Parker Center for Plastic Surgery
122 East Ridgewood Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201) 967-1212
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (medical spa only)
Otoplasty
Procedure Snapshot
Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, can help correct overly large or protruding ears, restoring balance to facial features. Dr. Parker performs otoplasty for children and adults.
Cost & Recovery
- $10,695 to $11,445*
- Patients typically resume normal activity 7 to 10 days after surgery.
Quick Facts
- Boys age 5 and up are common candidates for ear pinning surgery
- The ears are brought closer to the head using permanent sutures, hidden in the crease behind the ear
- Otoplasty can be performed using intravenous sedation
- 4,175 male patients had otoplasty in 2019**
*Refer to our Pricing page for details
**Statistical information listed here is drawn from 2019 The Aesthetic Society data
Ears that over-protrude from the sides of the head can make boys and men self-conscious about their appearance. By reshaping and reducing the prominence of the ears, an otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) can be performed as a wonderful solution.
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Paul M. Parker, M.D., FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Known for his surgical talent and caring personality, Dr. Parker has been serving the community for over 25 years. He has dedicated his practice to the education, safety, and comfort of his patients—making each one feel as important as family.


Considering Ear Pinning Surgery for Your Son?
Boys over the age of 5 are the most common candidates for this procedure for the following reasons:
- The ears are nearly completely grown by this time
- The ear cartilage is strong enough to hold stitches well
- Most boys cite teasing as their motivation to undergo this surgery
The earlier the surgery takes place, the more they can avoid peer ridicule and the psychological trauma associated with it. However, there is no upper age limit to having this surgery performed. Teens or adults of any age, who are in good health, can be good candidates for this procedure.
Otoplasty procedures can also be combined with rhinoplasty, neck contouring, and chin implants to enhance the results or improve balance to your facial features overall.
What Causes Ears to Stick Out?
Prominent ears result from an incompletely formed antihelical fold, excess conchal cartilage, or both concerns (see illustration). Dr. Parker will examine the patient, then discuss treatment options.

About the Procedure
Ear pinning surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that takes roughly 1½ hours to complete. It is performed under purely local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. Dr. Parker will discuss these options with you during your consultation.
Dr. Parker makes an inconspicuous incision hidden behind the ear through which he sculpts the ear cartilage into an aesthetically attractive shape. He reshapes the ear by inserting internal shaping stitches in the ear cartilage, bringing the ear closer to the side of the head and reducing its prominence. Self-dissolving stitches are used to close the incisions behind the ears.
Before & After Male Otoplasty

We've Got You
Covered
With easy financing options and our plastic surgery cost estimates, you can pursue your aesthetic vision with peace of mind.
Recovery After Otoplasty
Recovery after ear pinning surgery is usually quite tolerable, and there is virtually no pain. After a brief stay in our recovery room, patients return home. Showering is permitted 3 to 4 days after the procedure ( you can bathe before then, making sure you keep the head dry). Normal activities can be resumed within 7 to 10 days, and exercise can be started at 2 weeks. Dr. Parker will give you detailed instructions for you or your child’s return to activity.
If you or your son suffers from low self-esteem because of large or protruding ears, you should contact us to discuss otoplasty. It is a very safe and long-lasting solution to this condition. During your initial consultation, Dr. Parker will discuss the procedure in detail and use computer imaging to give an idea of what the changes should look like after surgery.
Feel Confident
About Your Procedure
Our cosmetic consultations include plenty of time with Dr. Parker, our patient care coordinator, and our imaging specialist. Once your procedure is booked, our nurse educator will meet with you for a special 1-hour pre-op education session.
Request a Consultation Your Education SessionOur Rapid Recovery Program
Most of our patients lead active lives and want to return to their activities as soon as possible after surgery. With that in mind, we have tailored our surgical procedures, anesthesia, and medications, and developed our Rapid Recovery peri-operative program to optimize the recovery process. During both your consultation with Dr. Parker and in your pre-op education visit with our Nurse Educator, your anticipated recovery will be discussed in detail.
Our Signature
Rapid Recovery Program
Our surgical procedures, anesthesia, medications, and aftercare are tailored to minimize post-operative discomfort and accelerate recuperation.
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