Ear Surgery San Mateo & Redwood City

Refine the shape, position, or symmetry of your ears—subtly and beautifully.

Rediscover Confidence with Expert Ear Surgery

Whether you’ve always felt self-conscious about prominent ears, are seeking to correct past piercings, or need to address injury or asymmetry, ear surgery (otoplasty) offers a safe, highly customizable solution. At Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Mateo, our facial plastic surgeons specialize in precise, natural-looking ear reshaping designed to restore balance, confidence, and comfort.

Drs. Jacqueline and Elbert Cheng—both double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery—deliver subtle, elegant outcomes that bring attention back to your natural beauty, not your ears.

What Is Ear Surgery?

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is a procedure that adjusts the shape, size, or position of the ears. It is commonly performed to pin back protruding ears, correct ear shape irregularities, or repair damage from injuries or earlobe stretching. For patients with congenital deformities or underdeveloped ears, more advanced reconstruction techniques may be used.

Otoplasty can address:

Ears that stick out prominently
Asymmetrical or misshapen ears
Oversized or overly small ears
Torn, stretched, or split earlobes
Damage from trauma, piercings, or accidents
Underdeveloped or malformed ears (microtia)

Our goal is to create ears that blend naturally with your facial profile, enhancing symmetry and reducing distraction, without obvious signs of surgery.

Ear Surgery Before & After

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Who Is a Candidate for Ear Surgery?

If you feel self-conscious about your ears or are bothered by their size, shape, or projection, ear surgery may be right for you.

Ideal candidates:

Are in good overall health
Have fully developed ears (typically age five and older)
Do not smoke or are willing to pause during recovery
Have realistic expectations and no history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring

Otoplasty is equally effective for adults and children, and our team offers a compassionate, patient-centered approach for every age group.

Your Customized Otoplasty Procedure

At Cheng Plastic Surgery, no two ears—or procedures—are exactly alike. Dr. Cheng will carefully assess your ears’ anatomy, listen to your goals, and design a custom surgical plan to restore symmetry and natural proportion. Common techniques include:

Ear pinning (for protruding ears)

Permanent sutures hold the ears closer to the head

Ear reshaping

Cartilage may be removed or reshaped for a more refined contour

Earlobe repair

Corrects stretched, torn, or elongated lobes from piercings or trauma

Reconstructive otoplasty

Involves rebuilding or enlarging parts of the ear with implants or cartilage grafts, often from the ribs

Length

About 2 hours

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on complexity

Incisions

Strategically placed behind the ear or within natural folds to minimize visibility

Setting

Performed in our private, accredited surgical suite in Saratoga Note: For your convenience, we offer consultations in San Mateo; however, all surgeries are conducted at our fully equipped surgical facility in Saratoga.

Recovery & Healing

Ear surgery recovery is straightforward and supported by our attentive, high-touch post-operative care.

What to expect:

Go home the same day with a head wrap or dressing to support healing
Mild swelling, bruising, and itching for 2–3 weeks
Discomfort is managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication
Avoid touching incisions or removing dressings prematurely
Sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 1–3 weeks
Return to work or school within 7–10 days
Avoid earbuds, sports, or strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks

We will monitor your progress with post-op appointments and are always available if questions arise.

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Mateo?

At Cheng Plastic Surgery, we specialize in facial procedures only—bringing unmatched precision, artistry, and care to every otoplasty we perform. What sets us apart:

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons
Expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery
Highly personalized consultations and treatment planning
A commitment to natural-looking, symmetrical results
Access to a fully accredited, private surgical facility
Trusted throughout San Mateo, Palo Alto, and the greater Bay Area

Whether correcting protrusion, reshaping cartilage, or repairing trauma, our surgeons create results that honor your goals and elevate your appearance—quietly and beautifully.

FAQ Ear Surgery

Will ear surgery affect my hearing?

No. Otoplasty focuses solely on the external ear structure and does not affect your hearing.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients report only mild discomfort, easily managed with medication. You’ll be comfortable throughout the procedure and during recovery.

Are there visible scars?

Incisions are hidden behind the ear or within natural creases. With proper care, scars are minimal and often fade significantly over time.

Can ear surgery fix asymmetry?

Yes. We can address differences in size, shape, or projection for a more balanced look.

Can I combine ear surgery with another procedure?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine otoplasty with a facelift, rhinoplasty, or chin augmentation for comprehensive facial harmony.

Begin Your Journey to Natural Ear Balance

You don’t have to live with ears that make you feel self-conscious or distract from your natural beauty. At Cheng Plastic Surgery in San Mateo, we’re here to help you feel more confident through expert care, artistic precision, and results that let your best features shine.

Schedule your private consultation today to learn how ear surgery can restore symmetry and elevate your overall appearance.