Face
Ear Pinning Surgery (Otoplasty) in Austin, TX
Correct prominent or misshapen ears with otoplasty in Austin. Safe for adults and children 5+. Permanent, natural-looking results from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Recovery Time
Discussed at consultation
Surgeon
Dr. Rocco Piazza II, ABPS
Location
Austin, TX
Financing
Cherry, CareCredit & PatientFi →Overview
A Balanced, Harmonious Face
Otoplasty is the surgical correction of asymmetrical, prominent, or malformed ears, and it has no effect on a patient’s hearing. Austin plastic surgeon Dr. Rocco Piazza uses meticulous precision to gently reshape the ear or ears so they blend in with the rest of the face seamlessly. Otoplasty requires subtlety that only the most experienced, highly-trained surgeons develop — as a board-certified surgeon, Dr. Piazza has performed countless ear-shaping procedures, bringing his expertise to each patient’s custom surgical plan.
At a Glance
Everything You Need to Know
What It Corrects
- Ears that protrude excessively from the head
- Ears lacking typical fold patterns
- Ears that differ significantly from normal anatomy
Goal
Reposition and reshape the ear so it blends naturally with the rest of the face, creating better facial symmetry and balance.
The Procedure
Minute incisions are made behind or in front of the ear, depending on the correction needed. The surgeon then carefully repositions the cartilage to create the desired look before closing the incision with techniques designed to minimize scarring.
Anesthesia
Local (sedation or general for children)
Procedure Length
1–2 hours
Candidacy by Age
Otoplasty is a low-impact surgery safe for adults and children as young as 5. The most common technique for young patients is ear pinning, which brings ears that protrude too much closer to the head.
Recovery Snapshot
- Most patients resume normal activities within a week
- Over-the-counter pain relief is often sufficient
- Physical activity and combat sports avoided until cleared
Pediatric Candidates
Is Otoplasty Safe for Kids?
Otoplasty is a low-impact surgery and can be safely performed on children. The most common otoplasty technique performed on young patients is ear pinning, which brings the ears closer to the head when they protrude too much.
Ear pinning is safe and quick, and can save children from schoolyard teasing. This procedure is a great way to ensure a child never feels embarrassed or self-conscious about the way they look, giving them confidence that will last the rest of their lives.
Why Choose Otoplasty
The benefits,
naturally balanced.
Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the ears to create a more natural and symmetrical look, with results that hold up over the long term.
- 01
Natural, Balanced Ears
Corrects protruding or misshapen ears for a more natural look that blends with the rest of the face.
- 02
Renewed Confidence
Boosts self-esteem, especially meaningful for children and teens navigating school and social settings.
- 03
Lasting, Discreet Results
Permanent results with minimal, well-hidden scarring and a short recovery period.
Is otoplasty
right for you?
Has a congenital condition or past injury made you self-conscious about your ears? If so, an otoplasty may help restore your confidence. Here are common reasons patients seek ear surgery in Austin with Dr. Piazza:
Investment
Cost & financing.
Otoplasty pricing depends on the complexity of reshaping and whether one or both ears are treated. Dr. Piazza provides a personalized quote after evaluating your goals at consultation, and flexible financing is available. Otoplasty performed to correct a congenital deformity or traumatic injury may be partially or fully covered by insurance; our office can help verify coverage.
What to Expect
Your recovery,
step by step.
At The Piazza Center, every aspect of care is high-touch, including your recovery — our surgeons build relationships with each patient and provide extensive follow-up care, with clinic visits both after surgery and once healing is complete.
- 01
First Few Days
Most patients find recovery to be unremarkable, with a customized aftercare plan tailored to individual needs and lifestyle.
- 02
About One Week
Most patients resume normal activities. Over-the-counter medication is often sufficient; prescription pain management is available if appropriate.
- 03
Ongoing
Physical activity and combat sports are avoided until cleared by Dr. Piazza. Incision scars, hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, continue to fade and become barely noticeable.
Results
Your Otoplasty Results
Otoplasty produces permanent results with minimal, discreet scarring — incisions are hidden in the natural crease where the ear meets the head and fade significantly over time. Patients enjoy better facial symmetry and balance, along with a lasting boost in self-esteem that’s especially meaningful for children and teens.
Anesthesia
An Exceptional Anesthesia Experience
Otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedation or general anesthesia available for younger patients. The Piazza Center has developed a collaborative relationship with Dr. Cady to deliver an exceptional anesthesia experience for patients like you, whatever your age.
Rocco C.
Piazza II
Dr. Rocco Piazza is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX, whose meticulous, precise approach to otoplasty and ear pinning surgery has helped countless patients — children and adults alike — achieve natural, balanced results. With a lifelong passion for aesthetic surgery, he is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their ideal look while promoting a holistic approach to overall health and wellness.
At The Piazza Center, Dr. Piazza prioritizes exceptional patient care and results, creating lasting relationships with his clients.
- Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- M.D., Alpha Omega Alpha, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
- Recognized as a Top Doctor on RealSelf
- Recipient of the Doctor’s Choice Award for Plastic Surgery
- Published author with significant contributions to the field of plastic surgery literature
Rocco C. Piazza II — MD, FACS · Founder, The Piazza Center
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions specific to your body and goals? Dr. Piazza addresses them one-on-one during your private consultation.
Schedule a Consultation →Otoplasty may be partially or fully covered by insurance if it is performed to correct a congenital deformity or a traumatic injury. However, when done purely for cosmetic reasons, it is typically not covered. Our office can assist in verifying coverage and exploring financing options if needed.
Scarring from otoplasty is minimal and discreet. Incisions are usually made behind the ear, hidden in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. Over time, these scars fade significantly and become barely noticeable.
Otoplasty typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the correction and whether both ears are being treated. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort throughout.
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Schedule Your Consultation
with Dr. Piazza
Every patient deserves individualized care. Meet with Dr. Piazza to discuss your specific goals and develop a plan tailored to you.