Otoplasty, or ear aesthetics, is an essential cosmetic surgery performed by surgeons for protruding or deformed auricles. They specialize in auricles but only operate after their growth has stopped, roughly after the sixth year of life. Otoplasty will help young people better integrate into society, especially. For some, it will solve years of handicaps.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 2-3 hours | 1 day | 1-2 weeks |
Protruding ears are often the cause of many complexes. But the solution is straightforward. Ear aesthetic surgery solves the problem of congenital deviation in the shape of the ear. The procedure can optionally perform by surgeons only under local anesthesia. Therefore, it doesn’t burden the body much as other more difficult operations requiring total anesthesia. The procedure takes no more than one hour, and you will go home the same day.
Changes in the shape and position of the auricles can be acquired and congenital. Acquired deformities and defects occur after an injury or surgery. Congenital earlobes can be affected by inadequate development, manifested by changes in both size and shape. Most often, these are deviations in shape, size, and location of well-developed auricles.
Otoplasty resolves congenital ear shapes, which we call the auricle, or deformities of the auricle itself, either congenitally or after an injury. The auricle consists of cartilage and skin covering that exactly replicates the shape of the auricle cartilage. The cartilage is fixed to the skull at the bottom by fibrous bands and minor muscles. These fibrous attachments determine the distance between the ears to the head.
The operation can also resolve the cartilage’s irregularity, shape, and relief. This operation determines the shape and appearance of the ear and auricle.
These are asymmetry of the ears, weaning, or other unaesthetic deformations. It always depends on the patient’s needs and the doctor’s advice.
Have you yearned for ears that won’t attract unwanted attention all your life? Otoplasty will be an ideal choice for you. You can have the ears of your dreams in less than two hours! This procedure is standard even in children who can avoid unpleasant feelings later in life.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear, then models the cartilage and pulls the ears towards the head. After the sterile covering, the specialist gives the patient a specially adapted headband, which you must wear for 3 weeks continuously, then only at night for a month. The scar is almost invisible as it is behind the ear. Women have a significant advantage because the fault isn’t evident from their long hair.
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery is an aesthetic ear surgery adapted to the earlobes’ unwanted position, size, or shape. We are talking about standing ears in general.
Specialists under local or, optionally, general anesthesia can perform the procedure. It is best for children aged 5 to 10 years. After the process, specialists put on the head an elastic bandage or sleeve that closes the ears. Ear pain and swelling are somewhat joint. You can go to work, exercise, and wash your hair 2 weeks after the surgery.
The earlobes are very complex organs in terms of shape and structure. They are just as crucial to the overall expression of the face as the eyes, nose, or mouth. Their bodies are variable, but we can trace stable structures in all humans. In otoplasty, experts try to model these structures in the most natural ways possible. Doctors will also adjust the ear’s height, width, and inclination. Often you are dealing with deviations from the normal position of the earlobes. Shape deviations or deformations may occur both congenitally and after accidents or surgery.
Ear planting and possible modeling specialists do most often in children aged 5 to 10 years. Ears in 4-year-olds are already fully developed. We recommend that you do the surgery at an early age. In this way, children mainly get rid of other children’s teasing. But of course, you can do the operation in adulthood. Nerve endings in the auricle constantly develop, which explains worse pain tolerance in adulthood.
The disproportionate size of the earlobe, as a whole or in individual parts (for example, a significantly large earlobe), a stretched auricle, or an auricle with significant folds and wrinkles can also treat surgically. Doctors may also create new auricles in people who don’t have a congenital auricle or have lost their ears due to injury.
In these cases, surgeons use either the person’s cartilage (for example, rib cartilage) or artificial, specially shaped-implants. Earlobe replacement is a very complex operation performed in stages. As with other surgeries, permanent scars remain after otoplasty. However, your surgeon will try to hide them as much as possible.
Who Should Have Otoplasty Procedure?
As we mentioned above, everyone can benefit from this procedure. Experts from the sixth year of life recommend the first operation. In pediatric patients, it is performed under general anesthesia so that everything is calmer for both sides.
Protruding ears are one of the most common cosmetic defects. This is due to defective bending of part of the acetabulum cartilage. At this time, they flatten the relief of the acetabulum. The angle at the posterior part of the acetabulum increases to 150 degrees or more.
