Cosmetic surgery ear otoplasty is a procedure designed to set prominent ears closer to the head, and is a popular procedure, as large prominent ears are very obvious and cause embarrassment. Anyone can have this procedure once ear growth is complete, from 4 years old onwards.

The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthetic, and generally requires one night in hospital. A headband is worn at night for several weeks.

It is often performed with any other facial procedures to give a more balanced look, depending on the patients facial structure and their goals.

Other Ear Surgeries:

Besides protruding ears, there are a variety of other ear problems that can be helped with surgery. These include: “lop ear,” when the tip seems to fold down and forward; “cupped ear,” which is usually a very small ear; and “shell ear,” when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing.  Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles. Surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who lost them through injury.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Cosmetic surgery ear otoplasty can make an enormous difference to the look of a face, and therefore most patients are extremely happy with their new look.

Preparation for Otoplasty

Before you undergo facial implant surgery, it is important for you to discuss any medical conditions that you have and to tell your surgeon about any medications that you are taking including any herbal or other non-prescription ones. If your surgeon decides that you can have facial implant surgery, discuss the procedure thoroughly with him or her before deciding if you want to go through with the procedure. Even though your surgeon says that you may does not mean that you must decide to have facial implant surgery. You may still change your mind even after discussing the procedure with your surgeon.

The surgeon will consult with you either by email or on the phone prior to your departure to understand your requests fully, and will also detail the procedure, benefits and risks and answer any questions you have. He may require additional information from you before booking the procedure – including a photo, and a doctor’s medical report. The assessment with the surgeon will give you a detailed understanding of the treatment – the extent of surgery, your health evaluation, your expectations and exactly where the areas of the face will be treated. When you are happy with what has been discussed, and have signed a booking form for the operation, the surgery will be booked at a date agreed.

Your surgeon should be able to answer any questions that you have about facial implant surgeries including questions about what to expect during and after facial implant surgery and the complications or problems that sometimes occur with facial implant surgeries. You may also take information from this website to your appointment to discuss with him.

You will then have another consultation with the surgeon when you arrive at your destination, where he will have a physical evaluation of the areas to be treated. At this appointment you and your surgeon will discuss your goals, and last queries you have and finalize the plan for surgery. From this examination, he can determine the best procedure to use, and then explain it to you in detail, including the benefits and limitations. The surgeon may also recommend a combination of the upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty or submental liposuction, for a better facial profile.

It is important to stress the importance of not smoking before facial implant surgery procedure. Smoking can cause problems with circulation and make complications more likely, including post-operative chest procedures.

Click here for your information sheet on preparation steps. We also advise you to read our pre-otoplasty surgery preparation for maximum results.

Surgical Procedure

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem.

With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage, after which the cartilage will be sculpted and bent it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage.

In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

Your New Look

Most patients, young and old alike, are thrilled with the results of ear surgery, especially when the goal is improvement, not perfection. Perfectly symmetrical ears is both unlikely and unnatural. If you’ve discussed the procedure and your expectations with the surgeon, chances are, you’ll be quite pleased with the result.

Preconditions and Risks

A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle.

Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

We minimize risks and complications by selecting patients carefully and always having the most skilled surgeons, physicians and nurses carry out procedures. However, despite the highest standards, complications can occur. They are rare, and most patients will not have complications, but if you have concerns about possible complications, please discuss these with your doctor.

Please read the preconditions and risks page before embarking on any surgery.

Common Q & As

If you have questions other than those listed here, please view our complete page for Q & A.

Ear Surgery and Holiday Packages

GORGEOUS GETAWAYS offers Otoplasty (Ear Surgery) included in the individual and couple/family packages. If you want to combine your treatment with another, please read about our package for combined treatments.

Pixie Ear or Lobe Repair

Pixie ear repair, also known as earlobe repair, is a surgical procedure that is used to correct earlobe deformities or injuries. This can include torn earlobes from wearing heavy earrings, stretched earlobes from gauges, or congenital defects. The procedure typically involves removing excess tissue and/or repositioning the earlobe to create a more natural-looking shape. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.