Surgery · Ear reshaping
Otoplasty: ear surgery, explained without the sales pitch.
Otoplasty pins prominent ears closer to the head or reshapes a large ear. It is usually a single operation, both ears at once, with a week of visible recovery and a headband at night for several weeks.
Edited by Elena March, Health Editor. Clinical review pending a named plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon.
Quick answer
$3,500–$8,000 per procedure.
Usually both ears in one operation.
Visible recovery: about one week.
Headband at night: two to six weeks.
What otoplasty does
Otoplasty changes the cartilage framework of the ear. The most common goal is to reduce the angle between the ear and the head so the ears sit closer. It can also reduce a large ear, reshape a folded ear or correct asymmetry. It does not improve hearing.
Who is a candidate
Children are usually assessed once the ears are near adult size, around five or six, and when they can cooperate with the aftercare. Adults can have the procedure at any age. A surgeon will assess the cartilage, the skin and the patient's goals, and explain what surgery can and cannot change.
The operation
Otoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia with sedation for adults, and general anaesthesia for children. The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear, reshapes the cartilage and closes the skin. The operation usually takes one to three hours for both ears.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. A dressing or headband is worn for the first week, then at night for two to six weeks. Swelling and bruising settle over two to three weeks; the final shape is usually visible by three months. Contact sport is avoided for about six weeks.
Cost
The US planning range is $3,500–$8,000, including the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia and facility fee. Both ears are usually done in one operation. See the Otoplasty cost guide for the line-by-line breakdown.
Risks
Risks include bleeding under the skin (haematoma), infection, asymmetry, scarring, numbness, cartilage changes and recurrence of the prominence. A revision may be needed in a small number of cases. The surgeon's experience and the aftercare plan matter.
Common questions
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is surgery that changes the shape, size or projection of the ears. It is most often used to pin prominent ears closer to the head or to reduce a large ear. It is usually performed by a plastic surgeon or an ENT/facial plastic surgeon.
At what age can otoplasty be done?
The ears are close to adult size by about age five or six, and many surgeons prefer to wait until the child can cooperate with aftercare. Adults can have otoplasty at any age. The decision depends on the child's maturity and the surgeon's assessment, not on a single age rule.
How long is otoplasty recovery?
Most patients return to school or work within a week, with a headband at night for two to six weeks. Swelling settles over several weeks, and the final shape is usually visible by three months. Strenuous contact sport is avoided for about six weeks.
How much does otoplasty cost?
The US planning range is $3,500–$8,000, including the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia and facility fee. Both ears are usually done in one operation. Insurance may cover part of the procedure when it corrects a functional or congenital issue.
Does otoplasty leave scars?
The incision is usually hidden behind the ear. The scar fades over months, but it does not disappear. A surgeon should explain where the incision will be and what the scar is expected to look like.
Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mayo Clinic. See themethodology.