Other Facial Procedures

Otoplasty
Ear Surgery: Pinning & Reduction

Male ears are generally larger than female ears. Otoplasty reduces ear size, corrects prominent ears, and reshapes the earlobe — a refined finishing touch in any facial feminization journey, often performed in the same session as FFS.

Anesthesia Local + sedation
Duration 45 – 90 minutes
Hospitalization Outpatient — same day
Suture removal Day 7
Return to activities 5 days post-surgery
Consultation Remote (online) or in-office
What It Achieves

Subtle changes,
lasting harmony

A small male ear may read as average female — but a prominent or oversized ear will always exceed feminine proportions. Otoplasty is a low-downtime, highly effective procedure that addresses the size and position of the ear and earlobe, completing the feminization of the face in a way that is impossible to achieve through any non-surgical method.

01

Reduces ear size

Trims both the cartilage and the earlobe to bring ear proportions into feminine range — the most direct correction for oversized ears.

02

Corrects prominence

Reduces the ear–head angle to a normal ~35°. Ears that protrude too far from the head are repositioned closer with permanent internal sutures.

03

Refines the outline

Corrects ears that are turned down, pointy, or irregularly shaped, as well as earlobes stretched by age, heavy earrings, or torn piercings.

04

Complements FFS

Frequently combined with forehead feminization, rhinoplasty, jaw reduction, and blepharoplasty in a single session for a complete facial transformation.

The Surgical Technique

How an otoplasty
is performed

Depending on the correction needed, the surgeon uses one or a combination of three approaches. For size reduction, a small incision allows trimming of the cartilage beneath the skin — the structure that gives the ear its firmness and shape. For prominent ear correction, a vertical incision is made behind each ear; the cartilage is repositioned closer to the head and held in place with permanent sutures.

For earlobe refinement, a precise incision along the lower edge allows reduction of an oversized or damaged lobe. All scars are placed behind or at the lower edge of the ear — completely hidden in normal social and professional situations.

Surgical Details

What to expect

Anesthesia Local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia when combined with other procedures in the same session.
Duration Between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the extent of the correction.
Hospitalization Outpatient — no hospitalization required. You go home the same day.
Bandaging Elastic headband worn day and night for the first 3 days, then only at night for 2 more weeks.
Stitches Removed at day 7 during a brief follow-up visit.
Swelling Minimal. Sleep with head elevated during the first days and apply cold compresses to reduce bruising.
Scars Hidden behind the ear and at the lower earlobe edge. Fade to near-invisible within a few months.
Recovery

What to expect
after surgery

1

First 24 hours

Return home the same day. Wear the elastic headband continuously. Sleep with head elevated.

2

Days 3–7

Headband only at night. Minimal swelling. Analgesics every 6–8 hours as needed. Keep the area clean and apply antiseptic.

3

Day 7

Sutures removed. Most patients return to work and daily activities the day after surgery.

4

First month

The area may feel numb or lack sensitivity — completely normal and resolves on its own. Avoid activities where ears could be struck or pulled.

Risks & Complications

What you should know

Otoplasty is one of the safest procedures in facial surgery. Complications are very unlikely when performed by a qualified surgeon. Documented risks include:

  • Infection — minimized with prescribed antibiotics.
  • Minor asymmetry — reference points are marked with precision. Correctable if needed.
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Sensitivity changes such as numbness behind the ear — typically resolves within several months.
  • Hypertrophic scars in patients with certain skin types — discussed during pre-operative consultation.
The Outcome

The ears go unnoticed.
That's exactly the goal.

Results become clearly visible between 2 and 6 weeks post-surgery, and are permanent. Scars fade to near-invisible within a few months. The change is beautifully subtle — no one will identify what is different, only that something feels more refined and balanced.

Patients often report being told they look elegant or rested. They are never asked about their ears — which is the mark of a successful otoplasty.

International Patients

We take care of
every detail

Our patients travel from across the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and beyond. We coordinate everything so you can focus entirely on your recovery.

Get in Touch

Bilingual Assistants & Transportation

Land transportation from and to the airport, medical appointments, and surgery — with bilingual support throughout.

In-Hospital Translators

Translators available during hospitalization so you can communicate clearly with nursing staff at all times.

24/7 Staff Access

A local SIM card with Internet data provided at no charge so you can reach our team at any hour during your stay in Buenos Aires.

Take the Next Step

Ready for ears that
become inconspicuous?

Schedule a virtual consultation. We'll review your case and design a personalized plan — standalone or as part of your FFS journey.

Contact Us