Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Reshape or reposition prominent ears with a natural result.
What Is an Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?
Otoplasty reshapes the ear to bring prominent or misshapen ears into better balance with the head and face. It most often addresses ears that stick out, a weak or missing fold in the cartilage, or an overly deep bowl of the ear. The goal is a natural position and contour, not ears that look pinned or overcorrected. Otoplasty is performed on children, teens, and adults, and it is one of the few facial procedures commonly done young, because most ear growth is complete by about age five to six.
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- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- Estimated Duration
- 1.5 to 3 hours
- Downtime
- About 1 week
- Return to Work
- Most adults return to work or school in about one week
Surgical Technique
Otoplasty is usually performed through an incision behind the ear, hidden in the crease where the ear meets the head. Through that access the cartilage is reshaped, and permanent sutures recreate a natural fold and set the ear closer to the head. Cartilage may be scored, trimmed, or folded depending on the anatomy. The aim is a soft, natural contour with symmetry between the two sides. Adults are often treated under local anesthesia with sedation, while younger children usually have general anesthesia.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)?
Good candidates are bothered by ears that project or by asymmetry and are healthy without an active ear infection. Otoplasty can be performed once the ears are close to full size, generally around age five to six, and it is common in children, teens, and adults. Final recommendations depend on an in-person exam of the cartilage, skin, and the specific shape concern, along with medical history and goals.
Recovery
A supportive dressing or headband protects the ears early in recovery. Swelling and bruising settle over the first week or two, and many patients wear a headband at night for several weeks to protect the new position. Contact activities and pressure on the ears are avoided until cleared.
Days 1 to 3
A supportive dressing protects the ears. Expect soreness, swelling, and a feeling of tightness. Keep the head elevated and avoid pressure on the ears.
Week 1
The initial dressing is removed and many patients switch to a soft headband. Bruising and swelling begin to fade, and most adults return to work or school.
Weeks 2 to 6
A headband is often worn at night to protect the new position. Avoid contact activities and direct pressure on the ears until cleared.
Months 1 to 3
Swelling continues to settle and the contour refines. The ears look more natural as healing completes.
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) Risks & Considerations
Risks include bleeding, infection, changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, overcorrection or undercorrection, visible or palpable sutures, recurrence of prominence, and scarring behind the ear. A rare early complication is a collection of blood in the ear that needs prompt attention. Some patients need a minor revision to refine symmetry.
- Bleeding or blood collection (hematoma)
- Infection
- Asymmetry between the ears
- Overcorrection or undercorrection
- Recurrence of ear prominence
- Visible or palpable sutures
- Changes in skin sensation
- Scarring behind the ear
Alternatives to Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)
Nonsurgical molding can reshape ears only in newborns during the first weeks of life, not in older children or adults. For most patients seeking correction of prominent ears, surgery is the reliable option. When the concern is a torn or stretched earlobe rather than ear position, a smaller earlobe repair may be more appropriate.
Medical Sources
Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) - Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age can otoplasty be done?
- Ears reach close to full size around age five to six, so otoplasty can be performed from early childhood through adulthood. Many families choose to treat prominent ears before or during the early school years.
- Where are otoplasty scars?
- The incision is usually placed behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head, so the scar is well hidden.
- Will my ears look pinned back?
- The goal is a natural position and contour, not a pinned look. The ear is set closer to the head while keeping normal folds and proportions.
- How long is otoplasty recovery?
- Most patients return to work or school in about a week. A protective headband is often worn at night for several weeks.
- Is otoplasty permanent?
- Results are meant to be long lasting. In a small number of patients some prominence can return, which may need a minor revision.
- Can just one ear be corrected?
- Yes. If only one ear projects, surgery can be done on that side, with attention to matching the other ear for symmetry.
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Explore financing options and patient resources as you prepare for your consultation. If you are visiting from out of town, use our travel guide to plan your trip and stay.
Ready to talk through your options?
Every plan begins with a conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and whether this is genuinely the right procedure for you.
Schedule a ConsultationPerformed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California