Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is usually administered when the procedure is performed on children, while local anaesthesia is preferred for adults.
Face Surgery
Otoplasty
Reshape the ears and regain your confidence with a straightforward procedure.
ResultLong-lasting correction & Natural symmetry
Result durationUsually long-lasting
IncisionsBehind the ear, usually well hidden
AnaesthesiaLocal
What it is & what it offers
Otoplasty for the correction of protruding ears
Otoplasty is the surgical procedure performed to correct the shape, size and position of the ears. It is a safe procedure that reshapes the cartilage, bringing the ears into a more natural and harmonious position relative to the head, helping children and adults overcome insecurities and boosting their confidence.
Otoplasty
What we correct
When can otoplasty help?
The procedure aims at correction of the aesthetic deformities of the auricle. It offers significant benefits in the following cases:
- Protruding earsRepositions the ears closer to the head.
- Congenital cartilage malformationsCorrects deformities such as cup ear, Stahl's ear deformity, or microtia (atrophic ears).
- Earlobe deformitiesRepairs congenital or acquired traumatic problems (e.g. split earlobe from an earring).
- Asymmetrical earsRestores the correct symmetry and proportion between the two ears.
Beauty by Design
A discreet correction, a lasting result.
Otoplasty corrects protruding ears with precision, restoring natural symmetry and confidence from the very first moment.
The ideal ear
Do we follow standards in otoplasty?
In plastic surgery, the "ideal" or anatomically well-proportioned ear is not defined by a single fixed number, but through its proportions, angles and symmetry in relation to the rest of the face. The goal is always harmonisation with each person's unique characteristics.
However, medical literature defines specific averages and anatomical rules that determine the ideal specifications for an adult:
- Ideal dimensions: Total ear height (length) ideally ranges between 6 and 6.5 centimetres for men and 5.8 to 6.2 centimetres for women. Ideal width corresponds to 55% to 60% of its length, i.e. approximately 3 to 3.5 centimetres.
- The "Golden" position on the face: The top of the ear must align horizontally with the eyebrow line, while its lower part (the lobe) aligns with the base of the nose. Additionally, the ear presents a slight backward tilt (approximately 15° to 20°), following the jawline.
- Distance from the skull (projection): The angle the ear forms with the head must be between 20° and 30°. In centimetres, this translates to a distance of 1 to 1.2 centimetres at the top and up to 1.5 to 2 centimetres at the mid/rear section of the auricle. Any greater distance creates the appearance of "protruding" ears (prominent ears), which is corrected with otoplasty.
Anatomy
& Ratios
& Ratios
The Procedure
How otoplasty is performed step by step
Creating the Incision
The surgeon makes a fine incision exclusively on the back of the ear, with a discreet scar hidden in the fold behind the ear.
Cartilage Reshaping
Through the incision, the plastic surgeon adjusts, thins and reshapes the ear cartilage, securing it in the new desired position with internal sutures.
Closure & Dressing
The incision is carefully closed and the head is wrapped with special elastic bandages for protection.
Procedure ID
Otoplasty at a glance.
- Surgical duration
- Approximately 2 hours.
- Anaesthesia
- General (children) or Local (adults).
- Hospitalisation
- Not required — discharge on the same day.
- Pain
- Post-operative pain is usually mild. Simple analgesics if needed.
- Suitable season
- Performed throughout the year.
- Result
- The initial result is immediately visible when the dressings are removed (the following day). The final and complete result stabilises in 2–4 weeks.
- Age range
- Often a first aesthetic procedure performed from childhood (from age 6 and above, as ear development is 80% complete by then).
After Surgery
What to expect after otoplasty – Recovery
Dressing & Protection
Elastic bandages for 4 days, then replaced by a special headband for 2 weeks (around the clock) and a further 2 weeks during sleep only.
Sutures
External sutures are removed after 8–10 days.
Permitted & Restricted
Quick return to activities. Shower 2 days after surgery. Driving normally. No lifting weights for at least 3 weeks. Strenuous exercise permitted after 6 weeks.
Risks / Complications
Considered a procedure with a high safety profile when performed by a qualified doctor. Possible general risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, fluid collection (seroma), numbness, infection, asymmetry or the need for a revision procedure.
Personalised
Approach
Approach
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about otoplasty.
Otoplasty aims for a long-lasting and stable result. During the procedure the surgeon does not simply stretch the skin, but reshapes and secures the cartilage itself with internal permanent sutures. The risk of the ear showing a minor recurrence (losing part of the correction) is rare (under 3%) and is usually due to trauma or a sudden pull in the first few weeks of recovery, before the tissues have stabilised. For this reason, wearing the special protective headband during sleep is essential.
Yes, piercings can be done, but you should wait at least 2 months after the procedure is complete.
During the procedure, the plastic surgeon can reduce an overly large or drooping earlobe, correct asymmetries, and repair split earlobes (e.g. from heavy earrings or trauma). This correction aims for a symmetrical and renewed result across the entire ear.
Start with a personal consultation.
We evaluate the shape and position of your ears and design the personalised correction plan.
Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. Suitability for any treatment is determined by the doctor after a personal consultation.