Treatment guide

Otoplasty

Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery aimed at changing the shape, size or angle of your ears. In most cases, this surgery involves pinning back protruding ears.

The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.

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★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“
★★★★★Gael D., Germany:
“Qunomedical helped me so much! Thank you!“

QUICK DETAILS

WHO IS THIS FOR

  • People who are self-conscious about the size, shape or angle of their ears

  • Otoplasty is mostly done on children and adolescents but adults request the treatment as well

RECOVERY TIME

  • Return to work or school in about 1 week

  • Avoid contact sports and other forms of vigorous activity for around 3 months

  • Numbness and swelling can last for up to 2 weeks

  • Pain can linger for several months after the procedure

TREATMENT DURATION

1 to 3 hours

SUCCESS

Success rates vary around the world but are well in excess of 90 percent in Asia and Europe.

POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS

  • Infection of the skin and cartilage

  • Bleeding and blood clots

  • Inflammation

  • Recurrence of the original issue (ears may return to their original position)

  • Asymmetrical ears

  • Over-correction

Cost

PRICE CALCULATION

Prices for an otoplasty procedure vary greatly from country to country, since each has its own affecting factors like living costs and national regulations. Below are the average starting prices in different countries to which patients travel for the procedure.

Below are starting prices for Otoplasty across different countries

CountryPrice (EUR)
Poland€ 750
Philippines€ 1,000
Czech Republic€ 1,160
Lithuania€ 1,250
Costa Rica€ 1,510
Indonesia€ 2,030
Austria€ 2,900
United States€ 6,030

How does it work?

An otoplasty involves a range of different techniques to replace, reconstruct or correct deformed ears or parts of the ear. In most cases, the procedure involves remodelling the cartilage in the ear to move the ear closer to the head or create missing folds.

Here’s the breakdown of an otoplasty procedure:

1. Consultation

The first step is having a consultation with the surgeon. You will be taken through the procedure step by step. You will also be asked a series of questions about your medical history, including questions about allergies and underlying health issues. This is your chance to ask questions about preparing for the procedure and how to manage your pain and recovery afterwards.

2. Anaesthesia

Most patients undergo otoplasty procedures under local anaesthetic. However, young children or those with certain underlying conditions might be advised to have a general anaesthetic. This will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.

3. The otoplasty procedure

Either a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose and throat surgeon will start the otoplasty by making a small cut behind the ear in order to expose the cartilage. Depending on the nature of the issue being corrected, the removal of cartilage fragments may be necessary. Some procedures also include the manipulation, scoring and stitching of remaining cartilage to achieve the desired shape or angle.

Are there different types of otoplasty?

There are three main types of otoplasty - which of them you're offered depends on the scale of your cosmetic issue, the surgeon you choose and any underlying health issues you may have.

An ear augmentation will probably be offered if the pinna (outer ear) hasn't developed properly. The most common type of otoplasty is the otopexy. This common and relatively safe procedure involves pinning back protruding ears and leaving them much closer to the head.

Otoplasty techniques can also be used to perform ear reductions, when the pinna is so big it causes self-esteem issues for the patient. The development of unusually large ears is called macrotia.

Most surgeons will need to make at least one incision behind the ear to manipulate the cartilage. However, newer techniques involve scoring cartilage through the skin - making incisions unnecessary.

What should I expect?

Your anaesthesia and pain-relief options will be explained to you during your initial consultation. While you might be advised to avoid a general anaesthetic, there may be the option of combining intravenous sedation with a series of local anaesthetic injections.

The surgeon will need to make a reasonably large incision behind your ear, so there will be pain, bruising and swelling to contend with. There will also be a scar afterwards, but it should fade over time - becoming almost invisible after a few months.

Any surgical procedure can lead to fear and anxiety, so don't be afraid to discuss your emotions with either your clinicians, your family, or us at Qunomedical.

Otoplasty Reviews

Otoplasty Reviews

5
Treatment was done so professionally. Would like to thank qunomedical and ISCARE.
★★★★★
24.05.2019

I was afraid first as I was using it for the first time. Every thing gone so smoothly. Treatment was done so professionally. They are flexible that you can arrange according to your suit. Would like to thank qunomedical and ISCARE.

Som S.
  • Otoplasty
I am soo happy and very amazed by the wonderful treatment and care I received from the moment I stepped in the door to when I left.
★★★★★
07.09.2018

I was assisted the entire time with a personal contact who was able to answer all my questions. Everyone at Medimel was extremely friendly and thoughtful. I felt special! I was treated excellently. The facilities were clean and interestingly decorative. I am soo happy and very amazed by the wonderful treatment and care I received from the moment I stepped in the door to when I left. The fact that I was able to communicate via WhatsApp was helpful since I work long and strange hours and don't always have my phone with me. I thought it was extremely kind of my contact to ask how I was feeling post-op. :) Since I have never experienced anything like this before I honestly don't know what could be improved. It all went very smoothly, better than expected.

Arceli M.
  • Otoplasty
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Frieda

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