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Otoplasty, La Jolla & San Diego
Otoplasty (ear surgery) reshapes ear cartilage to set prominent ears closer to the head or correct an irregular shape. At your La Jolla consultation, Tim Sayed MD examines the ears and discusses what reshaping can achieve for an adult or a child whose ears are close to full size.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Consultations and follow-ups take place here. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices, not at the University City office.
The La Jolla consultation office is in University City, at ---
What it is
Surgery that reshapes the cartilage of the ear to reduce how far it projects, rebuild a missing fold, or correct an irregular shape.
Ear pinning
The most common otoplasty sets prominent ears closer to the head and recreates the natural fold, so the ears look balanced, not pinned.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia with sedation for most adults; general anesthesia for younger children. It is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
Downtime
A head dressing stays on a few days. Most adults return to desk work or school in about a week; strenuous activity waits a few weeks.
Results
Permanent. The reshaped ears keep their new position and shape for life, giving a lasting, natural result.
Who it suits
Children from about age 5, when the ears are nearly grown, and adults bothered by prominent or misshapen ears, in good health. A consultation confirms candidacy.
Why patients choose Tim Sayed MD
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Request an otoplasty consultation in La Jolla · (858) 247-2933
Children vs adults
The incision is usually placed on the back of the ear, where the scar is less visible. Cartilage is reshaped, folded, or reduced and held with sutures. Adults often have local anesthesia with sedation; children commonly have general anesthesia. It is usually an outpatient procedure.
A dressing or headband is placed afterward. Plan for an adult to drive the patient home from the operating facility.
| Consideration | Children and adults |
|---|---|
| Timing | Children: from about age 5, when the ears are nearly grown. Adults: any age, once decided. |
| Anesthesia | Children: usually general anesthesia. Adults: often local anesthesia with sedation. |
| Why | Children: prominent ears that affect confidence or draw teasing. Adults: a long-standing concern they choose to correct. |
| Recovery | Both: a head dressing for a few days, then light activity, on a similar healing timeline. |
| Result | Both: a permanent, natural reshaping that holds for life. |
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
See otoplasty before and after results
Consultation
Bring a list of medications and supplements and any history of ear surgery, injury, or infection. For a child, bring the child's medical history, and be ready to discuss whether the child is bothered by the ears and can follow aftercare instructions.
Ask which ear features would be changed, where the incisions would be, which anesthesia is proposed, and how long a headband or dressing would be worn.
Related options include earlobe repair in La Jolla and facial plastic surgery in La Jolla.
Ask what otoplasty can do for you
The procedure
Otoplasty may set prominent ears closer to the head, create or refine a missing fold, or reduce an oversized portion of the ear. Ears are rarely perfectly symmetrical, before or after surgery; the aim is a balanced, natural look rather than ears pinned flat.
Otoplasty is generally considered once the ears are near full size, often from about age five. Adults can have the procedure as well. Otoplasty changes the outer ear only and does not affect hearing.
Risks include bleeding or hematoma, infection, anesthesia complications, numbness, visible or thickened scars, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, suture problems, and a return of some prominence that may require further surgery.
Seek prompt care for sudden, severe, or one-sided ear pain, rapidly increasing swelling, or fever.
Before and after
Ask to see before-and-after photographs relevant to your concerns. The same practice gallery is used for both offices; these are not location-specific results. Photographs do not guarantee your outcome. Practice photo gallery information for La Jolla patients
Photographs are examples of real outcomes and are not a guarantee. Individual results depend on anatomy, healing, and the specific plan. All photos are shared with patient consent.
Cost and financing
The practice’s current guide for otoplasty is about $5,000–$8,000 for both ears, with a single ear often costing less. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Otoplasty is generally considered cosmetic; check with your insurer if a congenital or reconstructive concern is involved.
Ask about otoplasty financing
Recovery
A head dressing is usually worn for the first few days, followed by a headband, often at night, for a period your surgeon specifies. Many adults return to desk work, and children to school, in about a week; timing varies.
Ask when contact sports and swimming can resume and how to protect the ears from bending while they heal. Report sudden or one-sided pain promptly.
Ask about otoplasty recovery
Your surgeon
Dr. Sayed is certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, and he has been recertified in both after ten years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
He earned his medical degree at the UCSF School of Medicine, completed general surgery training at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard, and returned to UCSF for his plastic surgery fellowship.
Ask about otoplasty cases similar to yours or your child’s and how a revision would be handled if it were needed.
