Otoplasty

Otoplasty is designed to change the shape of the external ears – most commonly to set back prominent ears.

It can also be done to reduce the size of the ears, and correct other abnormalities of the ear/earlobe.

5% of the population have prominent ears, and it may be a source of teasing in children.

For children the operation is often done around the age of 5–6 years, however many adult patients request this surgery and the cosmetic results are just as reliable.

An incision is made on the back of the ear (out of sight), an ellipse of skin is removed, and the underlying cartilage reshaped to give a natural appearing ear.

Surgery is a day–case procedure and a head bandage is required for 3 days post-operatively.