Otoplasty
Body area: face
Overview
Otoplasty reshapes or repositions the ears to improve their appearance. The most common goal is to set prominent ears closer to the head. It can also correct ear asymmetry, reduce ear size, or reshape specific structural elements.
Who is it for?
Children (typically age 5 and older) and adults with prominent, protruding, or asymmetric ears. One of the few cosmetic procedures commonly performed on children.
Technique overview
Through incisions behind the ear, the surgeon reshapes the ear cartilage using suturing techniques (to fold or bend cartilage), cartilage scoring, or cartilage removal. The ear is then secured in its new position.
What this procedure cannot do
Otoplasty reshapes existing ear cartilage — it cannot regrow missing cartilage, dramatically reduce overall ear size beyond a modest range, or change the size of the earlobe unless that's specifically addressed. The procedure is also not a guaranteed lifetime fix: cartilage has memory and a small percentage of patients see partial recurrence of prominence over time, particularly when sutures alone are used and especially in adults whose cartilage is stiffer. Otoplasty does not affect hearing.
Scars and incisions
Most otoplasty techniques use a single incision in the postauricular sulcus — the natural crease behind the ear where it meets the head. The scar is hidden by the ear itself in everyday life and typically matures into a thin pale line. Anterior (front-of-ear) incisions are sometimes used for specific cartilage shaping but are less common because they risk visible scarring.
Recovery
A headband or dressing is worn for 1 to 2 weeks. Most adults return to work within 5 to 7 days. Children can usually return to school within a week. Avoid contact sports for 6 weeks.
Longevity of results
Most otoplasty results are durable for life when both suture techniques and appropriate cartilage scoring or weakening are used. A small percentage of patients see some partial springback, especially when only sutures are used in stiff cartilage. Recurrence, when it happens, is usually subtle and addressable with a revision if it bothers the patient.
Typical price range
$3,000 - $8,000
Common goals
- Set prominent ears closer to the head
- Correct ear asymmetry
- Reshape ear structure
- Improve self-confidence
Risks
- Asymmetry
- Recurrence of prominence
- Over-correction
- Infection
- Scarring
- Hematoma
How to choose a surgeon
Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS), facial plastic surgeon (ABFPRS), or pediatric plastic surgeon if operating on a child. Ask whether they use suture techniques (Mustardé, Furnas), cartilage scoring, or a combination, and how they decide which is right for a given ear. Review their own before-and-after photos showing both ears from the front and the back. For children, also ask about the surgeon's experience operating on patients in that age range and how they manage anesthesia.
Frequently asked questions
What's the right age for a child to have otoplasty?
Ear cartilage reaches close to adult size by about age 5–6, so that's the most common earliest age. Beyond physical readiness, the bigger factor is the child's own motivation — the procedure works best when the child wants it and can cooperate with after-care. Many surgeons prefer to wait until a child is asking for the surgery rather than operating purely on a parent's request.
Will the ears look pinned-back or unnatural?
Modern otoplasty aims for a natural-looking position — slightly tucked, with the normal contours of the ear preserved (especially the antihelical fold). Over-correction that makes the ear look glued to the head is generally considered a complication, not a goal. Reviewing your surgeon's before-and-after photos is the best way to see what "natural" looks like in their hands.
Do I have to wear a headband afterward?
Most surgeons ask patients to wear a soft headband or dressing full-time for 1–2 weeks, then at night for several more weeks. The headband protects the new shape from accidental folding while the cartilage and sutures stabilize. Specific protocols vary.
Can adults have otoplasty too?
Yes — otoplasty is performed on adults regularly. The procedure works the same way, though adult cartilage is stiffer than a child's, which can mean a slightly higher rate of partial recurrence. Recovery and downtime are similar.
Editorial disclaimer: This page is educational content reviewed by the MDcontour editorial team. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. When considering any cosmetic procedure for a child, parents should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in pediatric care and consider the child's own readiness for surgery.