What Is Male Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, also known as an otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears to create a more natural-looking, subtle appearance. Because male hairstyles tend to expose the ears more, men often seek ear surgery to correct even minor prominence or balance issues. >In men, otoplasties are designed to achieve the following results:

  • Improve ear symmetry
  • Refine the shape of the ear cartilage
  • Reduce ear prominence
  • Position the ears closer to the head

Here, Dr. Teitelbaum’s focus is on crafting a result that blends seamlessly with your facial features without drawing attention to the fact that you’ve undergone plastic surgery.

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Creating a More Masculine Profile

Dr. Teitelbaum understands the deeply personal nature of your decision to pursue plastic surgery, and he’ll work with respect and discretion every step of the way. No matter your motivation for seeking treatment, you can expect the following benefits from male ear surgery: 

  • Improved facial balance and proportion
  • Reduced ear prominence with short hairstyles
  • Enhanced confidence in personal and professional settings
  • Permanent results

Many men who have undergone otoplasty report significant changes in their self-esteem at work, leading to physical and emotional transformations.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Male Ear Surgery?

Ideal candidates for male ear surgery are healthy, non-smoking adults who fit the following criteria:

  • Feel your ears project too far from your head
  • Are self-conscious about ear shape or symmetry
  • Avoid certain hairstyles due to ear visibility

During your consultation, Dr. Teitelbaum will examine your ears to confirm your candidacy.

Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

As a male plastic surgeon, Dr. Teitelbaum understands the insecurities men face regarding their ear size, prominence, and shape. His work preserves your masculinity to refresh your appearance without softening your sharp facial angles.


Leading With Clinical Excellence

Prior to opening his private practice in 1995, Dr. Teitelbaum received his doctorate degree from the UCLA School of Medicine, where he now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery. He went on to complete his residency at Harvard University, and he earned dual board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery as part of his education. Over the course of his 30+ years in practice, Dr. Teitelbaum has given lectures on five continents, sharing his cutting-edge techniques and advanced knowledge with students and surgeons worldwide. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals like the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he’s earned leadership positions in the following professional organizations:

  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

A Patient-First Philosophy

Patients come from across the country to experience Dr. Teitelbaum’s precision surgery and personalized care firsthand. He and his team, which includes a Harvard-trained surgeon, lead with integrity, transparency, and trust every step of the way. Dr. Teitelbaum creates customized surgical plans for every patient, ensuring natural-looking results that align with your unique anatomy.

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Your Confidential Consultation

To begin your otoplasty journey, you’ll join Dr. Teitelbaum for a one-on-one consultation at his Los Angeles practice. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and medical history, and he’ll assess your ear shape, cartilage health, and facial balance to ensure an otoplasty is right for you.

He’ll then begin building a customized treatment plan to address your exact needs.

Pricing Your Procedure

At the end of your consultation, Dr. Teitelbaum’s team will share a detailed cost estimate, including financing options, for total transparency.

The cost of your male ear surgery in Los Angeles will depend on the following factors:

  • Surgical complexity
  • Extent of correction
  • Whether one or both ears will be addressed
  • Whether additional procedures will be performed in the same surgical session

What to Expect From Your Male Ear Surgery in Los Angeles

Your male ear surgery will be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation at Dr. Teitelbaum’s private, accredited Santa Monica surgical center. During surgery, Dr. Teitelbaum will place incisions behind the ear to access the tissues. He’ll then carefully reshape, fold, or reposition the ear cartilage, and, if needed, pin the ears closer to the head to reduce their prominence.

Because ear cartilage is often less malleable in men than women, Dr. Teitelbaum takes extra care during male ear surgery to ensure conservative, thoughtful reshaping. All incisions will be closed with small sutures to maintain the new contour and encourage smooth, consistent scarring. Most male otoplasties are performed in under 2 hours, but Dr. Teitelbaum will share expected timelines in advance so you’re fully prepared.

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High-Touch Recovery

Recovery after a male otoplasty in Los Angeles typically involves mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the ears and on the sides of the head, which should resolve within one week. You may need to wear a supportive headwrap to keep your ear cartilage in place during early recovery. Most patients return to work and normal daily activities within five to seven days, and you’ll need to avoid wearing tight headwear for several weeks as you heal. After your procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will share detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your needs. This list may include the following items:

  • Incision site care and cleaning protocols
  • Hygiene recommendations
  • Supportive garment guidance
  • Activity limitations
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Swelling and pain management strategies

You’ll return to Dr. Teitelbaum’s office several times over the coming months for follow-up appointments with his team. There, he’ll remove any remaining sutures, monitor your healing progress, and approve you for activities such as strenuous exercise and wearing over-ear headphones or earmuffs. It may take several weeks for residual swelling to fade and for your final results to emerge.

Ear Surgery for Young Boys

Young boys are more likely than young girls to undergo ear surgery, as short hair can make overly large ears seem even more prominent. Children as young as 5 years old can undergo ear surgery, but if your son isn’t ready for surgery, they do not have to receive an otoplasty that young. Youth otoplasties can be performed at any age between 5 and 18.

Dr. Teitelbaum performs youth otoplasties under general anesthesia for your child’s comfort. Children should be able to return to school within a few days of their procedure, but they’ll need to avoid contact sports on the playground for at least two weeks as their ears heal.

man touching his chin

Completing Your Transformation

Many of Dr. Teitelbaum’s patients in Los Angeles and Santa Monica use male surgery as the first step in their overarching facial rejuvenation plan. Complementary procedures include the following: 

Ear Surgery FAQs

Will I have visible scarring?

No. Dr. Teitelbaum strategically places incisions behind the ears, so any resulting scarring will be difficult to see in day-to-day life.

Is male ear surgery more difficult than female otoplasty?

In many cases, yes. Male ear cartilage can be thicker and less flexible, requiring greater precision during surgery.

Will my results be permanent?

Yes. Once healed, reshaped cartilage will never return to its original form. Only injuries and other trauma to the ears will affect your results.

When can I wear glasses again?

You’ll need to wait until the initial swelling has faded and your incisions have healed before wearing your glasses again. Dr. Teitelbaum will confirm when it’s safe to wear your glasses during your follow-up visits.

References

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (310) 315-1121.
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