Overview
Otoplasty — commonly known as ear surgery or ear pinning — is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the size of the ears to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance. At The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu, Dr. John C. Ferguson, MD, FACS, performs otoplasty with the precision of a quintuple board-certified cosmetic and facial plastic surgeon whose primary training in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery — gives him an unparalleled understanding of auricular anatomy, cartilage mechanics, and the structures that determine ear shape and projection.
Whether you are an adult who has been self-conscious about prominent ears for years, or a parent seeking correction for a child whose ears protrude noticeably, Dr. Ferguson’s expertise in facial anatomy ensures that otoplasty results look natural, symmetrical, and permanent. His dual board certifications in both Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology mean the ear is not unfamiliar territory — it is where his surgical career began.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for otoplasty if your ears protrude more than two centimeters from the side of the head; you are bothered by the size, shape, or symmetry of your ears; you have a congenital ear deformity such as constricted ear, lop ear, or Stahl’s ear; or you have experienced traumatic ear injury that has altered ear shape. Children are typically eligible for otoplasty from age five or six, once the ear cartilage has developed enough structural integrity to hold sutures.
Good candidates are in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to quit prior to surgery), and have realistic expectations about what otoplasty can achieve. During your consultation in Honolulu, Dr. Ferguson evaluates ear anatomy, skin quality, cartilage structure, and facial proportions to design a customized surgical plan.
The Procedure — What to Expect
Dr. Ferguson performs otoplasty at his AAAHC-accredited surgical facility in Honolulu. In adults the procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. For children, general anesthesia is used. The procedure takes approximately one to two hours.
The most common technique involves an incision behind the ear, where the resulting scar is completely hidden in the natural crease. Through this approach, Dr. Ferguson sculpts the ear cartilage using a combination of suture techniques and cartilage scoring or shaving to create the desired shape and set-back. For ears that are overly large (macrotia), cartilage and skin may be excised to reduce overall ear size. Each ear is addressed individually to account for the natural asymmetry that exists in virtually every patient.
Dr. Ferguson’s training as an otolaryngologist — a head and neck surgeon — means he has an intrinsic understanding of auricular blood supply, cartilage biomechanics, and the anatomical landmarks that determine natural ear shape. This expertise allows him to produce results that look like the ears the patient was meant to have, rather than ears that appear surgically altered.
Recovery and Results
Days 1–3: A protective head dressing is worn to support the ears in their new position. Mild soreness and throbbing are common and managed with prescribed pain medication. Patients should sleep with the head elevated.
Week 1: The head dressing is removed at five to seven days and replaced with a soft headband to be worn at night. Sutures behind the ears are typically absorbable. Bruising and swelling are mild and resolving. Most adults return to desk work within five to seven days; children can return to school within a week.
Weeks 2–4: Swelling continues to diminish. Patients should avoid contact sports, rough play, and any activity that could bend or impact the ears. The nighttime headband is worn for four to six weeks.
Months 1–3: The ears settle into their final position. Scars behind the ears fade progressively and are virtually invisible within a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child have otoplasty?
Children are typically eligible from age five or six, when the ear cartilage has reached approximately 90% of adult size and is firm enough to hold sutures. Early correction can spare children from teasing and self-consciousness during their school years. Dr. Ferguson evaluates each child individually during consultation at his Honolulu office.
Will otoplasty leave visible scars?
The incision is placed in the natural crease behind the ear, making scars essentially invisible — even with short hairstyles. In the rare case where an incision on the front of the ear is needed, it is placed within the natural folds of the ear cartilage.
Is otoplasty permanent?
Yes. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and set into its new position, the results are permanent. The ears will continue to age naturally, but the correction itself does not reverse.
Can otoplasty fix asymmetry?
Absolutely. In fact, most patients have some degree of ear asymmetry. Dr. Ferguson addresses each ear independently, making specific adjustments to achieve the most symmetrical result possible.
How much does otoplasty cost in Honolulu?
Otoplasty costs depend on whether one or both ears are treated, the complexity of the correction, and the type of anesthesia used. The Ferguson Clinic provides detailed pricing after Dr. Ferguson evaluates your anatomy during consultation. Financing options are available.
Why Choose Dr. Ferguson for Otoplasty in Honolulu
Dr. Ferguson’s primary board certification is in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, the specialty that treats diseases and disorders of the ear. Where other cosmetic surgeons approach ear surgery as an occasional add-on, Dr. Ferguson’s surgical career is rooted in the anatomy of the ear, nose, and throat. His additional certifications in Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery layer aesthetic expertise on top of this anatomical foundation, making him uniquely qualified to perform otoplasty that is both structurally sound and aesthetically refined.
Schedule a consultation for otoplasty at The Ferguson Clinic in Honolulu. Call (808) 521-1999 or book online.