There may be a more severe problem that can cause various psychological disorders, especially for children who recklessly mock by the environment. Children often become aware of their deviations after joining the school collectively. Therefore, you should try to solve this problem before entering first grade. An individual approach to the patient requires the optimal timing of the operation.
We also recommend this procedure for people who are often bothered by the appearance of their ears or have functional problems with their ears, such as difficulty in hearing due to misshapen ear canals.
Otoplasty typically performs in children at least five years old because their ears are almost fully grown at this age. However, adults can also have ear aesthetics if they want to improve the appearance of their ears. Check out the ideal candidates for otoplasty in general:
- Children at least five years old whose ears are almost entirely developed.
- Adults who are uncomfortable with the appearance of their ears or have functional problems with their ears.
- Healthy individuals without any medical conditions that impair healing or increase the risk of complications.
- People who have realistic expectations and understand the limitations of the procedure.
It is essential to consult a plastic surgeon to determine if otoplasty is the right choice for you or your child. Surgeons will evaluate your medical history and discuss your goals and expectations. So the specialists will also do a physical exam to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
What are the Risks of the Otoplasty Process?
As with every procedure, there will be risks in cosmetic ear surgery. Take a look at the risks of the otoplasty process in general:
- Children tolerate the pain in the area where surgeons operate much better. Therefore, surgery prefers in childhood. In adulthood, the nerves to the ear are better supplied. So the pain may be a little more. After taking painkillers, the pain subsides.
- Bleeding complications in modeling surgery are slightly higher than in-ear droop reduction surgery and are more common in reoperations.
- Post-operative infection is less common than other operations. It mainly localizes around the suture; if the condition is present in the cartilage, the surgeon treats it with a general antibiotic.
- More severe complications include the death of the skin over the cartilage (more common in smokers who experience narrowing of their blood vessels). Operators encounter hypertrophic (increased tissue) or colloid scars behind the ear. This complication manifests itself with bullous formations behind the ear.
- There is a risk of scarring at the incision site, which may be more noticeable in people with dark skin tones.
- There may be a risk of nerve damage, which can cause numbness or itch in the ears.
- There may be asymmetry or irregularity in the shape or position of the ears.
- Problems such as allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting associated with anesthesia may also occur.
It is essential to discuss the potential risks and complications of otoplasty with the surgeon before the procedure. The surgeon will be able to explain the risks and help you make an informed decision about whether the process is proper for you.
What Will You Encounter During an Otoplasty Consultation?
If you are considering cosmetic ear surgery, it is always necessary to undergo an initial, non-binding consultation with a plastic surgeon, who will evaluate whether the procedure is suitable for you and explain the method of anesthesia before the procedure. The specialist also informs you about the risks associated with the operation.
During the consultation, you will have room for all your questions, especially about the course of the surgery, your expectations, and concerns about the results of otoplasty.
Specialists will provide instructions on preparing for surgery when you make your appointment, including information about eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or not taking certain medications. It is necessary to follow all these tips to help the procedure proceed smoothly and heal smoothly after otoplasty.
Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor questions about your expectations and results. Most surgeons recommend noting how children feel about the handicap of misplaced earlobes. Don’t insist on the surgery until your children want the change themselves. Children aware of their disabilities often collaborate better and are satisfied with the result.
How Should You Prepare for Otoplasty Procedure?
Your preparation for the otoplasty procedure directly affects the result of the design. First, your surgeon will order some tests during this process. If the method performs under general anesthesia or analgosedation, the doctor will examine you before surgery for anesthesia.
Being on an empty stomach during the operation performed under local anesthesia isn’t necessary. On the contrary, we recommend eating and drinking light before the procedure. It is inappropriate to drink alcoholic beverages, coffee, and strong black tea before the procedure. It would be best to stop smoking at least 3-4 weeks before the procedure.
Don’t use any medication containing acetylsalicylic acid 1-2 weeks before surgery. For long-term use of drugs that affect blood coagulation, consult with the operator about the discontinuation of the drug. You should also not suffer a viral or other illness before the procedure. Remember that surgery is only suitable for healthy patients.
How is Otoplasty Procedure Performed?
