Prominent ear correction to bring the ears closer to the head, from age 6
Ears that protrude more than 25–35 degrees from the head are usually caused by an upper cartilage fold that failed to form or an overly deep ear bowl. Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage through an incision hidden behind the ear, taking about 1–2 hours.
What prominent ears are and how they are corrected
A typical ear sits at an angle of about 20–25 degrees to the side of the head and no more than 2 cm from it. When the angle exceeds 25–35 degrees, the ears look clearly prominent, especially from the front. The main causes are an upper cartilage fold (the antihelical fold) that did not form normally, or a central ear bowl (conchal bowl) that is too deep. The operation places the incision behind the ear in the groove against the head, then creates a new fold with non-absorbable sutures, removes excess cartilage or sutures the bowl closer to the head, depending on where the problem lies. Both ears are usually treated for symmetry.
Who otoplasty suits
Children aged 6 and over
The ear has reached 85–90% of adult size, the cartilage is still soft and easy to shape, and correction can reduce teasing before school. Performed under general anaesthetic at a partner hospital
Teenagers and adults
Can be done under local anaesthetic with sedation at the clinic. The cartilage is firmer, so scoring of the cartilage may also be needed
One-sided or uneven prominence
One or both ears are adjusted for symmetry. The doctor measures and takes comparison photographs before planning
Postpone or avoid if
There is a current outer ear infection, a history of severe keloids on the ear, or the child is not yet able to cooperate with bandage care
Preparing for surgery
- Basic blood tests; children needing general anaesthesia see the anaesthetist according to hospital protocol
- Stop medicines and supplements that increase bleeding for 2 weeks, and no smoking
- Wash your hair thoroughly the night before surgery and remove earrings
- Have a soft headband ready to wear at night once the bandage is removed
Surgery day
Recovery
Possible risks include a haematoma under the skin, which must be drained quickly to prevent cartilage deformity; infection of the cartilage; slight asymmetry; sutures that work loose or protrude so the ear partly returns to its former position, seen in around 5–10% of cases and sometimes needing additional sutures; and a raised scar behind the ear. Contact the clinic immediately if pain increases on one side after surgery, the ear becomes swollen, tight, red and hot, blood or pus seeps through the bandage or you have a fever.
Related services
Raised scars and keloids
The ear is prone to keloids, so the scar behind the ear needs proper care
Read more →Rhinoplasty
Cartilage left over from otoplasty can be used to support the nasal tip
Read more →Surgical double eyelids
Another facial procedure done under local anaesthetic at the clinic
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can a child have otoplasty?
From age 6, when the ear is almost adult size and the cartilage is still easy to shape. Most importantly, the child should want it and be able to cooperate with bandage care. The doctor talks with both child and parents before scheduling.
Do adults need a general anaesthetic?
Usually not. Local anaesthetic around the ear with sedation is used at the clinic and you go home the same day. Young children do need a general anaesthetic at the partner hospital so that they remain still and comfortable.
Can the ears become prominent again?
The non-absorbable sutures holding the cartilage can loosen in some people, especially after a knock or if the headband is not worn in the early weeks. This occurs in around 5–10% of cases and is mostly corrected with additional sutures under local anaesthetic.
How many days off school or work?
About 5–7 days while the head bandage is on. After that, a headband that looks like sports gear can be worn. Contact sports and swimming must wait 6–8 weeks.
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