Will an otoplasty (aka, ear pinning) affect my hearing?

An otoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to alter the size, position, and/or shape of the external ear. It is customized to the individual and involves altering the ear in order to improve its appearance and/or symmetry. During the procedure, cartilage can be reshaped or excised via an incision behind the ear. Varying suture techniques are employed in order to yield the most natural looking external ear.

An otoplasty has no effect on the middle or inner parts of the ear, which are responsible for hearing. In certain rarer scenarios, a patient may require an otoplasty as well as surgery for their hearing. These procedures are staged (performed at different times).