Ear aesthetics, or ear surgery for men, is an operation that surgeons perform for protruding or deformed auricles. This defect can be unilateral or combined with different shapes and sizes of the auricles. An experienced surgeon can help you correct the disproportionate size of the earlobe, individual parts, and lobes with significant folds, wrinkles, or stretched lobes. Doctors can also model new missing earlobes due to congenital disabilities or injuries.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 2-3 hours | 1 day | 1-2 weeks |
We sometimes refer to the ear surgery procedure for men as cosmetic ear surgery. Surgeons operate on the visible part of the outer ear called the tube. The aerial angle is made up of folds of cartilage covered with skin. It begins to develop before birth and continues to grow in the years after you are born. If your ear angles aren’t creating correctly, you may decide to have ear surgery to correct the size, position, or shape of your ears. There are several different types of ear surgery that surgeons will recommend:
- Ear augmentation: Some people may have small ears or ears that are not fully developed. In these cases, you may need otoplasty to increase the size of your outer ear.
- Ear fixation: This otoplasty involves moving the ears closer to the head. It does in people whose ears protrude prominently on the side of the head.
- Ear reduction: Macrotia is when the ears are more significant than average. People with macrotia may opt for otoplasty to make their ears smaller.
For children and adults, protruding or deformed ears tend to be a psychological burden, a source of teasing, and even bullying at school. This is a problem that usually doesn’t correct itself from birth. For this reason, specialists usually perform ear surgery for men during childhood. However, many adults also seek plastic surgeons to remove the burden of prominent ears through otoplasty.
Ear surgery for men mainly corrects deviations in the auricle’s position, shape, relief, and size, both congenital and acquired, for example, as a result of an accident. If the indication is genetic, we recommend ear surgery at preschool or early school age, ideally between the ages of 5 and 10. This way, especially children can avoid adverse reactions from those around them. It is interesting to note that boys are much more aware of the aesthetic imperfections of the ears, as girls’ ears often hid by long hair. Adults can have surgery for the same reasons, either congenital or acquired (deformity or unaesthetic position of the ears).
The basis for successful surgery is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor will assess the situation and discuss the desire and motivation for surgery with the patient or family. This is especially important for children. If the child is aware of the disability and wants to improve, they usually cooperate better.
Patients receive instructions from the surgeons to start the operation. Depending on the type of anesthesia they have chosen, the surgeons will inform them about the progress, possible risks, and preparation for the process. Specialists can perform ear aesthetics both under general anesthesia and under local anesthesia. In the most common ear surgery to correct the protruding auricle, specialists make the incision behind the ear. This way, the future scar is discreetly hidden. Doctors loosen the skin from the cartilage, grind or partially cut the cartilage behind the ear and remove excess skin. This procedure usually takes one hour.
If the surgeons performed the surgery under general anesthesia, the patient stays in the hospital until the next day; otherwise, the patient leaves for home care on the day of the procedure. There may be mild swelling, especially in adults, who can relieve the pain they feel for the first 3-4 days after the procedure with standard analgesics. Children do not experience pain due to the excellent elasticity of the cartilage. After the operation, the patient should wear it continuously for at least one month, then at night for another month.
What is Ear Surgery for Men?
When we talk about ear aesthetics or ear surgery for men, we need to define it as a procedure that involves reshaping the size of the ears. Surgeons correct the shape of the ears if they are too large, as in the well-known protruding ears. Ear deformities can indeed be congenital. We, therefore, find two options. But much more need to treat as soon as possible. We should also mention that this type of surgery usually has a great outcome. Still, specialists who will examine your situation in depth and in a more personalized way should appreciate it.
The auricle comprises cartilage and skin covering that almost mimics the shape of the auricle cartilage. In the lower part, the cartilage is anchored to the skull by fibrous bands and small muscles, which specialists say use to provide the movement of the auricle but are gradually losing this function. These ligamentous muscle attachments also determine the angle of position of the auricle about the skull. If the auricle is in good shape, it is sufficient to cut these attachments during the operation and bring the auricle closer to the head. Sometimes, however, surgeons need to adjust the fulcrum relief, which is often not deep enough, and the shape of the fulcrum can even be cone-shaped.
