one of the most meaningful improvements for patients who have felt self-conscious about ear size since childhood.

Asymmetric Ears

One ear sits differently than the other — a concern that is often more noticeable than either ear’s position individually. Precise unilateral or bilateral correction brings the ears into symmetry.

Out-of-Position or Oddly Shaped Ears

Structural irregularities of the cartilage — congenital or acquired — that affect the ear’s natural shape and position. Addressed through careful cartilage reshaping and repositioning.

Torn or Split Earlobes

Split lobes from earring weight or trauma — and sagging lobes from aging or long-term earring use — repaired to restore a natural lobe contour and the ability to wear earrings comfortably.

Children’s Otoplasty

Available for children aged five and older once the ears are fully developed. Children’s ear cartilage is softer and more responsive to correction. Dr. Tan approaches pediatric cases with particular care — producing permanent results that prevent years of self-consciousness.

Surgical Approach

Ear Surgery Techniques — Protrusion, Size, and Lobe Correction

Ear Pinning (Protrusion Correction)

The most common otoplasty — repositioning the ear closer to the head through sutures that hold the cartilage in place, with or without cartilage removal. Changes the ear’s position without affecting its size or shape. Incisions are made in the natural crease behind the ear.

Ear Reduction (Size and Shape)

Surgical reduction of cartilage to bring the ear’s size into natural proportion with the face, or to reshape structural irregularities of the ear’s contour. Customized to each patient’s specific anatomy and the degree of reduction desired.

Lobe Repair

Surgical repair of split, torn, or stretched ear lobes — restoring a natural contour and the ability to wear earrings. Also used to reduce excessively large or elongated lobes caused by genetics or aging.

Nonsurgical Otoplasty

For patients who do not require cartilage removal, ear pinning may be achieved through small sutures placed through tiny holes in the skin — no incision required. Less invasive, less recovery time. Appropriate for specific presentations and patients who prefer to avoid incisional surgery.

Candidacy

Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?

A person of any age — including children five and older — who is uncomfortable with the size, shape, or protrusion of their ears can be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery. The decision requires no more than unhappiness with what you see and a desire to change it.

The first step is scheduling a consultation. Dr. Tan will evaluate your ear anatomy, explain your options, and provide imaging to help you understand the improvements she can achieve. Pre-procedure imaging and careful study go into developing a personalized surgical plan exclusively for each patient.

For children, ear surgery is available from age five — when the ears are fully developed. Children’s softer cartilage is more responsive to correction, and the prognosis is generally excellent. Many parents consider otoplasty around kindergarten age to prevent years of teasing.

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Otoplasty Recovery Timeline

Days 1–2 Some tenderness and discomfort — over-the-counter medication typically sufficient

Week 1 Sutures removed. Most patients recovered in 7–10 days

Weeks 1–3 Wear headband at night — protects ears during healing. Activity restrictions apply

Week 3+ Resume most normal activities. Children typically return to school within 1–2 weeks

Long-term Results are immediate and permanent — effects last a lifetime

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Frequently Asked Questions

Otoplasty in Honolulu — Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens During Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty changes the shape, size, or position of the ears. Ear pinning for some patients involves no more than suturing the ear to position it closer to the head — others require cartilage and skin removal. Patients with split or torn lobes have them repaired, restoring the ability to wear earrings comfortably. The level of anesthesia depends on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s age and preferences.

How Long Does Otoplasty Take?

Surgical procedures involving one or both ears typically take one to two hours. Dr. Tan provides a personalized treatment plan before surgery — patients know exactly what to expect on the day of their procedure.

How Do I Get Ready for Ear Surgery?

You will receive detailed instructions about what to do before your procedure, including any changes needed to medications. Plan to have someone drive you home. Prepare to minimize certain activities initially — post-procedure instructions will specify what to do and avoid during recovery.

What Is the Recovery Like After Otoplasty?

Days 1–2: tenderness and mild discomfort — over-the-counter pain medication is typically sufficient. Week 1: sutures removed; most patients recovered in 7–10 days. Weeks 1–3: wear a headband at night and observe limitations on specific activities to protect healing ears. Nonsurgical ear pinning requires less recovery time overall.

Where Can I Get Otoplasty in Honolulu?

Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery is located at 1150 S. King St., Suite 504, Honolulu, HI 96814 — easy to reach from anywhere in Oahu. Parking is available on Young Street at the Eleven50 parking structure. By appointment only. Call (808) 636-9084 to schedule your consultation.

Interested in ear surgery in Honolulu?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tan — she will evaluate your ear anatomy, explain your options, and show you what improvements are achievable.

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