Finally Feel Confident Wearing Your Hair Up
Otoplasty (Ear Pinning & Reshaping) in Ottawa with Dr. Mehrad Jaberi
Maybe you've spent years tucking your hair behind your ears — then immediately pulling it forward again. Or maybe it's your child who comes home from school upset because someone made a comment. Whatever brought you here, know this: you're not being vain. Ears that stick out or look uneven can genuinely affect how you feel about yourself, and wanting to change that is completely valid.
Otoplasty is one of the most satisfying procedures Dr. Jaberi performs — because the boost in confidence is almost instant. It's a relatively quick surgery with a smooth recovery, and the results? They're permanent. One and done.
Quick Facts
| Procedure Time | 1–2 hours |
| Anesthesia | Local with sedation (general for children) |
| Recovery | 1 week off work/school |
| Results Last | Permanent |
| Starting From | $6,000 |
What Is Otoplasty, Exactly?
Otoplasty — sometimes called ear pinning — is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cartilage in your ears to bring them into better proportion with your face. If your ears stick out too far, sit at different angles, or have an unusual shape, otoplasty corrects all of that.
Here's the part that surprises most people: the incisions are made behind the ear, so scars are essentially invisible. Dr. Jaberi carefully sculpts and repositions the cartilage, then secures it with permanent internal sutures. The result looks completely natural — like your ears just… always looked this way.
And this isn't just a cosmetic procedure for adults. It's one of the few plastic surgery procedures that's commonly performed on children. Once a child's ears are fully developed (around age 5), the procedure can be done safely — and many parents choose to address it before school begins, sparing their kids years of self-consciousness.
Whether you're 7 or 70, the goal is the same: ears that sit comfortably against your head and look like they belong. No more strategically positioning your hair, no more avoiding ponytails. Freedom.
Who's the Perfect Candidate?
Otoplasty could be a great fit for you (or your child) if you're dealing with:
- Ears that protrude noticeably from the head
- One ear that sticks out more than the other (asymmetry)
- Ears that are overly large or have an unusual shape
- Self-consciousness about ear appearance affecting daily life
- Children age 5 and older with stable ear cartilage
- Good overall health (and realistic expectations)
What we hear most often in consultations: "I've wanted to do this my whole life." If that resonates, you already know this is the right move.
What to Expect — From First Call to Final Result
Your Consultation
You'll meet directly with Dr. Jaberi — the actual surgeon, not a coordinator. He'll examine the ears (both of them — asymmetry is incredibly common), discuss what's bothering you, and explain what the procedure can achieve. If it's for your child, Dr. Jaberi is excellent at making kids feel comfortable and involved in the process.
He'll take measurements, look at the cartilage structure, and walk you through his specific surgical plan. Every ear is different, so this really is a customized approach. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what to expect and a detailed quote.
The Day Of
For adults, otoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with light sedation — you're relaxed and comfortable but awake. For children, general anesthesia is used so they sleep through the entire thing.
The procedure takes about 1 to 2 hours. Dr. Jaberi makes a small incision behind each ear, reshapes the cartilage, and secures everything with permanent internal sutures. Once the ears are in their new position, he closes with fine sutures and applies a soft dressing. You go home the same day.
Recovery Timeline
Ears will feel sore and swollen. You'll wear a soft head wrap to protect them. Sleeping propped up helps keep swelling down. Pain is manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Dressings come off. You'll see the new shape right away — even through the swelling. Kids can usually return to school. Adults can go back to desk work.
Most swelling resolves. You'll switch to wearing a headband at night to protect your ears while sleeping (this continues for about 6 weeks total).
Headband at night only. No contact sports yet, but most normal activities are fine. The ears are settling beautifully into their final position.
Final result. Ears look natural, sit close to the head, and you'll wonder why you didn't do this sooner. Green light for all activities including sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children can have otoplasty starting at age 5, once their ear cartilage has reached about 90% of its adult size. Many parents choose to have it done before kids start school or early in elementary school — it can make a world of difference for their confidence. Dr. Jaberi has extensive experience with pediatric patients and creates a comfortable, child-friendly experience.
Yes — otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage is physically reshaped and held in place with internal sutures. Once healed, your ears will maintain their new position for life. This is a one-time fix, not something you'll need to redo down the road.
Nope. The incision is hidden in the natural crease behind the ear. Even with a very short hairstyle, the scar is tucked away where nobody will see it. It fades to a thin, pale line and becomes virtually undetectable within a few months.
Honestly, most patients say it's way less painful than they expected. There's soreness and a throbbing sensation for the first couple of days, but regular Tylenol or Advil handles it. Kids bounce back even faster — many are back to playing (gently!) within a few days. The biggest inconvenience is wearing the headband at night for a few weeks.
Absolutely. If only one ear sticks out or is shaped differently, Dr. Jaberi can operate on just that ear to bring it into balance with the other side. Asymmetry is actually one of the most common reasons people seek otoplasty. The goal is always symmetry and natural proportions.
Otoplasty with Dr. Jaberi starts at $6,000. The exact cost depends on whether one or both ears need correction and the complexity involved. You'll receive a detailed, transparent quote after your consultation — no surprise fees.
Ready to Love the Way Your Ears Look?
Whether it's for you or your child, the first step is a conversation. Book your consultation with Dr. Jaberi and find out if otoplasty is the right move — no pressure, just honest answers from a board-certified plastic surgeon who genuinely cares about your result.
Book Your ConsultationOr call us directly: 613-591-1188