Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

What is ear reshaping?

Ear reshaping, also called otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves altering the shape, position, or size of the external ear. People may consider this procedure for personal, cosmetic, or reconstructive reasons. It is important to note that outcomes vary for each individual, and no specific result can be guaranteed.

Understanding ear anatomy

The ear is divided into three parts:

External ear – includes the auricle (or pinna), which is the visible part of the ear, and the ear canal (external acoustic meatus).
Middle ear – located behind the eardrum and contains small bones that transmit sound.
Inner ear – contains structures involved in hearing and balance.

Otoplasty focuses on the external ear, which is made up of skin and flexible cartilage.

When is otoplasty considered?

Otoplasty is usually performed:

In children aged five years or older, once the ear has reached near-adult size.
In teenagers or adults who are healthy and wish to change the appearance of their ears.
People may seek otoplasty for a variety of reasons, such as:
Reducing the prominence of ears that stick out noticeably
Adjusting the size of ears that appear overly large
Correcting ears that are misshapen or affected by injury
Addressing congenital (present at birth) ear differences, such as small or underdeveloped ears
Correcting inherited ear abnormalities

Your suitability for surgery will be assessed during a consultation, where your health history, concerns, and desired outcomes will be discussed.

How is otoplasty performed?

Anaesthesia:
- Children: Usually performed under general anaesthesia.
- Teenagers and adults: May be done under local anaesthesia.

Procedure:

A small incision is made in the natural fold behind the ear.
Cartilage and skin may be removed, folded, or reshaped to create the desired appearance.
Permanent sutures are used to hold the ear in its new position.
In some cases, cartilage is not removed, and only sutures are used to reshape the ear.
The incision is then closed with fine stitches.

The procedure usually takes around two hours, but this can vary depending on the complexity and technique used.

Recovery process

Many people can go home the same day, although some may stay overnight depending on the surgery performed.
You will receive detailed post-operative care instructions to support healing and minimise risks.

Post-operative care and expectations:

A head bandage will be applied to protect the ears and support proper healing. This is usually kept in place for about a week.
Once the bandage is removed, you may need to wear a soft headband at night for 2 weeks or longer to protect the ears while sleeping.
Swelling, bruising, and redness around the ears are common and should gradually improve over a few weeks.
Discomfort or mild pain may occur and can be managed with prescribed medications.
Hair washing is typically allowed after the first bandage is removed.
Most people return to normal daily activities within about a week, but full recovery may take up to 6 weeks.
Dr Xu will advise you on when it is safe to resume exercise or sports.

Possible risks and complications

While otoplasty is generally considered a straightforward procedure, all surgeries carry risks. These may include:

Reactions to anaesthesia
Bleeding or haematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
Infection
Poor wound healing or scarring
Reduced sensation around the ear area (may be temporary or permanent)
Loosening of sutures, which can affect the position of the ear
Asymmetry between the ears
Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result, which may lead to revision surgery

Dr Xu will discuss these risks in detail and explain what steps are taken to minimise them.

Important considerations

Results vary for each individual and depend on factors such as healing, anatomy, and surgical technique.
While otoplasty may create a long-lasting change in ear shape or position, no procedure can completely stop the natural ageing process or prevent future changes to the ears.
A comprehensive consultation with a qualified and registered health practitioner is essential before deciding whether to proceed.