Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH
Ear Reshaping Surgery in Beverly Hills, CA
Otoplasty, commonly referred to as “ear reshaping,” improves the overall shape, projection, and angle of the ears. Many people are born with genetically protruding ears and desire for them to be a little less noticeable. This is the most common reason people seek ear reshaping. However, ear reshaping can also correct other problems, including misshapen, mismatched, or overdeveloped ears and ears damaged by illness or injury.
Gene K. Lee, MD, MPH, is skilled and experienced in various otoplasty procedures. With his expertise and advanced techniques, ear reshaping requires minimal recovery time and offers a long-lasting self-esteem and confidence boost. The correction of even minor ear deformities can have a lasting cosmetic and psychological impact.
To learn more about how otoplasty can boost your confidence, call our Beverly Hills office today or request a consultation through our website.
What Is Ear Reshaping Surgery?
Ear reshaping involves contouring the external section of the ear to make it less noticeable. The most common problem corrected by ear reshaping is prominent ears. Prominent ears have an underdeveloped upper ear fold (anti-helix) and an overdeveloped cartilage portion in the middle ear region (concha). Dr. Lee will examine each patient carefully and customize a surgical plan for their specific ear reshaping needs.
The other common issue ear reshaping surgery can address is protruding ears or ears that stick out rather than lying flat against the head. Dr. Lee recreates the top ear fold while setting or reducing the overdeveloped middle portion of the ear, allowing them to sit back in a more natural position. All of the incisions are made behind the ear, leaving no visible scarring on the front.
Dr. Gene K. Lee tailors his approach to each ear reshaping procedure according to his patients’ needs. Some individuals require extensive ear reshaping, while others may only require minor changes to achieve the desired ear appearance. Schedule your consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Lee; he will explain your treatment possibilities in detail.
What Concerns Can Los Angeles Ear Reshaping Surgery Address?
Ear reshaping focuses on these aesthetic and functional issues regarding the ears:
- Prominent or protruding ears
- Overly large ears
- Lop ear— a condition where the tops of the ear fold downward
- Creased or wrinkled earlobes
- Damage to the ears caused by illness or injury, including earlobes that have been torn or overly stretched by earrings or gauging
Why Choose Dr. Gene K. Lee For Ear Reshaping in Beverly Hills, CA?
Dr. Gene K. Lee has extensive experience with ear reshaping and has performed manyotoplasty procedures, including microtia surgery, over the course of his training and career. His prestigious medical and plastic surgery education has given him the skills necessary to perform both cosmetic and reconstructive ear surgery. He has experience performing all aspects of external ear surgery. His unique surgical techniques and approach make him an ideal choice for patients seeking reconstructive ear surgery in Southern California.
Dr. Lee’s goal with ear reshaping surgery is to create a natural look. Natural ears have a nicely rounded shape and are less than 2 cm away from the head, and sit at an angle of around 20 degrees between the ear and head. To wear prescription glasses or sunglasses comfortably, there must be room for the glasses to fit on the top or behind the ears. Dr. Lee is careful when reshaping the ears to abide by these measurements.
What To Expect From a Los Angeles Ear Reshaping Surgery with Dr. Gene K. Lee
Dr. Gene K. Lee performs the otoplasty procedure at his fully accredited surgical center. Children do best with light general anesthesia, while adults can undergo surgery with either local anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia if they prefer not to be awake for surgery. Dr. Lee will help you choose the right anesthesia for your situation and comfort level. The ear reshaping procedure varies depending on the corrections required for each unique case.
Ear Reshaping for Protruding Ears
When the surgery aims to reset protruding ears closer to the head, Dr. Lee starts by making an incision behind the ear. Then, he will sculpt and reform the cartilage to create the desired appearance. Finally, he uses sutures to hold the ear in place.
Ear Reshaping for Overly Large Ears
To reduce the size of overly large ears, Dr. Lee strategically removes tissue and artfully reshapes them, reconstructing them into a more natural size.
Ear Reshaping For Small Ears or Ear Deformities (microtia surgery)
Dr. Lee performs ear reconstruction surgery to augment the size of small ears or correct ears that are missing parts. This procedure involves removing tissue from a secondary part of the body, usually the rib cartilage, to shape the new ear.
Ear Reshaping for Damaged Lobes
Heavy, dangling earrings, gauged holes, and accidental trauma can cause the lobes of the ears to hang unnaturally or leave unsightly stretched holes. To correct these deformities, Dr. Lee will create an incision inside the stretched hole and stitch the two sides back together to heal properly. Any stretched or excess skin along the lobe will be removed and reshaped to provide a more natural size and curve.
What To Expect From
Ear Reshaping Recovery
Most patients experience minimal discomfort from ear reshaping surgery and are often surprised by the relatively easy recovery process. Dr. Lee thoroughly numbs the ear with a long-lasting anesthetic to alleviate discomfort. Pain medication can be prescribed and used as necessary to ensure your comfort during recovery. However, most patients find they don’t need prescription pain medication and can manage with non-prescription medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Patients must sleep with their heads elevated the first night after ear reshaping surgery. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the ears and create a slight pressure that helps reduce swelling and holds the ears in place. Dr. Lee will examine your progress and change your dressing the day after surgery. Patients can wash their hair by the third day of their recovery. Most patients can return to work or school five days after their procedure, but they will need to be careful not to cause unintentional trauma to their healing ears.
We recommend avoiding touching your ears for the first two weeks after surgery or until the incisions have completely closed. We will also have you wear a compression garment during this healing phase. You should also avoid strenuous activities and exercise for the 6 weeks, along with swimming and all contact sports or activities.
Schedule Your Beverly Hills Ear Reshaping Surgery with Dr. Gene K. Lee
Ear reshaping surgery can effectively address ear deformities or trauma to the ears and provide a more natural appearance. To schedule a consultation, call our office (310) 876-2807 or fill out our online contact form, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you. We look forward to meeting you soon!
Meet Gene K. Lee MD, MPH
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
At LA MÔEM PLASTIC SURGERY, Dr. Gene K. Lee combines advanced surgical training with a thoughtful, ethical approach to aesthetic care. Known for his natural-looking results and deep respect for each patient’s unique goals and cultural identity, Dr. Lee creates personalized treatment plans focused on safety, integrity, and long-term satisfaction. When you choose Dr. Lee, you’re choosing a surgeon who values your trust and is dedicated to helping you look and feel your best—authentically.
