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Ear surgery (otoplasty)



Otoplasty (ear surgery) is a cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the ears. Otoplasty does not affect hearing, and provides significant psychological benefits to anyone who is teased about ear size and/or shape, has had a serious ear injury, or simply wants to improve his or her appearance. Otoplasty is most often performed to set unusually protruding ears closer to the head (ear pinning) or to reduce the size of abnormally large ears. 

New ears or parts of ears can be constructed for patients who are missing them from causes that include birth defects, severe injuries and skin cancers.

Close up of a gauged ear with a large wooden plug with a heart on it



Reasons for otoplasty

Ear surgery repairs a wide variety of flaws or deformities in the ears caused by genetics, birth defects or trauma, including:

  • Ears that noticeably protrude from the head
  • Macrotia (overly large ears)
  • Microtia (abnormally small ears)
  • Abnormal constructions (lop ear)
  • Cauliflower ear
  • Large, stretched or torn earlobes
  • Earlobes with large creases and wrinkles
  • Widened piercing holes


Otoplasty can correct the structures of misshapen ears and alter the ears to appear more natural and balanced with the rest of the head and face. Results from ear reshaping surgery generally last a lifetime.



Happy toddler baby boy with ears that stick out

Candidates for ear surgery

People of any age who feel self-conscious about their ears may be good candidates for otoplasty, although it is typically performed on children between 4 and 14 years old. Ears are almost fully developed by the of age 4, so early surgery can help create self-confidence when a child begins going to school. Not everyone is a candidate for otoplasty; a patient must be in good general health and have realistic expectations about what it can do.



Ear surgery procedure details


Ear surgery (otoplasty) FAQ

Where are the incisions placed for otoplasty?

The incisions for ear surgery are usually placed on the back surface of the ear, which makes scarring virtually undetectable. If incisions need to be made on the front of the ear, they will be placed within the folds to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

How long after surgery will the results of otoplasty be visible?

Protruding ears will be immediately improved after surgery, and more extensive corrections will develop as the ears heal over time. Your surgeon can give you more details about your recovery and results based on your individual condition.