Reducing the prominence of the ears is a common aesthetic concern, leading many to seek temporary and permanent solutions. While surgical intervention is an option, a variety of non-surgical methods exist to achieve a more subtle ear profile. These temporary techniques range from specialized cosmetic products to strategic use of hair and accessories. This article explores the most effective ways to temporarily pin the ears back, alongside details of the permanent surgical alternative.
Specialized Cosmetic Products
Commercially available cosmetic ear correctors offer a direct, non-surgical method for holding the ears closer to the head. These products typically consist of small, transparent silicone or plastic pieces backed with a strong, hypoallergenic adhesive. The corrector works by creating a physical bridge, adhering the back of the ear to the adjacent skin on the mastoid area.
For effective application, the skin on both the ear and the head must be meticulously cleaned to remove all traces of oil and moisture. The adhesive side is placed onto the back of the ear, and the protective backing is removed before pressing the ear firmly against the head for up to two minutes. When applied correctly, these correctors can remain in place for several days, often resisting water and sweat. Safe removal is accomplished using specialized solvents or oil-based products designed to gently dissolve the medical-grade adhesive.
Strategic Hairstyling Techniques
Hair manipulation provides a discreet way to either conceal the ears or use the hair’s tension to physically hold them back. Styles that incorporate volume at the crown or sides can minimize the perceived protrusion of the ears. Face-framing layers or soft curls that fall naturally over the ear area are effective for simple coverage.
For a more active hold, specific updos and braids can create tension that pulls the ear closer to the head. A tight, low ponytail or a sleek bun requires the hair to be pulled taut over the ear before being secured at the nape of the neck. Another technique involves twisting a small section of hair from in front of the ear tightly over the ear, securing it with a hidden pin or elastic. This method, sometimes called the “tie trick,” uses the hair itself as a natural, invisible band to maintain the desired position.
Accessory-Based Solutions
External accessories provide a simple, reusable option for physically pinning the ears back through compression. Wide, elastic headbands made from soft, non-slip material are effective because they apply gentle, continuous pressure across the entire ear. For maximum hold, the headband should cover the top half of the ear, ensuring the material is snug but not uncomfortably tight.
Scarves and head wraps offer a similar compressive effect while providing a decorative element. A scarf can be folded into a wide band and tied tightly at the nape of the neck or knotted over the crown, ensuring the fabric covers the ears completely. For targeted, invisible support, small hair clips or bobby pins can be strategically placed behind the ear. The pin should be inserted horizontally into the hair directly behind the ear, catching a small amount of hair and pressing the ear back against the head. Crisscrossing two bobby pins in an “X” shape at the point of tension increases the hold and stability.
Otoplasty: The Permanent Alternative
For those seeking a definitive, long-term solution, the surgical procedure known as otoplasty, or ear pinning, is available. This procedure permanently repositions the ears closer to the head by reshaping the underlying cartilage. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear to access the cartilage. The cartilage is then folded, sculpted, or secured with permanent internal sutures to create a more natural antihelical fold.
The procedure usually takes between one and three hours and is often performed on an outpatient basis. Following surgery, a compression headband must be worn continuously for one to two weeks. It is then worn only at night for several more weeks to protect the newly positioned cartilage during the healing process. While temporary methods offer immediate, low-commitment results, otoplasty provides a permanent change. Most patients see the final aesthetic result within a few months of the procedure.