A strange new surgical trend is emerging in Asia, but a leading American surgeon is already warning potential patients to be wary of the “devastating” procedure.
Ear fillers are gaining popularity in China and South Korea, as larger ears can create the illusion of having a smaller face.
“Apart from the lifting effect, it actually opens up the ear and that creates a smaller face, because in Asia the trend is to have a smaller face,” dermatologist Dr. Jenny Liu explained on Instagram.
“When I was in China, one of the dermatologists told me that this is one of the procedures he does most frequently and I couldn’t believe it,” he added.
The trend may also be fueled by influential K-pop stars like Haerin, a member of South Korea’s most successful girl group NewJeans and famous for her “elf” features.
“The result I think they are trying to generate is a lateral structure,” dermatologist Dr. Danny Guo said on Instagram.
‘But they don’t want to increase the side cheeks because Asians often already have prominent zygomas (cheekbones). So they hide it behind their ear.
While the procedure is already popular in Asia, Beverly Hills-based surgeon Dr. Deepak Dugar told DailyMail.com that patients are also starting to look for ear fillers in the United States.
A Bizarre New Ear Fillers Surgical Trend Is Exploding Across Asia

The procedure is supposed to create the illusion of a smaller face, which is in line with Asian beauty standards. In the photo: before (left) and after (right)
“In the US, ear filler is typically performed on the lower ear lobe and is used to add volume to aging ears and prevent a wrinkled or droopy appearance,” explained Dr. Dugar, known for perfecting he ‘Nose without scars’ job.
“We also sometimes use fillers in the lower ear lobe to strengthen the area beneath a piercing to keep it strong and prevent it from weakening with heavy earrings,” the board-certified surgeon continued.
“However, the use of filler to reshape the top of the ear, specifically around the helical rim, is not commonly performed in the United States.”
Dr. Dugar then warned that the procedure could be risky for some patients.
“The blood supply to the ear cartilage comes from the superficial perichondrium that surrounds the ear cartilage,” he explained.
‘If the filler were injected deep into the perichondrium and separated the perichondrium from the cartilage, this could be devastating as it could cause the cartilage in that area to become devascularised.
“This could also happen if a needle caused a hematoma under the perichondrium and caused a similar separation between the perichondrium and cartilage.”
Dr. Dugar said a mishap with the procedure could lead to the dreaded “cauliflower ear,” which is most commonly seen in boxers and MMA fighters and is caused by bruising due to trauma to the ear.

The trend may also be fueled by influential K-pop stars like Haerin, a member of South Korea’s most successful girl group NewJeans and famous for her elfin features.

In 2018, Brielle Biermann claimed that her reality star mother, Kim Zolciak, stuffs her ears because of her heavy diamond earrings.
“This hematoma normally forms between the perichondrium and the cartilage and, unfortunately, if not treated properly, can cause devascularization of the cartilage leading to a deformity in the cartilage itself known as cauliflower ear,” he said.
“In my opinion, performing filler on the top and side of the ear is extremely risky and I would never personally recommend it to my patients.”
In 2018, Brielle Biermann claimed that her reality star mother, Kim Zolciak, stuffs her ears because of her heavy diamond earrings.
“My mom’s ears are full because her diamond earrings are too heavy… #richpeopleproblems,” she tweeted.
The procedure has sparked strong backlash online, with many claiming it is unnecessary.
“I wish people would stop applying unrealistic beauty standards,” one commented.
“OMG people have completely lost their minds,” wrote another.
“Between philtrum reduction and ear fillers, it’s absolute chaos with these look fixes,” wrote a third.

“In my opinion, applying filler to the top and side of the ear is extremely risky and I would never personally recommend it to my patients,” warned Dr. Deepak Dugar.
Another strange filler trend that has emerged recently is nipple fillers.
Women are seeking injections to make their breasts appear “perkier” and “more aroused” amid a growing trend of braless women and see-through tops.
Dr. Norman Rowe, a New York City plastic surgeon, previously told DailyMail.com that he now sees up to five women a week for the procedure, which involves injecting filler directly into the base of the nipple.
The trend comes as women try to emulate celebrities like Bella Hadid, Lauren Sanchez and Bianca Censori, who have been known to free the nipple.
The trend has become so popular that Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS clothing brand even sells tops with nipple pad inserts.