Otoplasty
Otoplasty refers to a surgical procedure that changes the size or shape of your ear. Surgeons use it to treat ear injuries or reshape ears that are too small, too large or misshapen. Otoplasty offers a permanent solution that can change the appearance of your ears and boost your self-confidence.
Otoplasty is surgery to correct structural ear abnormalities. This reshaping surgery aims to give your ear a more natural appearance. It may improve self-confidence in many cases. But it doesn’t change or improve your hearing.
You might need otoplasty if you have an ear injury. Ear trauma can happen because of things like car accidents, dog bites or sports-related injuries.
You may choose otoplasty if you want to change the size or shape of your ears. The procedure can also bring protruding ears (ears that stick out) closer to the sides of your head.
Surgeons do most otoplasty procedures on children over the age of 4. But some adults choose it, as well. For instance, a professional boxer might need otoplasty to repair cauliflower ear.
There are different types of otoplasty, depending on your specific goals. Three of the most common are:
- Ear augmentation. It treats small ears (microtia) or ears that haven’t fully developed. It typically uses tissue grafting to increase the outer portion of your ear.
- Ear pinning. If your ears stick out more than you want them to, this procedure can bring them in closer to the sides of your head.
- Ear reduction. During this procedure, a surgeon removes tissue to make large ears (macrotia) smaller.
Before otoplasty surgery, your healthcare provider will give you a detailed list of pre-operative instructions. These can vary from person to person. But in general, you may need to:
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
- Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce your risk of bleeding.
- Avoid smoking.
An anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Surgeons usually do otoplasty under general anesthesia (where you’re completely asleep) or local anesthesia with sedation (where you’re sleepy but can still respond to questions).
The specific surgical steps vary depending on what type of otoplasty you’re having. General steps include:
- Making an incision, or cut (usually on the back of your ear or in the folds of your ear).
- Adding or removing tissue from your ear.
- Reshaping your ear.
- Closing the incision with stitches.
Otoplasty surgery takes between one and three hours, depending on your specific situation. It’s usually an outpatient procedure. That means you’ll be able to go home the same day.
After otoplasty, your surgeon will place a dressing over your ears. You’ll need to keep the dressing clean and dry. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to care for your dressing.
While you’re recovering:
- Avoid touching your ears.
- Choose clothes that you don’t have to pull over your head (like button-up shirts).
- Sleep on your back and avoid putting pressure on your ears.
Otoplasty offers notable benefits, including:
- Changed appearance.
- Increased self-confidence.
- Permanent results.
Complications are rare, but they may happen. Risks include:
- Auricular hematoma (bleeding around your ear cartilage).
- Asymmetrical results.
- Infected ear cartilage (perichondritis).
- Numbness (usually temporary)
- Scarring.
Otoplasty recovery can take up to eight weeks. But you’ll probably notice visual improvements in two to three weeks. Keep in mind that healing times vary for everyone.
Your surgeon will want to make sure your ears are healing well. They’ll likely schedule your first follow-up about one week after your otoplasty surgery. At this point, they’ll remove your dressing (bandages).
You’ll probably need to see your surgeon for one to two more follow-ups over the next few weeks to ensure your recovery is on track.
Most people need to recover at home for about a week. Once children return to school, they’ll still need to reduce physical activity, like recess, sports or gym class.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Following otoplasty, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
- A fever.
- An injury close to your surgical site.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Swelling.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/ear-surgery). Accessed 3/10/2025.
- Benedict M. Minimally Invasive Otoplasty (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36576989/). Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2023 May-Jun;25(3):264-266. Accessed 3/10/2025.
- Kennedy KL, Hohman MH, Katrib Z. Otoplasty (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30855904/). 2025 Feb 3. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Accessed 3/10/2025.
- Vella JB. Pediatric Otoplasty and Auricular Molding (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37981420/). Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2024 Feb;32(1):95-103. Accessed 3/10/2025.
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