By Dr. Hudson Frey
Let’s face it — we’ve all spent more time looking at ourselves on screen these last few years than ever before. Between Zoom calls, FaceTime, and endless video clips, we’ve gotten very familiar with our own angles. And for some people, that’s meant noticing something they hadn’t thought much about before: their ears.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Otoplasty — or ear pinning surgery — has seen a noticeable rise in interest, especially since the pandemic began. And as a facial plastic surgeon in Austin, I’ve had more patients asking about it than ever before.
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a procedure that reshapes or repositions the ears so they sit closer to the head. It’s most often performed on people whose ears protrude more than they’d like, but it can also address:
- Asymmetry between ears
- Large or misshapen earlobes
It’s a straightforward, outpatient surgery — and for many people, it’s life-changing.
Why It’s Having a Moment
For years, many adults didn’t realize their ears bothered them… until they started seeing themselves head-on in video meetings, sometimes hours a day. It’s not vanity — it’s just human to notice something that’s always been there but never captured your attention quite like a laptop camera does.
Others have carried self-consciousness since childhood but didn’t know there was a simple fix.
Now that more people know about otoplasty, they’re discovering that this tiny change can make a huge difference in how they feel on camera, in photos, and out in the world.
Who It’s For
- Adults or teens (as young as 5–6) with prominent ears
- Anyone who feels their ears draw too much attention
- People who just want to feel more confident wearing their hair up
If this sounds like you or someone you love, otoplasty may be one of the most empowering decisions you make. It’s low-risk, heals quickly, and the results are permanent.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Austin area and curious about any of these procedures, I’d love to connect. My approach is always one-on-one — no pressure, just honest insight into what will (or won’t) help you reach your goals. Whether you’re researching or ready to take the next step, I’m here for it.
