Open House 2025
at our Portland and Vancouver Open House
Free Gifts for the first 30 guests + Light bites, Mocktails & Desserts +
Vendor Spotlights & Interactive Tables
Join us for an exclusive evening of connection, community, and celebration at our Portland and Vancouver Open House.
This special event brings together our expert team, valued patients, and local partners for a night filled with
giving back, exciting prizes, and memorable experiences. Limited seating only, RSVP today!
Prominent ears can cause frustration and self-consciousness for both kids and adults. Ear surgery or otoplasty in Portland, OR, offers a lasting solution by reshaping or repositioning the ears closer to the head, creating a more balanced and natural appearance.
Our skilled surgeons specialize in personalized otoplasty procedures, carefully adjusting ear size, shape, and projection to suit each individual’s features. Candidates must be at least five years old, ensuring the cartilage is developed enough for safe surgery. Whether for children or adults, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve ears that enhance your confidence and look completely natural.
THREE TALENTED DOCTORS
ONE FOCUSED MISSION
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
Meet The Doctors
The experienced surgeons at The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery—Dr. Kathleen Waldorf, Dr. Rachel Streu and Dr. Heidi Johng—built the practice on a foundation of providing patients with high quality, ethical care. One of their guiding principles is a belief that cosmetic surgery is as much an art as it is a science.
HOW CAN OTOPLASTY ENHANCE YOUR FACIAL PROFILE?
You may have questions such as, “What does an otoplasty do?” or “Is otoplasty worth it?” Otoplasty is a fantastic way to tackle common appearance concerns and bring more balance to your facial features. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your ears or wished
they looked a little different, otoplasty might be just what you need. Here are some common issues otoplasty can help with:
- Ears that stick out more than you’d like
- Uneven or asymmetrical ears
- Ears with unusual shapes or contours
- Changes from injury or birth defects
With otoplasty, you’re not just fixing your ears—you’re boosting your confidence and creating a look that feels natural and totally you. It’s a lasting change that helps your whole face come together in harmony, so you can feel great every time you look in the mirror.
WHY CONSIDER OTOPLASTY FOR EAR RESHAPING?
Ear surgery, or otoplasty, offers more than just a physical transformation—it can truly boost your confidence and change how you feel about yourself. By reshaping or repositioning the ears, this procedure helps reduce self-consciousness, especially for those who’ve dealt with teasing or dissatisfaction over prominent or misshapen ears. Beyond enhancing appearance, otoplasty brings better facial balance and harmony, creating a more symmetrical and attractive profile. For children, correcting ear issues early can make a big difference in social confidence and emotional well-being. Plus, ear surgery is generally safe, straightforward, and provides lasting, natural-looking results that can positively impact your life in meaningful ways.
Patients will undoubtedly have more questions about the procedure, such as, “What is the process for ear surgery?” Ear surgery is highly individualized, so the techniques used are varied depending upon the particular characteristics of the ears and what the patient wishes to change. In the case of prominent ears, an incision can be made behind the ear, and the cartilage can be reshaped to help the ear sit closer to the head. Regardless of the otoplasty technique used, incisions are typically hidden in the natural folds of the ear or on the back of the ear. The otoplasty procedure usually takes one to two hours and is performed with the patient under a general anesthetic. Most patients go home the same day.
The Waldorf Center in Portland, OR, offers special financing for the recommended surgical or non-surgical procedure you want. Convenient monthly payments can be structured to fit your financial situation. Call the practice for more information at 503-646-0101 or contact us online.
Another concern you may have is, “What is the recovery process for otoplasty?” Recovering from otoplasty is an important part of your journey to achieving beautifully shaped ears and renewed confidence. To ensure the best results, proper care and patience during the healing process are essential.
Immediately following surgery, patients will need to wear a supportive head dressing for about one week. This dressing protects the ears and helps maintain their new position. It’s important to continue protecting your ears from any pressure or impact for a full six weeks to allow the cartilage to heal properly and securely. Most patients find that taking about one week off from work or school provides ample time to rest and begin healing. During this period, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and mild discomfort are normal and expected. Don’t worry—these symptoms can be effectively managed with pain medication tailored to your age and specific needs, which your surgeon will carefully recommend.
To promote healing and reduce swelling, you’ll need to avoid sleeping on your sides and instead sleep with your head elevated for several weeks. This simple adjustment helps minimize pressure on your ears and supports quicker recovery. Your surgeon will provide detailed, personalized post-operative instructions to guide you through each stage of healing. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your progress and remove sutures if necessary, ensuring your recovery is smooth and successful.
By following these guidelines and caring for yourself attentively, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the confident, natural look that otoplasty can provide.
We believe you need to be well-informed about otoplasty so that you can make an informed decision about your procedure and your surgeon. This includes the results you can expect, the processes of preparing for the surgery, and the recovery period. Your surgeon will meet with you about your concerns and personal goals. They will examine you or your child and tell you what they can accomplish through ear surgery. They will also advise you on what the surgery will involve in terms specific to your case.
Choosing a surgeon is an intensely personal decision. We encourage you to ask questions of our surgeons and our team. We want you to feel comfortable with us and your decision to have surgery at The Waldorf Center.
When considering otoplasty, many patients also explore complementary facial procedures to enhance overall harmony and rejuvenation. Here are some related options that can work beautifully alongside ear surgery:
Facelift
A facelift targets sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of youthful contours in the mid to lower face and neck. While otoplasty reshapes the ears to reduce prominence, a facelift can restore a smoother, firmer appearance to the face, creating a balanced, refreshed look. This combination is ideal for patients seeking a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Blepharoplasty
Also known as eyelid surgery blepharoplasty, improves the appearance of tired or droopy eyelids by removing excess skin and fat. This procedure brightens your eyes and helps you look more awake and youthful. When paired with otoplasty, it enhances facial symmetry by focusing attention on both the eyes and ears.
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for improved facial proportion and function. Because the ears, nose, and eyes all contribute to facial balance, combining rhinoplasty with otoplasty can create a harmonious profile and elevate overall facial aesthetics. Together, these procedures complement otoplasty to help you achieve a naturally beautiful, balanced appearance.