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Board certified and recertified
American Board of Surgery
Board certified and recertified
UCSF School of Medicine
MD and plastic surgery residency
Harvard, Mass General
General surgery training
Kellogg School of Management
Executive MBA, Northwestern
Alpha Omega Alpha
National medical honor society
Office
For your La Jolla otoplasty consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Tim Sayed MD, La Jolla / University City
Address
4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121
Phone
(858) 247-2933
Hours
Mon 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tue–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM PT; Sat–Sun closed
Surgery
Accredited operating rooms only, separate from both consultation offices
Approved copy
For your La Jolla otoplasty consultation and follow-ups, use the University City office's San Diego postal address shown below.
Tim Sayed MD — La Jolla / University City consultation office 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210 San Diego, CA 92121 Shared practice phone: (858) 247-2933
Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. On Mondays, this office opens at 9:00 AM, half an hour later than the Newport Beach office.
Choose the office you can return to for follow-ups, not just the first visit. Follow-up visits take place at your consultation office, so settle that choice before you schedule.
Consultation details for La Jolla · Compare the Newport Beach consultation office
Before surgery, ask the team for the operating facility's address, arrival time, and discharge instructions. Do not use the University City consultation address as your surgery destination. Arrange a ride from the accredited operating room, and plan your return trips to this office. If you will recover outside the area, ask how long to stay nearby and when you must come back; no fixed stay applies to everyone.
Bring a list of medications and supplements and any history of ear surgery, injury, or infection. For a child, bring the child's medical history, and be ready to discuss whether the child is bothered by the ears and can follow aftercare instructions.
Ask which ear features would be changed, where the incisions would be, which anesthesia is proposed, and how long a headband or dressing would be worn.
A head dressing is usually worn for the first few days, followed by a headband, often at night, for a period your surgeon specifies. Many adults return to desk work, and children to school, in about a week; timing varies.
Ask when contact sports and swimming can resume and how to protect the ears from bending while they heal. Report sudden or one-sided pain promptly.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office where you had your La Jolla consultation. Ask when each check is needed and how to reach the team with concerns outside office hours. The office hours above are not an emergency-care schedule.
The practice’s current guide for otoplasty is about $5,000–$8,000 for both ears, with a single ear often costing less. The same guide applies at both consultation offices; it is not a La Jolla-specific market price.
Request a written quote for your proposed plan. Ask exactly which fees it includes, such as the surgeon, anesthesia, and facility, and what could add to the cost. Otoplasty is generally considered cosmetic; check with your insurer if a congenital or reconstructive concern is involved.
Practice pricing information for La Jolla patients · Financing information for La Jolla patients
FAQ
Otoplasty is surgery that reshapes ear cartilage to set prominent ears closer to the head, create a missing fold, or reduce an oversized portion of the ear.
Otoplasty is generally considered once the ears are near full size, often from about age five. The child’s readiness and ability to follow aftercare also matter.
The practice’s current guide is about $5,000–$8,000 for both ears, with a single ear often less. The same guide applies at both offices; request a written quote for your plan.
No. Adults can have otoplasty. Anesthesia and recovery planning may differ for adults and children.
Operating time depends on whether one or both ears are treated and the changes planned. It is usually an outpatient procedure.
The incision is usually placed on the back of the ear. Scars typically fade, but some people form thicker scars.
Results are intended to be long-lasting, but some prominence can return, and revision is sometimes needed.
No. Otoplasty changes the outer ear only, not the hearing structures.
Yes, when only one ear is prominent. The goal is balance with the other ear, though perfect symmetry is not realistic.
Soreness and tenderness are common early and are usually managed with prescribed or recommended medication. Sudden or one-sided severe pain should be reported promptly.
Many people return to desk work or school in about a week. Contact sports usually wait longer; ask for your specific clearance.
Ear molding can help some newborns while ear cartilage is still soft. For older children and adults, reshaping generally requires surgery.
Risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, over- or under-correction, suture problems, and the need for revision surgery.
Candidates are healthy, have ears near full size, and have realistic goals. For children, the child’s own wishes and cooperation matter.
The office is in University City at 4510 Executive Drive, Suite 210, San Diego, CA 92121. Monday hours are 9:00 AM–4:30 PM; Tuesday–Friday hours are 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Pacific Time. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Confirm your appointment time when scheduling. Call (858) 247-2933.
Your follow-ups are at the same University City office as your consultation. Surgery is performed only in accredited operating rooms separate from both consultation offices. Get the operating facility's address before arranging transportation. If you are traveling, ask how long to stay nearby and when to return for follow-up.
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