Otoplasty & Ear Surgery

Ear surgery encompasses the following procedures:

Otoplasty (prominent ear correction)
Earlobe Repair

Ear surgery restores a natural and symmetric appearance to the ears. Abnormally shaped ears can be inherited at birth and cause distress throughout the adolescent years and beyond. There are a number of techniques that can be used to improve the overall shape and involve re-shaping the cartilage framework through incisions carefully disguised behind the ears. Patients young and old can benefit from these procedures. The downtime is minimal and the satisfaction rate is exceptionally high.

A gradual evolution in the contour and appearance of the pierced earlobe is unmistakable. Over time, the constant downward pull of earrings or persistent dilation by gauges stretches the lobe and distorts its shape. The piercing hole gradually elongates, eventually tearing through the bottom of the earlobe. The holes are removed and the skin is reshaped to achieve the ideal aesthetic contour.

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Learn About The Surgery

The Otoplasty & Ear Procedure

NATURAL & SYMMETRIC

Protruding ears and elongated earlobes are distracting features that detract from general facial harmony and aesthetic appeal. Understandably, patients are often hyperaware and insecure about the appearance of their ears. Through inconspicuous incisions hidden behind the ear, missing folds are created and protruding ears flattened. Torn earlobes or sagging, stretched earlobe skin can be repaired and/or reduced so that earrings can be worn. The goal of ear surgery is to restore a natural, symmetric and proportionate appearance to the ears.

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What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Consultation

The consultation focuses on creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. We will thoroughly discuss the attributes that you dislike and the ways in which an aesthetic improvement can be achieved. You will leave with a clear understanding of the result we can achieve. My goal is for you to have full confidence in your decision to make the change you have always imagined.

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Surgery

Cartilage shaping can often be performed pain-free with mild sedation and local anesthetic at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. More extensive procedures will require general anesthesia (fully asleep), ensuring your absolute comfort. I will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of each during your consultation as we develop a comprehensive surgical plan.

Earlobe repair can be performed pain free under local anesthesia, if desired.

The incisions for prominent ear surgery are hidden in the groove behind the ear. Earlobe repair requires incisions on the earlobe. I use a special technique to ensure that there is no notching or peaking at the border of the earlobe, which is a visible clue that surgery has been performed and creates an un-natural result. The scars typically heal well and patients may re-pierce their ears in 6 weeks.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

General Instructions

1. Stop all Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Fish Oil, Supplements with Omega 3, Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric – as these will thin the blood and complicate the surgery. You may take Tylenol as needed.
2. Medications – please notify us of any medications or supplements that you take regularly so that we may advise you appropriately.
3. Please fill all prescriptions prior to surgery so that they may be started immediately upon returning home.
4. Please no recreational drug use or smoking 4 weeks prior to and after the surgery.
5. Please have lab work completed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Contact us immediately if you have any change in your health between your pre-operative visit and the surgery date.
7. Arrange for a driver to pick you up from the surgery center. Uber or Lyft are not acceptable. The driver does not have to remain onsite during surgery. they will be called when you are ready to be discharged from the recovery unit.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

Create a “Wish Picture”

Visualizing the volumetric breast change on your own body can be invaluable to the surgical planning process! The Mentor™ 3D Breast Simulator app will facilitate the creation of a “wish picture” prior to your pre-operative visit and works best for augmentation and/or lift procedures. Simply take three pictures as instructed and begin simulating the desired look of your new breasts. When finished, you can securely send your photos to us at info@donaldmowldsmd.com.

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Morning of Surgery

1. Take a shower using anti-bacterial soap – No lotions, hair products, powders, perfumes or makeup.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgery center. We recommend wearing zip-up or button-up shirts and loose, comfortable pants.
3. Female patients will be given a urine pregnancy test at the surgery center.

We are here to help you through your recovery. Please do not hesitate to call our office.