The lower age limit for ear aesthetics for boys is around five years old, and for children, we recommend it before they start school. The condyle cartilage is relatively soft and flexible in children. Therefore, it is easier to shape the cartilage, and healing occurs without noticeable pain. In adulthood, it is usually necessary to fix the cartilage more firmly, and due to a large number of nerve endings, the surgeons’ fixation of the cartilage and the pressure on the auricle in the bandage should perceive as more painful, and the pain should be alleviated with analgesics, especially in the first days. Apart from this, only the general health condition determines the upper age limit for aesthetic ear surgery. Until the patient reaches the age of 18, otoplasty can only perform with the consent of the minor patient’s parent or legal representative.
Patients should not take medications that affect blood clotting or bleeding 3 weeks before the procedure. In most cases, specialists perform the function only under local anesthesia. In rare cases, when they perform the process under general anesthesia or analgosedation, it is necessary not to eat, drink or smoke from midnight the night before the operation. The operation requires good public body health. Surgeons will postpone the procedure in case of inflammatory skin disease, acne, eczema, skin fungus, or poor general health.
One surgery method for protruding ears is for surgeons to cut away some of the skin behind the ear and smooth the cartilage where it naturally bends. The most crucial stage of the surgery is to get the cartilage of the auricle into the correct shape and sufficiently tightened. After the specialists close the skin incision behind the auricle, they place sutures, which they can sometimes remove externally to emphasize the shape of the auricle they have modeled.
Who Should Have Ear Surgery for Men?
In general, those with protruding ears are ideal candidates for ear surgery for men. Protruding ears are one of the most common cosmetic defects. The imperfect bending of part of the acetabulum cartilage causes this problem. In the process, specialists flatten the relief of the acetabulum, and the angle at the back of the acetabulum increases to 150 degrees or more.
It can be a more severe problem that can cause various psychological disorders, especially for children recklessly teased by the environment. Children often become aware of their deviations after joining the school collectively. An individual approach to the patient is necessary for the optimal timing of the operation.
We can say that the ears grow almost entirely by the age of 4 years. Therefore, it may be an excellent time to determine the minimum age. The fact is that the most recommended time by experts is between 4 and 15 years of age. The case for starting at such an early age is due to the problems that can arise for minors. We aren’t talking about physical or problems with the surgery, but mental issues. Because often need surgery because they tease by their peers, which causes their self-esteem to plummet and their behavior to change completely. As for adults, it is worth noting that there is no specific age. Experts will simply modify the technique from the one they use with children.
One of the most important benefits of this procedure is that it completely changes your character, making you feel more confident and motivated. Similarly, the embarrassment you felt before will also disappear, often of significant psychological benefit to you.
You can tolerate the post-operative period very quickly. Usually, they will apply a bandage until the specialists take your stitches out and then apply some kind of rubber or elastic overnight. So everything stays in place. We will never tire of repeating that it is a very reliable solution as well as an effective one.
What are the Risks of the Ear Surgery for Men’s Process?
Experts generally recognize ear surgery for men as a safe and effective procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and possible complications that you should consider before surgery. Take a look at some of the potential risks of ear surgery for men:
- Infection: As with any surgery, the incision site has a disease risk. This risk can be minimized by following proper aftercare instructions.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding after ear surgery for men is normal, but in rare cases, excessive bleeding can occur. If excessive bleeding occurs, surgeons may need additional surgery to fix the problem.
- Scarring: This problem may occur at the incision site after ear surgery. In most cases, the scarring is minimal and fades over time, but it can be more noticeable in rare cases.
- Sensory changes: Sensory changes such as numbness or tingling around the ear may occur after ear surgery. These changes are usually temporary but can be permanent in rare cases.
