Otoplasty · Ear surgery
Otoplasty: Compare practices from our network
Otoplasty reshapes the ears or sets prominent ears closer to the head. It is a short operation with a long-lasting result, done for children and adults.
Our network
Otoplasty providers from Adoreal's partner network.
Malmö · Sweden
Reformkliniken
Ear surgery (öronplastik) for children from age seven and for adults, performed under general anesthesia.
Malmö · Sweden
Reformkliniken
Ear surgery (öronplastik) for children from age seven and for adults, performed under general anesthesia.
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How to choose an otoplasty surgeon
Board certification is the starting point. The details below are worth weighing carefully when you're choosing the surgeon who's right for your goals.
Here's what to look for before you decide:
A good surgeon explains what is making the ear stand out.
A missing fold, a large bowl of cartilage, or both, call for different steps. A surgeon who shows you which applies to your ears is planning the operation for you, not a standard one.
The aim is a natural ear, not a pinned-back one.
Ears set too flat look operated on. Ask how the surgeon judges the right position, how they keep the ears balanced with each other, and to see results on ears similar to yours.
For a child, the wish should be the child's own.
Surgeons generally operate from around age five or six, and only when the child wants the change and can manage the bandage and headband. A surgeon who talks with your child, not only with you, is taking that seriously.
They should be clear about the bandage, the headband and sport.
How long the bandage stays on, how many weeks of night-time headband, and when swimming and contact sports are safe vary between surgeons. Get the plan in writing.
Transparency about your plan and expectations is non-negotiable.
Your surgeon should be comfortable documenting the technique, the type of anesthesia, where the scars will be, and what happens if an ear needs adjusting later, and sharing that with you in writing.
Before your consultation, prepare this question
“What is making my ears stand out, and how will you keep them looking natural rather than pinned back?”
A surgeon who explains the cause, and how they set the ears in balance with your face, is planning your result, not a standard operation.
Find a Otoplasty ProviderAbout the treatment
About otoplasty
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, also called ear surgery or ear pinning, changes the shape, position or proportion of the outer ear. Most often it sets ears that stick out closer to the head, by folding or reshaping the cartilage and holding it in place with stitches hidden behind the ear.
Prominent ears are usually present from birth, because the natural fold of the ear is less defined or the bowl of the ear is large. They are harmless. Otoplasty can also balance ears that differ, reduce large ears, and correct ears changed by injury.
Otoplasty changes how the ears look, not how they work, and hearing is unaffected. The aim is ears that sit naturally with your face, not a pinned-back look.
What otoplasty can address
Otoplasty is usually considered for one or more of the following:
- Ears that stick out from the head
- Ears that differ in shape or position
- Ears without a natural fold, or that are large for the face
- Ears changed by injury or by stretched piercings
- Dissatisfaction with a previous ear operation
Some practices also repair stretched or torn earlobes as part of ear surgery.
Children and adults
Otoplasty is often done in childhood, generally from around five or six, when the ears are nearly fully grown; some practices start from seven. It is just as possible in adulthood. Many children with prominent ears are not bothered by them, and where a child is, the decision is best made with them.
Are you a candidate?
Otoplasty is generally suited to healthy children from around five or six, once the ear cartilage is firm enough to hold its new shape, and to teenagers and adults who are bothered by the shape or position of their ears.
Your surgeon may advise waiting or caution if:
- The child is younger than about five, as the ears are still growing
- A child does not want the operation, or is not ready for the aftercare
- There is an untreated chronic ear infection
- You have a medical condition that impairs healing
- You smoke and are unwilling to stop
The treatment, step by step
Consultation. Your surgeon examines the shape, size and position of both ears and the folds of the cartilage, discusses what you, or your child, would like to change, and explains the technique and anesthesia they recommend.
Preparations. You may need to pause aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines, stop smoking, and plan a few days at home with a head bandage.
Anesthesia. Performed under local anesthetic, with or without sedation, or general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day.
Incision. A small incision is made in the crease behind the ear to reach the cartilage. Where an incision is needed on the front, it is hidden within the ear's natural folds.
Reshaping. The cartilage is folded, reshaped or, where needed, partly reduced, then held in its new position with permanent internal stitches. The procedure typically takes one to two hours.
Closing. The incision is closed with stitches, and a padded bandage is wrapped around the head to protect the ears and support their new shape.
Recovery and aftercare
Soreness, swelling and some bruising around the ears are normal. Discomfort is usually most noticeable in the first two days and is managed with pain relief. The ears can stay tender, and feel numb or tingly, for several weeks.
- Keep the head bandage clean, dry and in place until your surgeon removes it, usually after about five to ten days
- Keep your head elevated while resting and sleeping
- Wear a soft headband at night afterwards, often for several weeks, to protect the ears
- Avoid pressure on the ears, swimming and contact sports until your surgeon clears you
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Most people return to work or school within about a week. The ears settle into their final shape over the following months, and the scar behind the ear fades with time.
Risks and side effects
Otoplasty is generally safe, and complications are uncommon, but like any surgery it carries risks:
- Soreness and bruising, common and temporary; ears can stay tender, numb or tingly for several weeks.
- Hematoma, A collection of blood under the skin of the ear, which needs prompt attention from your surgeon.
- Infection or cartilage inflammation, uncommon, but important to recognize early, often as increasing pain with fever.
- Asymmetry or recurrence, the ears can end up slightly different from each other, or one can begin to protrude again.
- Scarring and stitch problems, raised or thickened scars, including keloids, or a stitch working its way to the surface.
- Need for revision, occasionally a second, smaller operation is needed to refine the result.
When to seek medical attention
- Severe or rapidly increasing pain in an ear
- Swelling on one side, or bleeding that soaks through the bandage
- Fever together with a painful ear
- Increasing redness, warmth or discharge from the incision
Contact your surgeon's practice directly, or seek emergency care, if you experience any of the above.
Common questions
Otoplasty questions, answered.
If your question isn't here, ask us directly. A real person answers, and we won't push you toward anything.
Talk to us →At what age can otoplasty be done?
Generally from around five or six, once the ears have nearly finished growing; some practices operate from age seven. There is no upper age limit for adults in good health.
Will it affect my hearing?
No. Otoplasty changes the outer ear only and does not affect hearing.
Is it done under general anesthesia?
Not always. Many practices use local anesthetic, sometimes with sedation; others prefer general anesthesia, particularly for younger children or more extensive surgery. Most patients go home the same day.
Where will the scars be?
In the crease behind the ear, and occasionally within the folds at the front, so they are well hidden. They fade over time.
How long do I wear the bandage?
A padded head bandage is usually worn for the first several days, often until a check between day five and day ten. A soft headband is then worn, mainly at night, for a few weeks.
Are the results permanent?
Usually, yes. Once healed, the cartilage generally keeps its new shape. Occasionally an ear begins to protrude again and needs a further procedure.
Is there a non-surgical option?
For newborns, ear splints can reshape the soft cartilage if started within the first months. Some surgeons also offer stitch-based techniques with no skin incision. For older children and adults, surgery is the established option.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Otoplasty is sometimes combined with nose reshaping, and earlobe repair can be done at the same time. Discuss how combining affects anesthesia and recovery at consultation.
