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Ear Surgery in New York City

Oversized, protruding ears affect children and adults alike, and their presence can lead to long-standing insecurity. Ear pinning surgery (otoplasty) is performed to reposition ears closer to the head. This technique restores more symmetrical facial contours for a well-balanced appearance.

Why should I choose New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts?

New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts is dedicated to providing safe, beautiful, and natural-looking results through customized cosmetic procedures. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons personalize your otoplasty based on your desires and needs, and they are there for you throughout the process. From your pre-op consultation to your post-op appointments, you will always have access to your ear surgeon. This one-on-one care places New Look New Life Cosmetic Surgical Arts far above the rest.

What Are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery is performed to:

  • Correct the appearance of protruding ears
  • Balance asymmetrical ears
  • Reduce the size of overly large ears

Am I a Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty is performed on men, women, and children of all ages to pin back, reshape, or resize ears that stick out. While the ears continue to grow, children as young as five can be successful candidates for otoplasty; however, we recommend that parents not select ear surgery for their child until they are eager and ready for the procedure. We also perform otoplasty on adults who wish to address cosmetic ear concerns. Adult candidates should not smoke, be in good overall health, and have realistic expectations for their results. Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery and will not affect or improve ear function.

What Is Discussed During My Otoplasty Consultation?

Your ear pinning surgery is customized to your needs, and a consultation with your surgeon at New Look New Life is essential to your surgery’s success. During this meeting, your surgeon will:

  • Discuss your goals for your or your child’s ear surgery
  • Take photos and measurements
  • Explain the surgical procedure
  • Recommend any combination procedures (for adult patients)
  • Develop a surgical plan

If you think you are a candidate for ear surgery, contact New Look New Life Surgical Arts by calling (646) 559-2854.

How Can I Personalize My Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty takes less than two hours to complete in our New York cosmetic surgery center. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and will be tailored to meet your or your child’s needs.

Where Are My Otoplasty Incisions Made?

Dr. Karlinsky or Dr. Kim will make an incision behind each ear in the fold where the ear meets the skull. A small amount of cartilage and/or skin will be removed to reposition the ears closer to the head.Not all patients require the removal of cartilage; some only need to bend the cartilage back. Incisions are closed with internal sutures and external stitches.

Should I Combine My Ear Surgery With Facial Augmentation?

Ear pinning surgery is often performed as a standalone procedure to minimize protruding ears. While younger otoplasty patients cannot undergo an additional procedure, adult patients may benefit from additional facial augmentation, such as facelift surgery, mini facelift surgery, cheek augmentation with implants or fillers, and chin augmentation with implants.

Before & After


Ear Surgery – Before

Ear Surgery – After

What Are Your Concerns?

What Will My Otoplasty Recovery Be Like?

Ear surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you will return home to recover after a short rest in our New York surgery center recovery room. A soft, velcro headband will be worn around the clock for the first week. This will help to relieve tension on the sutures and ease the healing process. We recommend that patients (regardless of age) take one week off work or school to focus on recovery. Following that time, the patient can return to their normal day-to-day routine; however, we suggest that they continue to wear their support headband part-time (usually when sleeping) for the following month. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini and Dr. Kim provide all of their patients with their cell phone numbers so that they can be reached at any time during recovery.

Is Ear Surgery Painful?

Ear surgery is performed under anesthesia to eliminate any pain during or immediately following the treatment. Some discomfort stemming from the bruising, swelling, and incisions may develop in the hours and days following otoplasty; however, this can be alleviated with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Will My Otoplasty Leave Scars?

Dr. Karlinsky and Dr. Kim pay meticulous detail to the placement and size of your otoplasty incisions; however, it is impossible to prevent post-surgical scarring. Otoplasty scars are minor and well-hidden behind the folds of the ear.

What Does Ear Surgery Cost in New York?

At New Look New Life Surgical Arts in New York, your ear surgery starts as low as $4,500 but may vary once anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, facility fees, operating room fees, required garments, and follow-up visits are included. You will be provided with an accurate cost estimate during your consultation that will take all of the above factors into account. We offer financing options through CareCredit® to assist you in paying for your ear surgery in New York.

At New Look New Life, helping you achieve beautiful results with minimal time away from your busy life is our goal. Dr. Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini is a New York cosmetic surgeon whose eye for detail and careful attention to her patients showcases itself in the gorgeous and natural-looking results they are able to provide. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Karlinksy-Bellini give our office a call today at one of our two New York locations (Manhattan and Westchester) and get ready for a new, more confident you.

What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty?

When will I see my ear surgery results?

Your ear surgery results will become visible immediately after the surgery and continue to improve as the bruising and swelling subside. Final results are usually seen within a few weeks and will last for many years (if not forever). After ear surgery, the ears will be positioned closer to the head.

How should I prepare for otoplasty?

Adult patients will need to stop smoking and taking all blood-thinning medication, including aspirin, ibuprofen, NSAIDs, and some herbal supplements, for at least 10 to 14 days before and after the surgery. You will also need to arrange for a family member or friend to get you to and from the surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours to assist with day-to-day activities.

What is expected of children before ear surgery?

Since most of the prerequisite preparations for ear surgery do not apply to children undergoing the procedure, there is often not much for children to do (or give up). However, it is essential for children to be emotionally aware of the process and want ear pinning surgery for themselves. Even if your child is a physical candidate for otoplasty, they must also be mature enough to handle the surgery. If you are considering otoplasty for your child, we recommend sitting them down and explaining what the surgical procedure and results may entail.

What are the risks associated with ear surgery?

Otoplasty is very safe, especially when performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Karlinsky or Dr. Kim. While rare, complications can arise, including:

  • Negative reactions to the anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Prolonged wound healing
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Facial asymmetry

Patients experiencing any unusual symptoms are advised to call Dr. Karlinsky or Dr. Kim immediately.

Are my otoplasty results permanent?

While otoplasty results are long lasting and may be permanent, the length can vary depending on the patient’s age at the time of the surgery. If ear surgery is performed on a young child before their ears are fully developed, a revision may be necessary in the future. Our New York patients are extremely pleased with their ear surgery results. Read their feedback here.

Ready to schedule your Ear Surgery consultation?

We would love to discuss your options and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call at (646) 559-2854 to schedule a private Ear Correction Surgery consultation . New Look New Life has two New York locations (Manhattan and Westchester).