- Unsatisfactory results: In some cases, the results of ear surgery may not meet the patient’s expectations. Having realistic expectations and discussing the desired outcome with the surgeon before surgery is essential.
- Anesthesia risks: There are risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, respiratory complications, and cardiovascular problems.
- Hematoma: A hematoma accumulates blood under the skin and can occur after ear surgery. If a hematoma occurs, it may need to drain to prevent complications.
- Poor wound healing: In rare cases, the incision site may not heal properly, leading to delayed healing, scarring, and other complications.
- Asymmetry: While ear surgery aims to create symmetry, the results may be asymmetrical in some cases. This may be due to differences in the healing process or other factors.
- Allergic reactions: Patients may be allergic to the materials used in the surgery, such as surgical glue or sutures.
It is essential to discuss the possible risks and complications with your surgeon before undergoing ear surgery for men. By carefully considering the risks and benefits of the procedure, you can make an informed decision about whether ear surgery is right for you.
What to Expect During an Ear Surgery Consultation for Men?
During an ear surgery consultation for men, you should discuss your goals and expectations regarding the procedure with a plastic surgeon. The talk lets the surgeon evaluate your ears and determine the best approach to achieve your desired results. Check out some of the things you may encounter during an ear surgery consultation for men:
- Medical history: Surgeons will likely ask questions about your medical history, including previous surgeries, medical conditions, or medications you are taking.
- Physical examination: Surgeons will examine your ears to assess their size, shape, symmetry, and placement. This will help you determine the best approach to achieve your desired results.
- Discussion of goals: You will discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure with the surgeons. This includes what you hope to achieve from the surgery and what changes you would like to see in the appearance of your ears.
- Explanation of the procedure: The surgeons will explain the details of the process, including the type of anesthesia they will use, the incision technique, and the recovery time they expect.
- Risks and complications: The doctors will discuss the risks and possible complications associated with ear surgery, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and sensory changes.
- Before and after photos: Doctors show before and after pictures of other patients who have had ear surgery to give you an idea of what to expect from the procedure.
- Cost and financing: Surgeons will discuss the cost of the procedure, including anesthesia, facility use, and the surgeon’s fees. They may also discuss financing options like payment plans or medical financing programs.
Ear surgery for men consultation lets you discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations with qualified plastic surgeons. Surgeons will help you determine if ear surgery is right for you and help you develop a treatment plan to achieve the desired results.
How Should You Prepare for Ear Surgery for Men?
The prerequisite for ear surgery for men is excellent and stable general health. No acute inflammatory or viral disease should occur at least one month before the surgery. In addition, there should be no acute or inflammatory disease or skin disease 3 weeks before the aesthetic ear surgery. It would be best to stop taking medications that increase bleeding (Acylpyrin, Anopyrin, or other medications containing acetylsalicylic acid) 2-3 weeks before the procedure.
Pregnancy should be ruled out in women, possibly due to the surgical burden. There is no need to stop stable contraception. If specialists will perform ear surgery under local anesthesia, there is no need for a pre-operative examination in children and healthy young patients under 35 years of age. If they decide to perform the procedure under anesthesia, a pre-operative exam, blood and urine laboratory tests, and ECG is required.
You will usually meet the surgeon operating on you before the operation. There will also be medical staff from the anesthesia department. Among other things, they will learn about your general health state. You or your relatives must tell the doctors about any other health problems.
The surgeons will inform you about the risks and possible complications associated with the operation. As with any surgical procedure, there is a potential risk of blood loss (hematoma), infection, and scarring. The facial nerve (nervus facialis) is located in the inner ear wall and may be damaged or temporarily weakened due to the procedure. Dizziness may occur after ear surgery due to the proximity of the balance organ. Hearing loss or tinnitus may become more pronounced. In some ear surgeries, taste disturbances a few weeks after surgery are not uncommon and, in a few cases, may be long-lasting or permanent.