You will operate under general anesthesia and must have a medical condition approved by an internist or pediatrician as part of a comprehensive pre-operative examination. The surgeon should know the available health status of you and your family. The specialist takes photos of your front, side, and back before the operation. The specialist will measure the angle between the crown of your head and the back of your auricle. The physiological value of this angle is 20-45 degrees, while a smaller hook requires for women. Check out the general otoplasty procedure steps:
- Ear parameters
Simply put, the size of the auricle is proportional to the length of the nose (about 6-6,5 cm). The upper edge of the auricle is at the level of the nose root, and the lower pole is at the base of the nose. There are marked gender differences in the shape and size of the earlobes. For example, women have a much more open shell-shaped ear. This causes the ear to be smaller.
In males, the ear is flatter and, therefore, more comprehensive. We can also see differences in the shape of the lobes. Experts assume that the axis of the ear (from its highest point to the earlobe) has a slope like the ridge of the nose. But verticalization of this axis is expected in the population. The width of the auricle should not exceed half the length of the ear. Surgeons use ear index = 100 x width/height to evaluate ear parameters.
- Anesthesia
Depending on the patient’s and the doctor’s preference, either general anesthesia (especially in young children) or the most commonly used local anesthesia will be applied. For general anesthesia, it is necessary not to eat, drink or smoke approximately 6 hours before the operation. In this case, the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight.
In most cases, cosmetic ear surgery performs under local anesthesia, which numbs the auricle and its immediate surroundings. You will be conscious during the surgery, but you will not feel pain. Experts use this method more often with older children or adults.
- Process
A typical process takes about 1-1.5 hours on average. However, more complex procedures (for example, treatment of deformities) can take significantly longer. In the most common procedure performed by surgeons, namely narrowing the earlobes, surgeons make the incision through the fold behind the earlobe. The resulting scar is inconspicuous, and the specialist will hide it from the standard view.
The surgeon first removes excess skin from the area behind the ear. Then the specialist prepares and loosens the auricle cartilage. The surgeon marks the excess skin according to the skin fold by tightening the pin. The surgeon can also perform cartilage modeling if the incorrect position of the auricle is also associated with shape deviations of the auricle relief.
- Incision techniques
Cartilage incision technique: The skin incision is practically the same as with all otoplasty. Before surgery, the surgeon removes the excess skin to mark. But the next step is different. The surgeon cuts some of the cartilage behind the ear. The skin in the anterior region isn’t disturbed at all. The goal is to make the cuts in the cartilage as straight as possible. While sewing, the specialist can still shape the ear slightly. The direction of stitches helps lengthen or shorten the ear.
Cartilage-sparing technique: An incision to the cartilage isn’t necessary or is only superficial. Cartilage grinding experts use it to soften the cartilage structure, which is much softer. Then the specialist shapes the cartilage with stitches. It uses expert stitching in three places. A stitch secures the ear in the upper third. Next, experts use 3 U-shaped stitches in the middle of the ear and one in the lower third. This should form a natural fold (anti-helix) of delicate cartilage.
There are also alternatives to the auricle cavity of the skin incisions made by the surgeon, not in the auricle but on the auricle and then parallel to the sides. Specialists create a skin cover in which a part of the skin is resected at the end of the operation when necessary. One of the advantages of this approach is the possibility of removing the skin only after the cartilage has been replaced. Another is that the surgeon can better view the operating field. Finally, the specialist ends the procedure by suturing the incisions.
What to Consider After the Otoplasty Procedure?
If the specialists perform the surgery only under local anesthesia, you can go home immediately after the procedure. However, if the specialists are going to do the surgery under general anesthesia, you usually need to stay in the hospital until the next day after the surgery. Check out the consider after the otoplasty procedure:
- Immediately after the operation, you should wrap your head with an elastic bandage and cotton lining. Sometimes you can also use unique adjustable sleeves.
- In the first days after the operation (especially in adults), the ears can be very painful, and you can relieve this pain with the medicines the doctor will give you. Swelling of the ears is also joint. The node also occurs unilaterally. It should gradually adapt and disappear within 2 weeks.
- After a few days, you can replace the bandage with a softer application similar to a headband or the elastic sleeve mentioned earlier. Follow your surgeon’s advice about wearing these dressings, especially at night. Sleeping on your back for the first week after surgery is better.
- If your surgeon used non-absorbable sutures, they would be removed again, usually 10 to 15 days later.
- After removing the bandage, you should avoid activities that can bend the ear. Most adults can return to work about a week after surgery. The same applies to children’s return to school.
- If you are planning to go to the hairdresser, it is better to do this before the procedure or up to 2 weeks after the wounds have healed because the chemical products you will use in the coloring and perming processes may impair your healing.
