Overly prominent or large ears can significantly affect both appearance and self-confidence — for adults, teens, and children alike. Dr. Susan Tan is double board-certified and has significant experience in ear-pinning surgery, size and shape improvements, and lobe repair. Natural-looking results with effects that last a lifetime.
Ear surgery is among the most immediately gratifying procedures in facial plastic surgery — and among the most straightforward in terms of recovery. The ears are highly visible, disproportionate ears affect both appearance and confidence from an early age, and the correction — when done well — is permanent.
Dr. Tan is double board-certified and highly regarded for otoplasty in Honolulu. Her unmatched aesthetic abilities and thorough understanding of ear anatomy work in your favor — developing a personalized plan that produces natural-looking results tailored to your facial proportions, not a templated outcome.
Whether you are seeking ear pinning for protrusion, size reduction, shape correction, or lobe repair — the goal is always the same: ears that look natural, sit in appropriate proportion to the face, and no longer draw unwanted attention.
The most common otoplasty concern — ears that stick out too far from the head. Ear pinning surgery repositions the ear closer to the skull, eliminating protrusion and restoring a natural appearance.
Surgical reduction of the ear cartilage to bring the ear's size into natural proportion with the face — one of the most meaningful improvements for patients who have felt self-conscious about ear size since childhood.
One ear sits differently than the other — a concern that is often more noticeable than either ear's position individually. Precise unilateral or bilateral correction brings the ears into symmetry.
Structural irregularities of the cartilage — congenital or acquired — that affect the ear's natural shape and position. Addressed through careful cartilage reshaping and repositioning.
Split lobes from earring weight or trauma — and sagging lobes from aging or long-term earring use — repaired to restore a natural lobe contour and the ability to wear earrings comfortably.
Available for children aged five and older once the ears are fully developed. Children's ear cartilage is softer and more responsive to correction. Dr. Tan approaches pediatric cases with particular care — producing permanent results that prevent years of self-consciousness.
The most common otoplasty — repositioning the ear closer to the head through sutures that hold the cartilage in place, with or without cartilage removal. Changes the ear's position without affecting its size or shape. Incisions are made in the natural crease behind the ear.
Surgical reduction of cartilage to bring the ear's size into natural proportion with the face, or to reshape structural irregularities of the ear's contour. Customized to each patient's specific anatomy and the degree of reduction desired.
Surgical repair of split, torn, or stretched ear lobes — restoring a natural contour and the ability to wear earrings. Also used to reduce excessively large or elongated lobes caused by genetics or aging.
For patients who do not require cartilage removal, ear pinning may be achieved through small sutures placed through tiny holes in the skin — no incision required. Less invasive, less recovery time. Appropriate for specific presentations and patients who prefer to avoid incisional surgery.
A person of any age — including children five and older — who is uncomfortable with the size, shape, or protrusion of their ears can be a candidate for cosmetic ear surgery. The decision requires no more than unhappiness with what you see and a desire to change it.
The first step is scheduling a consultation. Dr. Tan will evaluate your ear anatomy, explain your options, and provide imaging to help you understand the improvements she can achieve. Pre-procedure imaging and careful study go into developing a personalized surgical plan exclusively for each patient.
For children, ear surgery is available from age five — when the ears are fully developed. Children's softer cartilage is more responsive to correction, and the prognosis is generally excellent. Many parents consider otoplasty around kindergarten age to prevent years of teasing.
Request a ConsultationPreserved from our original FAQ schema — common questions about ear surgery with Dr. Tan.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tan — she will evaluate your ear anatomy, explain your options, and show you what improvements are achievable.