Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Otoplasty, surgery to correct prominent ears, is very effective in creating normal proportions of the ears and a sense of balance to the head and face in general.

Protruding or exceptionally large ears can make a person feel insecure or embarrassed about his or her appearance. Protruding ears may also make it difficult to wear hats, caps, helmets and protective headgear in certain occupations. Women may feel self-conscious about wearing their hair behind their ears or in a ponytail or bun, while men may be reluctant to adopt a fashionable short hair cut because their ears are always on display.

Otoplasty is a straightforward surgery performed under 'twilight anesthetic'. An incision is made on the posterior surface of the ear in the crease between the ear and the head (which will be hidden following the surgery), and permanent sutures are placed in the cartilage to produce a natural-appearing fold. The ear cartilage may also be anchored closer to the head with permanent sutures, and in a few patients some cartilage may be removed.

Patients wear a protective head dressing for one week after the surgery, and they must not participate in sports where their ears may be bumped or bruised or pulled for six weeks following otoplasty or ear surgery.

NOTE: In most people, the ear cartilage folds as it develops, and this allows the ear to rest relatively close to the scalp. When this fold does not form (or does not fully form), the ears protrude away from the scalp, creating prominent ears. The condition may affect one or both ears. By age six, the ear has reached approximately 85% of its adult size, and at this age, or after is an appropriate time for otoplasty surgery to correct any abnormalities. (This is also an age at which peer teasing about the size and prominence of a child's ear(s) is likely to begin, which can be a further impetus for having the surgery performed.

It is critical that you are fully informed about the procedure: the information on this website has been written and is regularly updated by Dr Konrat. It was designed to provide as complete an informative experience as possible, but it does not take the place of a personal consultation.

You should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure in detail and help you to understand all the benefits as well as the risks and complications of surgery in general and otoplasty surgery in particular.