Recovery

These procedures are well-tolerated and patients experience minimal post-operative discomfort. Unique dressings are used to protect the ears while they heal and patients are often able to return to work when they feel ready. I recommend avoiding sports or activities that place the ears at risk of trauma for a period of at least 6 weeks.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

General Instructions

1. Prescriptions provided at your pre-operative appointment should be filled prior to surgery and started when you arrive home. Take the first antibiotic dose at dinner time.
2. Please take a daily stool softener (e.g. Colace) or laxative (e.g. Senokot) while taking the pain medication. Stop if stools become loose.
3. Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or herbal medications as these interfere with your blood’s ability to clot.
4. Bruising is a normal part of surgery. Over-the-counter Arnica can help expedite its resolution.
5. Continue to remain hydrated following the surgery.
6. Resume your regular diet, there are no restrictions. If you become nauseous, carbonated beverages and crackers may help settle the stomach. Zofran (Ondansetron) will be prescribed and can be taken as well.
7. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety
8. Do not remove the dressings over your ears. They will be removed at your first post-operative appointment. If they fall off prior to this visit, please let the office know.
9. Sleep on your back and do not roll onto your side. This is very important as any pulling on the ears can disrupt the healing process and ultimate result.
10. No glasses of any kind. Pressure on the back of the ears can impact the healing of the incisions.
11. Your ear will likely look much larger to you. Swelling in the treated areas is normal and will resolve with time. This may migrate inferiorly due to the effects of gravity and cause swelling in the neck. There is no need for concern.
12. Mild tenderness of the cartilage is normal early in the healing process. If this worsens, please let the office know.
13. Do not lift anything heavier than a purse and no pushing, pulling, exercise or any activity that may raise your blood pressure until cleared.
14. No smoking – this inhibits wound healing, causing undesirable complications.
15. Driving – Do not drive or perform any tasks that require coordination or judgement for at least 48 hours after general anesthesia or while taking narcotic pain medication.
16. Please call the office if you experience fever, chills, increased pain, wound drainage or if you have any concerns. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm. To reach me after hours, please call the office and follow the prompts.

Results

The correction achieved is nearly always visually pleasing and long lasting.

FAQs

How soon after earlobe repair can I re-pierce my ears?

I ask that my patients wait until the scar achieves its final strength, which usually takes about 6 weeks, before re-piercing their ears.

Before & After

Stunning, natural results from patients.

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EAR SURGERY

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

Or Call 949.759.5539

Facial Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Face & Neck Lift

A lower face and neck lift restores youthfulness through careful repositioning of your natural facial volume. Excess skin is removed in a balanced fashion to create a natural esthetic that avoids an overdone appearance.

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Neck Liposculpture

Liposculpture uses various liposuction techniques to address the excess fat tissue of the neck, jowls and chin to provide an enhanced contour. The targeted approach that liposuction affords is unparalleled and results in customized contouring of the neck and jaw. Mild skin laxity is also improved during the healing process following liposuction.

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

A surgical as well as non-surgical rhinoplasty “nose job” should be performed in harmony with the patient’s existing facial contours and ethnicity, creating the most natural result. We will devise a comprehensive plan that balances the objectives with your natural facial features in order to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result.

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Chin Augmentation

The chin is the centerpiece of the lower face and as such conveys excess or deficiency in this area. A chin augmentation utilizes a small silicone implant placed through a discrete incision to create a more balanced profile and structure to the jaw and lower face.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Excess skin and fat naturally accumulate in the eyelid as we age. Commonly referred to as bagginess, patients are uniformly displeased with the aged and fatigued look that this extra tissue conveys.

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Brow Lift

Eyebrow lifts reposition the eyebrows to the ideal location, refreshing the upper eye region. Brow lift surgery is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to achieve a maximal rejuvenation in this area.

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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear rejuvenation aims to restore a natural, symmetric and aesthetic appearance to the ears. Abnormally shaped ears can be inherited at birth and cause distress throughout the adolescent years and beyond.

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Patient Reviews

Kinda H.

I am absolutely thrilled with my results! I have seen a number of surgeons around the world and Dr. Mowlds is by far THE BEST. Not only is he knowledgeable and meticulous, he’s a great listener. As a result, he put a thoughtful and innovative plan together for my case that no other surgeon had considered before and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Very little pain post surgery and he put me at ease from start to finish. Mallory, his office manager, is also wonderful and was always available to answer my questions. I highly recommended him and his team.

Kinda H.

Samira H.