Specialists make the surgical incision, usually behind the ear. As a rule, healing is uneventful and with a barely visible scar. Sometimes, you will need to shave the hair around the ear.
Wash your hair the night before the procedure. Don’t wear make-up or jewelry. Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. You can brush your teeth, but you should not swallow water. If this is a day surgery procedure, ensure someone can drive you home afterward.
How is Ear Surgery for Men Performed?
It would be best always to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for ear surgery for men. Your plastic surgeon will assess the ears’ shape, size, and position. They may also measure or paint them. Your plastic surgeon will also want to hear your expectations about the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear or need more information. We also recommend asking questions about your surgeon’s qualifications and years of experience. In general, follow the steps of ear surgery for men:
- Anesthesia
This operation is usually an outpatient procedure. It can take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the details and complexity of the process. Adults may receive local sedative anesthesia during the course. In some cases, general anesthesia may require. For young children, specialists usually recommend general anesthesia.
- Process
The specific surgical technique the surgeon will prefer depends on the type of procedure you have. Specialists make an incision behind the ear or inside the ear fold. If necessary, specialists remove cartilage or skin, fold it, and shape it with permanent holes.
- Final
Finally, the doctor closes the incisions with stitches. After the procedure, the specialist will place the bandage over your ears. Make sure to keep your ears clean and dry. Also, avoid touching or scratching the ears during the healing phase. Choose a sleeping position that will not damage your ears. Wear clothes you don’t need to pull over your head, such as button-down shirts. In some cases, you will also need to remove the needle. Your doctor will inform you if this is necessary.
What to Consider After Ear Surgery for Men?
If you pay attention to some things after this procedure, you will recover faster, and the chances of success will increase. Take a look at what to consider after ear surgery for men in general:
- Be careful with exercise and heavy lifting: After you discharge from the hospital, you can do what you usually do. However, you should avoid heavy lifting and intense training such as running, aerobics, or tennis for the first week.
- Be careful when showering and washing your hair: No water should enter the ear until the first post-operative check-up. Hair washing can be complicated, but you can usually do it using a hand shower and ear protection. If there are stitches in the skin behind the ear, ensure this area is also dry. Ask the doctor or nurse what applies to you before your discharge. Avoid going in the pool until the doctor has removed the wires behind the ear and the gauze in the ear canal.
- Removing the bandage: Specialists put an ointment gauze in the ear canal, which reduces your hearing in the first period after surgery. Specialists usually remove the external application within the first few days. If any gauze falls out of your ear, don’t try to replace it with new gauze. It is better to put a clean cotton swab in the ear and contact the doctor or hospital. Don’t remove the bandage yourself, and don’t use cotton swabs in the ear canal.
- Medication: Take only medicines containing acetylsalicylic acid or anti-inflammatory arthritis medicines as agreed with your surgeon.
- Various activities: You can fly about one month after the operation. You can often swim again for 1-2 months after ear surgery. If your job isn’t physically demanding or poses another risk related to the procedure, you can resume work 3-4 days after the procedure. Agree with your ear surgeon when you can continue to work if it involves much heavy lifting.
What is the Recovery Process After Ear Surgery for Men?
After ear surgery for men, you should go for a check-up the next day. The next check-up will usually be 10 days later when the doctor removes the entire head bandage. After that, we recommend that you shower and wash your hair every day and protect your hair with a headband for the next 10 days at night, especially when you are out in cold weather. Take a look at the recovery process after ear surgery for men in general:
- You should avoid exposing your ears to direct sunlight for at least one month and intense sunlight for 2-3 months after the operation. After the specialists remove the bandages (i.e., 10-12 days after surgery), you can return to everyday life and do sports after 3-4 weeks.
- There may be a temporary decrease in the sensitivity of some of the auricle skin. It gradually improves within 4-10 weeks, rarely later. Experts base these data on the usual course after surgery; recovery is individual and depends on the healing abilities of each individual’s organism. Therefore, following instructions for healing tissues and scars is essential. Positive outcomes and mutual satisfaction with plastic ear surgery are common interests of the patient and the surgeon, and therefore mutual trust and cooperation are a prerequisite.
