Dr. Johnson Lee is an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and one of a few plastic surgeons in the country who completed an integrated residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He operates his practice, Dr. Johnson C. Lee Plastic Surgery, in Los Angeles.

Knowing that the plastic surgery journey is collaborative, Dr. Johnson Lee takes the time to fully understand each patient in order to achieve only the most beautiful and natural results. He shares his passion for plastic surgery with his patients through education and open communication so that they can make an informed and positive decision. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in some of the industry’s top scientific journals.

Originally from Southern California, Dr. Johnson Lee is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. He lives in Los Angeles, CA and spends his leisure time with his family or traveling and exploring the natural outdoors.

Haute Beauty sat down with Dr. Johnson Lee to talk about Otoplasty. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

HB: What issues does it work to address?

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is any procedure that can change the shape, position, or size of the ear.

HB: Walk us through the procedure?

The most common types of otoplasty are earlobe repairs after stretched piercings or large gauge piercings, ear pinning, or ear reductions. Patients with large or stretched piercings can undergo an in-office repair where the pierced area and surrounding scarred areas are removed and the ear lobe is restored to its old shape.

Ear pinning procedures bring the ear closer to the side of the head. There are various techniques used to pin ears back depending on the cause. Conchal reduction is used when the conchal bowl (inner bowl surrounding the ear canal) is too large. Sometimes, the antihelical fold of the ear is not very defined which causes the ear to flare out. Special sutures are used to fold the ear back to recreate the natural fold. Finally, the conchal bowl can be brought in closer to the side of the head with sutures. Some patients may need to combine these techniques to address multiple issues at once. Ears can also be reduced in size. This often requires a wedge or portion of the top 1/3 of the ear to be removed and the edges of the ear brought back together to recreate the natural rim of the ear.

HB: Who is a good candidate?

A good candidate is a teenage or adult patient who would like improved symmetry between both ears or improve their appearance from the front view.

HB: What is recovery like?

Recovery is about 1-2 weeks during which time there may be swelling and bruising. The most important thing after surgery is to avoid trauma to the ear and to keep the ear clean. A dressing may be placed on the ear immediately after the procedure which is then taken off in several days after which patients can shower and get the ear wet. Patients should take special care when changing clothes or sleeping to avoid accidentally injuring the ear.

HB: What is the cost?

Costs will vary depending on the procedure and the type of anesthesia used. Ear lobe repairs may cost a few hundred dollars when performed in the office. Larger ear reductions or ear pinning procedures will cost more due to the complexity, time, and anesthesia required to perform the procedure.