Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Austin, TX - Adults and Children
Dr. Khansa is a Harvard Medical School graduate, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and named an Austin Monthly Top Doctor in 2026. As a craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Khansa is an expert in adult and pediatric otoplasty
Schedule your otoplasty consultation in Austin today
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Khansa offers personalized consultations with evening and weekend availability.
📍 3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
📞 (512) 615-6566 (call or text)
🗓️ Schedule online below
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty (also called ear pinning or ear surgery) is a procedure that reshapes the external ear to bring it closer to the head, improving proportion and balance with the face. It is one of the most common procedures performed on children and can dramatically improve self-confidence.
The external ear (called the auricle) has a complex anatomy made up of cartilage covered by skin. Prominent ears (or ears that "stick out" more than normal) result from a combination of two issues:
Unfolded antihelix: the inner ridge of the ear (antihelix) isn't folded properly, causing the upper ear to protrude
Large concha: the bowl-shaped portion of the ear is too large
Dr. Khansa evaluates each patient to determine the specific anatomy causing the deformity, then customizes the surgical approach.
Normal ear anatomy
Prominent ear due to unfolded antihelix
Prominent ear due to large concha
Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
You or your child may be a good candidate for otoplasty if:
Ears protrude more than 20 millimeters from the head
You're bothered by the appearance and want ears closer to the head
Ears are asymmetrical or one ear protrudes more than the other
Your child is at least age 4-5 years old, before they enter school and before they become aware of teasing
You're in good overall health with realistic expectations
Your Otoplasty Consultation with Dr. Khansa
Every otoplasty begins with a careful assessment. Dr. Khansa will:
Examine and measure both ears
Assess cartilage structure and skin elasticity
Identify which anatomical issues are causing the protrusion
Discuss your or your child's specific goals
Explain the surgical technique he'll use
Walk through recovery and realistic outcomes
Answer all questions
For children, Dr. Khansa involves parents fully in the consultation and explains the procedure in age-appropriate terms.
Evening and weekend consultations are available.
Otoplasty: The Procedure
Otoplasty is performed under general anesthesia (for most patients), or under local anesthesia (for some adults). It is an outpatient procedure (patients go home the same day).
Dr. Khansa makes an incision in the natural fold behind the ear, hidden from view. Through this incision, he:
Accesses the cartilage behind the ear
Reshapes the cartilage by scoring, folding, and removing small sections as needed to reposition the ear
Sutures the cartilage to maintain the new position
Closes the incision with fine sutures
The entire procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours.
Because the incision is hidden behind the ear, the scars are hidden.
Recovery after Otoplasty
Otoplasty recovery is straightforward and relatively quick. Here's what to expect:
Days 1-3: Ears feel tender. Mild swelling and bruising are expected. Pain is minimal.
Week 1: Remove bandages
Week 2-3: Most swelling resolves. Ears look noticeably different.
Week 6: Resume all activities during day.
Month 2: Fully healed. Final results visible.
Dr. Khansa provides detailed post-operative instructions and is available if questions arise during recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Khansa for Otoplasty in Austin?
Craniofacial-trained: specialized expertise in ear anatomy and otoplasty, beyond standard plastic surgery
Harvard Medical School graduate
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
2026 Austin Monthly Top Doctor
Performs both adult and child otoplasty with equal precision
Natural results: ears look proportionate and natural, not "pinned"
Evening and weekend consultations available
Conveniently located off the Mopac at 3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
🔍 At what age can a child have otoplasty?
Dr. Khansa recommends waiting until at least age 4-6, when the ear is fully developed, and before children begin school and teasing becomes a concern. Dr. Khansa will evaluate your child and discuss the ideal timing during your consultation.
🔍 Will the incision be visible?
Dr. Khansa uses the postauricular approach, which places the incision in the natural fold behind the ear. Once healed, the scar is hidden
🔍 Is otoplasty very painful?
No. Pain after otoplasty is minimal. Most patients describe mild discomfort rather than pain. Any discomfort is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
🔍 How long will the results last?
Otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage is reshaped and sutured in place, and the new ear position is maintained for life.
🔍 Can otoplasty be done on just one ear?
Yes. If one ear protrudes more than the other, Dr. Khansa can perform otoplasty on the asymmetrical ear, or can operate on both ears to improve overall symmetry. During your consultation, he'll recommend the best approach for your specific anatomy.
🔍 Will my child be able to play sports after otoplasty?
Yes. Once the incision is healed (typically 3 weeks), children can resume non-contact sports. Contact sports should wait at least 6 weeks to allow full healing.
🔍 Does insurance cover otoplasty?
Otoplasty may or may not be covered by insurance. It depends on your specific insurance plan. Dr. Khansa can check with your insurance company after your consultation.
🔍 How do I decrease my risk of complications after otoplasty?
There are essential steps you must take to ensure a smooth recovery after otoplasty:
Prevent infection and wound healing problems: Do not smoke, or use any form of tobacco, nicotine or vaping for 6 weeks before surgery, until 6 weeks after surgery
Accelerate your recovery: Eat a high protein diet. Drink plenty of fluids
Prevent blood clots: If you are on an oral contraceptive pill that contains estrogen, stop it 6 weeks before surgery and do not restart it until 6 weeks after surgery. You must walk at least 5 times a day, starting on the evening of surgery
Prevent pneumonia: Take deep breaths throughout the day, and cough if you need to
Prescriptions: Take prescription pain medications as instructed. Do not take herbal or homeopathic medications unless approved by Dr. Khansa, as these can cause bleeding and abnormal blood pressure
FAQs
Schedule your otoplasty consultation in Austin today
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Khansa offers personalized consultations with evening and weekend availability.
📍 3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
📞 (512) 615-6566 (call or text)
🗓️ Schedule online below
3305 Northland Dr., Suite 210, Austin, TX 78731
DrKhansa@KhansaPlasticSurgery.com
(512) 615-6566 (call or text)
(281) 962-8002
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