- After discharge from the hospital, you can resume your normal activities. However, for the first time, you should not lift heavy weights or do intense exercises such as jogging, aerobics, or tennis. Avoid bending over. If you need to turn down, bend your knees.
- Don’t wash your hair with shampoo until one week after the operation. You can wash your hair after one week. However, don’t let water get into your ear. To prevent this, you can put a little Vaseline on a cotton ball and put it in your ear. Then apply more petroleum jelly to the outer end of the cotton. Keep the area dry if there are stitches in the skin behind the ear.
- Hearing reduces after the procedure because of the bandage in the ear canal and fluid in the middle ear. You may feel a little dizzy and hear several unusual sounds in the ear, such as bubbling, clicking, and ringing, and you may feel pressure in the ear. These are perfectly normal. Avoid blowing your nose vigorously for the first 10 days after surgery. After 10 days, you can unilaterally blow your nose with your mouth open.
How Long After Ear Surgery for Men Will You See the Final Result?
It may take several months to see the final results of ear surgery for men. Immediately after surgery, surgeons will cover your ears with a dressing and possibly a headband to maintain their new shape and protect them during healing. It is essential to carefully follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions to ensure proper recovery and minimize the risk of complications.
In the weeks following surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the ear, which may take a few weeks to go away completely. Your surgeon will likely schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure your ears heal properly. About 6 weeks after surgery, most patients can resume normal activities, including exercise and wearing a hat or headphones. However, it may take a few more months for the ears to fully conform to their new shape and for the swelling to disappear completely.
The final results of ear surgery for men can take six months to a year to fully manifest. During this time, the incision scars will continue to fade, and the ears will gradually settle into their new position and shape. Although each patient’s recovery process is different, most patients can expect to see a significant improvement in the appearance of their ears a few months after surgery.
How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost for Men?
The cost of ear surgery for men can vary depending on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, the practice’s geographic location, the procedure’s complexity, and the extent of correction required.
It is important to note that the price of ear surgery for men typically doesn’t include additional costs such as pre-operative tests, prescription medications, or follow-up appointments. Discussing all possible costs with your surgeon during the consultation is essential. Insurance may cover the cost of ear surgery in some cases, such as when the procedure performs to correct a congenital disability or a deformity caused by injury or disease. However, elective cosmetic courses are usually not covered by insurance.
If the cost of this surgery is a concern, some practices offer financing options such as payment plans or medical financing programs to help make the procedure more affordable. Discussing all financing options with your surgeon to determine the best course of action for your individual needs is essential.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Ear Surgery for Men Performed?
It is difficult to determine which countries offer the cheapest ear surgery procedures, as the cost can vary greatly depending on the surgeon’s experience, the geographical location of the practice, and the complexity of the process. However, medical procedures are generally cheaper in countries with lower labor and overhead costs. Check out ear surgery costs for men by country in general:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $4000 to $15000 |
| Brazil | $2750 to $10000 |
| China | $4100 to $13500 |
| Japan | $4000 to $13000 |
| South Korea | $3600 to $9200 |
| India | $3200 to $8000 |
| Argentina | $2500 to $9100 |
| Mexico | $2250 to $6000 |
| Germany | $3500 to $14300 |
| Turkey | $2300 to $3500 |
| Colombia | $2500 to $7000 |
| Italy | $3200 to $13000 |
| France | $3600 to $13000 |
| Spain | $3250 to $13000 |
| Taiwan | $2300 to $6100 |
| Venezuela | $2000 to $5400 |
| United Kingdom | $4300 to $16100 |
| Netherlands | $3500 to $12500 |
| Egypt | $3000 to $5100 |
| Peru | $3200 to $5500 |
| AVERAGE COST | $2250 to $16100 |
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.
References
https://journalotohns.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40463-016-0117-7
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.276
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.27556
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4035841/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1672293019301369