I met Dr. Mowlds for the first time back in April of 2023 and knew right away that I could trust him with my procedures. He was very personable, informative, and a great listener. He made me feel at ease and catered to exactly what I was looking for. His staff was very friendly, always available and would respond to my questions very quickly before and after my surgery. My surgery was a complete success. I am very happy with the results and I would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds to all my family and friends. Truly an exceptional experience! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🥰❤️🙏🏻

Samira H.

Andrea R.

Breast Revision

Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. I loved that Dr. Mowlds never treated me like a patient, but rather a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

Andrea R.

Daisy M.

Dr. Mowlds is by far the BEST to say the least. I’m glad I came across him. His staff is AMAZING, always a phone call or text away pre and post op. I had gone to several consults in which they didn’t make me comfortable or confident to choose them. Dr. Mowlds and I met. I explained to him my complicated case, my concerns and showed him what he had to fix. He shared his thoughts, knowledge and was up for the challenge. He was very detailed in his explanations and sure did deliver. I have no regrets picking him as my surgeon. HE IS THE BEST!

Daisy M.

Scarlett A.

Neck Liposculpture

Dr. Mowlds did liposuction under my neck to get rid of my double chin and define my jawline. It was the best decision I have ever made. He made me feel so much more confident and the results were more than I could have ever hoped for. The surgery was easy and recovery was smooth. Dr. Mowlds checks up on his patients every 2-3 weeks to make sure the results are perfect. Highly recommend this surgery and Dr. Mowlds!!

Scarlett A.

Melanie M.

Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare. He always treated me with kindness and respect during our patient visits. It was quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs! I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned with the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

Melanie M.

Ulyana F.

5 stars is not enough for Dr. Mowlds and his team! Dr. Mowlds is a highly qualified and skilled cosmetic surgeon. His work and meticulous attention to detail is exceptional! Mallory the patient coordinator is always so helpful and pleasant. Brittany the PA is professional and very sweet. From the consult to the post-op appointments, I always feel like I am Dr. Mowlds’ only patient. His professionalism, knowledge, expertise, bedside manner, kindness, attentiveness along with my results are all beyond my highest expectations.

Ulyana F.

Nicole K.

Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Mowlds is a phenomenal surgeon and I feel so blessed to have had him do my surgery!! I had symmastia breast reconstructive surgery done by Dr. Mowlds. I had lived the last 15 years with my breasts looking like a “uni-boob.” I felt so self conscious for many years. I also breast fed 2 kids so I had a lot of rippling and loss of saline in my old implants. Dr. Mowlds was extremely honest, caring and helpful with making the decision to fix my breasts. He listened to exactly what I wanted and his staff was absolutely amazing!! In order to reconstruct my breasts he used galaflex absorbable mesh to separate my breasts and make them normal again. I went with silicone implants this time and could not be happier with my results. Everyday I feel so thankful I can look in the mirror and feel normal. Dr. Mowlds is the ABSOLUTE BEST SURGEON!!

Nicole K.

Abigail S.

Skin Tightening & Scar Revision

After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

Abigail S.

Merdith V.

Skin Care & Non-Surgical Procedures

Dr. Mowlds was extremely professional and made me feel very comfortable in what would typically be a very nervous, uncertain situation around needles. He took his time and was very patient answering all my questions. I’ve been seeing him for Botox, lip + laser treatments and will not go to anyone else. Dr. Mowlds is very meticulous, gentle, honest and has good, conservative taste. So grateful to have found him!

Merdith V.

Jessica T.

Tummy Tuck & Breast Implants

I am SO HAPPY with my new body!! January 2021, Dr. Mowlds replaced my breast implants and gave me a full tummy tuck. My scars are so minimal! The man has good hands! He took so much time to listen to me, care about my concerns and really understand the results I was hoping for. Can I just say, THIS MAN DELIVERED!! He actually gave me better results than I was hoping for. Finally a man who keeps his word! Hahahaha! His assistant, Mallory, also took so much time with me, checked in, listened, always responded to my messages right away and was just so sweet!! Two of my friends have also gone to him for breast augmentation because of how pleased I am with my experience and results. Thank you, Dr. Mowlds, for my reconstructed body-ody!! It’s amazing now bc of your skill and artistic craftsmanship!

Jessica T.

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