Entry 09 of 13 · Updated 2026-09-24
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) in Utah
Ear pinning for children and adults. The Utah surgeons with national reputations for otoplasty, what it costs, and the best age to do it.
- Typical cost in Utah
- $5,000–$9,000
- Our №1 for otoplasty
- Dr. Steven MobleyMobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery, Millcreek (Salt Lake City)
- Recovery
- Head wrap for 1 week, headband at night for several weeks, sports at 6 weeks
- Insurance
- Usually no; some plans cover congenital deformities in children
The best otoplasty surgeons in Utah
4 face-only specialists, in our editorial order for this procedure. Featured placement is disclosed. How we rank.
- 01
Dr. Steven R. Mobley, MD
Mobley MD Facial Plastic Surgery · Millcreek (Salt Lake City)
Utah's most recognized facial-only surgeon, with a national reputation in rhinoplasty and otoplasty.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery, University of Utah
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- 02
Dr. John B. Bitner, MD
Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery · Layton
The only Utah surgeon fellowship-trained in both facial plastic surgery and hair restoration.
- ABFPRS board certified
- Mayo Clinic residency
- Dual fellowship: facial plastics and hair restoration
- Region
- Davis County
- Certified
- Double board
- 03
Dr. Scott K. Thompson, MD
Utah Facial Plastics · Draper & Layton
Founder of Utah Facial Plastics and one of the state's busiest facelift and rhinoplasty surgeons.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Founder of Utah Facial Plastics (2006)
- Deep plane facelift and rhinoplasty focus
- Region
- Salt Lake County
- Certified
- Double board
- 04
Dr. Douglas Henstrom, MD
Utah Facial Plastics · Draper & Layton
Mayo Clinic and Harvard trained facial surgeon with a reconstructive pedigree.
- Double board certified (ABFPRS and ABOto)
- Mayo Clinic residency
- Harvard / Mass Eye and Ear fellowship
- Region
- Salt Lake County
- Certified
- Double board
01 · What it is
About otoplasty
Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage of prominent or misshapen ears, most often by recreating the antihelical fold and setting the ear closer to the head. It can be performed on children from about age five or six (when ear growth is nearly complete) as well as adults. Incisions hide behind the ear.
02 · Who it's for
Good candidates
- Children age 5+ with prominent ears, especially before teasing begins
- Adults who have always been self-conscious about ear prominence
- Patients with asymmetry, cupped or constricted ears, or earlobe issues
03 · Cost
What otoplasty costs in Utah
$5,000 to $9,000
Both ears, including facility and anesthesia. Children require general anesthesia; adults are often done under local with sedation. Insurance: usually no; some plans cover congenital deformities in children.
04 · Recovery
The timeline
A head wrap is worn for about a week, then a headband at night for several weeks. Most children return to school within a week; contact sports wait about six weeks.
05 · Choosing
How to choose a otoplasty surgeon
- A surgeon who performs otoplasty regularly and can show natural, symmetric results from front and back
- Cartilage-sparing techniques that avoid sharp, over-pinned edges
- Comfort and experience with pediatric patients if the patient is a child
Otoplasty in Utah: questions, answered
01Who is the best otoplasty surgeon in Utah?
Dr. Steven Mobley of Mobley MD is nationally known for otoplasty and is our top pick in Utah. Dr. John Bitner, Dr. Scott Thompson and Dr. Douglas Henstrom also perform ear surgery.
02What is the best age for otoplasty?
Ears reach about 90 percent of adult size by age five or six, which is the earliest most surgeons will operate. There is no upper age limit.
03Is ear pinning covered by insurance?
Usually not, as it is considered cosmetic. Some plans make exceptions for congenital deformities in children; check with your carrier.
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