About the procedure
Otoplasty reshapes ears that stand away from the head or have an underdeveloped fold, through an incision behind the ear. The cartilage is folded with sutures and the ear is brought closer to the head.
It can be performed from the age of 6; in adults it can be done under local anesthesia.
At the examination, the part of the ear causing the problem is identified: an underdeveloped antihelical fold, an overly deep conchal bowl, or both. Accordingly, the cartilage is folded with sutures only, and if needed the concha is slightly reduced and sutured to the head; suture techniques that do not cut the cartilage avoid a sharp line along the ear rim. Differences between the two ears are measured separately, and in asymmetric ears the plan is made ear by ear.
- ✓Hidden incision behind the ear
- ✓Permanent result
- ✓Discharged the same day
Suitability
Who is it suitable for?
May be suitable
- ✓Adults whose ears stand out noticeably from the head and who avoid tying their hair back for that reason.
- ✓Children whose ear cartilage has finished growing, generally age 6 and older, who struggle at school because of it.
- ✓People with a single prominent ear or a marked difference in shape between the two ears.
- ✓Patients with an underdeveloped ear fold or a deep conchal bowl whose ears stand out in profile.
Should be postponed or is not suitable
- —Children under 5–6 whose ear cartilage has not yet developed sufficiently.
- —Children who do not want the surgery themselves and are being steered by their family; compliance and aftercare require the child's participation.
- —Those with an active infection or eczema around the ear, or an uncontrolled tendency to keloids.
The final decision on suitability is made after a physician examination and tests.
Process
How does it proceed, step by step?
- 01
Initial consultation
The ear-to-head angle and the state of the fold are assessed from front, back, and side photographs; the type of anesthesia is discussed for children.
- 02
Examination and measurement
The distance of each ear from the head is measured at the top, middle, and bottom; the fold to be created is shown with a finger and the target shape is clarified with the patient.
- 03
Surgery
Under local anesthesia in adults and general anesthesia in children, an incision is made behind the ear; the cartilage is folded with permanent sutures and, if needed, brought closer to the head.
- 04
Same-day discharge
A soft bandage wrapping the ears is applied around the head; you are discharged after a few hours of observation.
- 05
Check-up
The bandage is opened and the ear shape checked on days 3–5; the sutures behind the ear are removed on days 7–10.
- 06
Return and follow-up
You can fly once the bandage is off; a headband is worn at night for 3–4 weeks, with photo follow-up at months 1 and 3.
Recovery
Recovery timeline
Day 1
There is a feeling of pressure under the bandage and throbbing in the ears; pain usually resolves with simple pain relievers.
Days 3–5
The bandage is opened and the ears look swollen and pink; mild numbness is normal.
Week 1
Sutures are removed; you can return to work or school, and the headband continues to be worn at night.
Weeks 2–3
Swelling has largely gone down and lying on the ear becomes comfortable; glasses are cleared.
Month 1
The headband is discontinued and non-contact sports resume; the fold continues to sharpen.
Month 3
The ear cartilage settles into its new shape and the scar behind the ear fades; contact sports are cleared.
Timeframes are averages; they vary by person and by the scope of the procedure.
Results
Before / After
Before and after examples of Ear Surgery are shared during the consultation.
We show our patients' photos only within the scope of their written consent and in one-on-one consultations; we respect the wishes of patients who prefer not to be published on the open internet. Let us send you results from cases similar to yours together with the physician's assessment.
Let us be open
Risks and points to consider
Every medical procedure carries risks. The points below are the main known issues for this procedure; a risk assessment specific to you is made during the consultation.
- Blood collecting behind the ear; severe one-sided pain in the first days is a warning sign and should be evaluated immediately.
- Cartilage infection is rare, but because it can distort the cartilage it requires early antibiotic treatment.
- A difference of a few millimeters in the distance between the two ears; a minor correction can be made for marked asymmetry.
- Partial reopening of the ear as the cartilage sutures loosen over time; re-suturing may be needed in this case.
- Thickening of the scar behind the ear, sutures being felt under the skin, or an overly sharp fold along the ear rim.