- You will also probably have to go without washing your hair for 2 weeks or have it cleaned at the clinic during dressing. You must not remove and wet the sauce, which could lead to infection.
What is the Recovery Process After Otoplasty?
The procedure generally performs on an outpatient basis, and recovery is relatively quick. Check out the recovery process after otoplasty:
- The ears should remain covered with a bandage for about 2-4 days.
- You will feel a slight pain in your ears immediately after the surgery. You can relieve this pain with available analgesics. Sometimes minor bruises may appear at the procedure site.
- 2 to 4 weeks after the operation, you should wear a bandage or hair band while doing sports 24 hours a day, for a total of 6 weeks, to avoid disturbing the position of the auricle. During this period, your ears are sensitive to touch. While your wound is healing, your surgical site may be slightly swollen.
- We recommend a prone position when sleeping, especially from the first days to weeks.
- You can see the final shape of your ears only after 2-3 months after the general swelling has subsided. The wound usually heals very well, disappears over time, and becomes almost unrecognizable. It is virtually invisible, thanks to its position behind the earlobe.
- Allow yourself a few days, ideally a week after surgery, to recover peacefully at home. In particular, you should exempt children from physical exercise for a week or two.
- It is essential that the dressing doesn’t get wet. That’s why you should pay close attention to your dressing area. You should also wait about 2 weeks to wash your hair. For the next 4 weeks, you need to take some care while washing your hair.
- Remove earrings for one month after surgery. If you wear glasses, we recommend replacing them with contact lenses. The rings pressure the ear cartilage and can worsen or impair the healing process.
How Long After Otoplasty Will You See the Final Result?
The final results of otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery are usually visible a few weeks after the procedure. However, it may take several months for the ears to heal fully and the swelling to subside completely. The shape and appearance of the ears may continue to change slightly during this time.
After the procedure, the surgeon will apply a bandage or dressing to protect the incision site and reduce swelling. The application typically removes within a few days, and the incision covers with a protective dressing or tape.
The surgeon will give specific instructions on caring for the incision site and reducing swelling after the procedure. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Most people can return to their normal activities a few days after otoplasty. However, avoiding strenuous activities and contact sports for at least a few weeks is vital to allow the ears to heal properly. It is also essential to remember that the final results of otoplasty may not be immediately apparent. It may take several months for the swelling to go down completely and for the ears to take their final shape.
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
Otoplasty cost can vary depending on several factors, including the procedure’s extent, the clinic’s location, and the surgeon’s experience. On average, the cost of otoplasty in the United States ranges from $3736 to $8750. However, the price may be higher or lower depending on the specifics of the process and the individual’s needs. It is imperative to remember that otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure not typically covered by insurance. Therefore, discussing the cost and financing options that may be available with the surgeon is essential.
It’s also worth noting that the price of otoplasty may include additional fees for pre-and post-operative care, such as lab tests, medications, and follow-up visits. It is essential to discuss all potential costs with the surgeon before proceeding with the procedure.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Otoplasty Procedure Performed?
Typically, the cost of otoplasty is lower in countries where the cost of living is lower, and the wages of medical professionals are lower. It is essential to remember that otoplasty cost is not the only factor when choosing a surgical site. It is also necessary to consider the surgeon’s qualifications and experience, the facilities’ quality, and the process’s overall safety.
It’s always a good idea to research and compare otoplasty costs at different locations and carefully consider the surgeon’s credentials and experience before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to discuss fees and financing options with the surgeon before proceeding with the procedure. Here are the costs of otoplasty by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $3736 to $8750 |
| Brazil | $3000 to $6250 |
| China | $4800 to $8500 |
| Japan | $4660 to $7550 |
| South Korea | $4000 to $7150 |
| India | $3200 to $5100 |
| Argentina | $2950 to $6100 |
| Mexico | $2300 to $3400 |
| Germany | $3600 to $7250 |
| Turkey | $950 to $3850 |
| Colombia | $2500 to $5000 |
| Italy | $3400 to $6800 |
| France | $3500 to $7100 |
| Spain | $3500 to $7500 |
| Taiwan | $4000 to $6500 |
| Venezuela | $1100 to $4000 |
| United Kingdom | $3800 to $8200 |
| Netherlands | $3250 to $7200 |
| Egypt | $2600 to $7100 |
| Peru | $1750 to $6000 |
| AVERAGE COST | $950 to $8750 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
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