Otoplasty Revision Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New York, NY

One of the most common procedures we perform is revision otoplasty surgery. Because of the volume of procedures that Dr. Sherman performs, he is experienced and adept at correcting deformities that were not optimally corrected during your previous procedure. Relatively inexperienced surgeons may lack an appreciation of the original deformity, which may result in an undercorrection or overcorrection. Requiring macrotia and Stahl’s ear both require years of careful experience and knowledge.

Otoplasty revision surgery is a procedure that corrects concerns that developed as a result of a previous otoplasty procedure. The goal of the procedure is producing natural-looking results that seamlessly align with the natural shape and structure of your face, providing you with the appearance you initially sought to achieve.

Dr. John E. Sherman is a prominent, high-end plastic surgeon with 40 years of experience, making him one of New York City’s most experienced plastic surgeons. Dr. Sherman specializes in facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery of the body, and he holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. When he is not helping his own patients, he serves as a Senior Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Cornell, training some of the best residents and plastic surgeons in the country.

If you are ready to begin working with Dr. Sherman, please contact us online or call (212) 535-2300.

About Otoplasty Revision Surgery

Otoplasty revision surgery corrects the dissatisfying results of a previously performed otoplasty. Otoplasty is a type of procedure that corrects ears that protrude excessively from the head. (1) When this procedure is performed incorrectly, it can leave you with ears that are pulled too far back, ears that remain too prominent, poor scarring, irregular contours, or asymmetry. (2) By undergoing a revision procedure, you can achieve the appearance you initially wanted.

Benefits

There are several benefits to undergoing otoplasty revision surgery, including:

  • Refined Appearance: An otoplasty revision surgery can address any contour irregularities, asymmetries, or disproportion, improving the harmony and balance of your face overall.
  • Elevated Self-Esteem: Achieving your desired appearance can improve your sense of self-confidence, especially in public or social situations.
  • Lasting Results: The results of an otoplasty revision procedure are permanent, making it a worthwhile investment for many patients.
  • Short Downtime: Most patients may return to their careers within one week, which is a shorter timeframe compared to many other procedures.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Sherman always attempts to use the same incision placement as your previous procedure, but if he cannot, he will place the incisions in a discreet location behind the ears.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans: Dr. Sherman customizes each revision procedure around the unique concerns, needs, and anatomy of his patients.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for otoplasty revision if you have undergone an otoplasty and have been left with undesirable or dissatisfying results. These can include:

  • Poor scarring
  • Disproportionate ears
  • Asymmetry
  • Ears that were pinned too tightly
  • Ears that remain too prominent

You should also be in good general health and possess realistic expectations regarding your results. Your ears should be fully healed and settled from your previous procedure to ensure permanent results.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Sherman tailors each procedure, which is why we ask that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. Dr. Sherman will review your medical history, including your previous procedure. He will ask you about your concerns and desired results. He will also examine your ears and measure the degree of prominence, determine if there is asymmetry, assess any scarring, and analyze the cartilage structures.

He will use this information to determine the best surgical approach for your needs. He will explain each aspect of the procedure to you, including how to prepare, any potential risks, and what to expect during your recovery. He will also answer any questions you may have.

If you are ready to take this first step and meet with Dr. Sherman, please contact us online or call (212) 535-2300.

Preparation

Dr. Sherman will provide you with detailed instructions to help you prepare for your otoplasty revision. While these instructions may vary, you can generally expect to be directed to:

  • Refrain from using any supplements or medications that may thin your blood.
  • Coordinate transportation home from your procedure.
  • Arrange to take some time away from your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
  • Abstain from consuming nicotine or alcohol in weeks leading up to your procedure, and maintain your cessation until you have fully recovered.

Procedure

Dr. Sherman will perform your otoplasty revision on an outpatient basis at his accredited surgical center. The procedure will take approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete, and it will be performed under local anesthesia combined with sedation to ensure you remain comfortably relaxed throughout the experience.

Dr. Sherman will make a small incision at the back of the ear. He always strives to use the same incision placement as your previous otoplasty procedure, but if he cannot, he will ensure the new incisions remain discreet. He will then proceed to perform each of your corrections. These may include correcting asymmetry, pinning your ears back further, restoring a greater degree of projection to the ears, improving any poor scarring, or reshaping the cartilage, or placing a cartilage graft. He may also place internal sutures to create and maintain a new antihelical fold, if needed.

Once he has completed these corrections, Dr. Sherman will dress the area to protect the ears. You will then briefly rest in a recovery area until returning home.

Recovery

After your otoplasty recovery, you will need to take some time for yourself. You can expect to experience some initial swelling, bruising, or discomfort. These effects will dissipate with time, but you may also manage them with medications and resting with your head elevated. You will need to continue wearing your head dressings for several days, but doing so will minimize swelling and protect the new position of your ears as the tissues settle.

You may return to non-strenuous tasks after approximately 1 week. However, you must avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for another 4 to 6 weeks, or until Dr. Sherman has cleared you to return. He will provide you with tailored aftercare instructions when meeting with you in person.

Results

You will be able to experience the refined results of your otoplasty revision surgery once you have fully recovered. Your exact outcome will vary, but you can generally expect to enjoy more even, proportionate, and natural-looking ears that flatter the natural shape and structure of your head.

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Sherman can combine your procedure with several others to address additional concerns and achieve more comprehensive results, two of them being chin augmentation and facelifts. For more information about the other procedures we offer, we recommend reading Dr. Sherman’s blog!

Chin Augmentation

Chin augmentation, or a genioplasty procedure, can reshape the appearance of the chin to improve its appearance and proportionality. The chin is often overlooked in aesthetics, but it is a central and prominent feature that greatly influences the harmony or dissonance of your facial aesthetics. When performing this procedure, Dr. Sherman can place a silicone implant on your chin to refine its shape and help you achieve a more balanced appearance.

Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that can correct visible signs of aging and restore a more youthful-looking appearance. This procedure consists of Dr. Sherman elevating, repositioning, and tightening your facial tissues and muscles, allowing you to achieve an appearance that leaves you looking refreshed—never tightened. He offers several different types of facelifts to address various concerns around the face, including:

Cost of Otoplasty Revision Surgery

The cost of otoplasty revision surgery will vary between patients depending on various aspects of their treatment plan. Once Dr. Sherman has met with you to discuss and establish the details of yours, he will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate.

Dr. Sherman additionally offers financing for those who are interested.

FAQ

  • Asymmetry
  • A disproportionate appearance
  • Ears that are too prominent
  • Ears that have been pinned too far back
  • Poor scarring

Why would someone need to undergo an otoplasty revision surgery?

Many concerns can lead to a patient undergoing otoplasty revision, such as:

Are otoplasty revision surgeries more complicated than initial otoplasty procedures?

Yes, revision procedures are considered more complicated. This is because the tissue being addressed has already been manipulated and may also be scarred.

How long will it take Dr. Sherman to perform my procedure?

The exact duration of your procedure will vary, but you can expect it to last between 1 and 3 hours.

How long does it take to recover from otoplasty revision surgery?

You may return to most of your activities in 1 week, but anything physically demanding or strenuous should be avoided for another 4 to 6 weeks.

Are the results of otoplasty revision surgery permanent?

Yes, the results of otoplasty revision surgery are permanent. This means that you will be able to enjoy your results indefinitely.

References

  1. Kennedy KL, Katrib Z. Otoplasty. StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Accessed August 4, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538320/
  2. Szychta P, Orfaniotis G, Stewart KJ. Revision Otoplasty. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;130(4):907-916. doi:10.1097/prs.0b013e31825dc363