What are the different types of cosmetic ear surgery?

Terms you will hear for pinning back and reshaping ears

Otoplasty and its other names

Cosmetic ear surgery is usually discussed under the name otoplasty, and you will also see it called ear pinning, ear correction or ear reshaping. Which approach fits you depends on what you want changed, so the surgeon who examines your ears is the right person to name it.

Sources that name ear surgery differently

The names vary from source to source, so read more than one. The Cleveland Clinic page on otoplasty covers what it is, the procedure and recovery. The NHS page on ear correction surgery, including ear pinning is written for patients. The UCSF Health page on ear reshaping uses another term for the same area. For the society's own page on the operation itself, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons page on ear surgery is a useful next read.

Naming the approach for your ears

• What is the name of the approach you recommend for my ears?
• What would you change, and what would stay as it is?
• What are the other options, and why did you rule them out?
• How many visits should I plan for, and how far will I need to travel for them?

The examining surgeon decides

The surgeon who examines your ears decides which approach fits.