An otoplasty (ear correction) is a surgery performed to correct prominent or floppy ears, giving the ears a better natural proportion to your head.

Prominent ears are due to an unusually large cartilage bowl, common in people of Irish/Scottish heritage. Floppy ears are due to a weakness in the cartilage of the upper ear lobe. In these cases, the upper part flops down instead of lying near to the head. Some patients have both: a large cartilage bowl as well as weakness of the cartilage.

Treatment is surgical repair of the malformed cartilage. An ear lift is performed out-patient in the hospital.

Feminization and the gender of the ear

The earlobe in males is often bigger, especially with age, which can be corrected with an otoplasty.

What is the right age to have the otoplasty procedure?

The otoplasty surgery (ear correction) should be delayed until around the age of 6, when the ear is more developed. The surgery may be performed on both children and adults.

Can you see any scars after the otoplasty procedure?

The incisions made to pin the ears back are carefully hidden in the crease behind the ears. Once the ears have healed it is almost impossible to distinguish them from unoperated ears.

How long will I be out of sports activities following the otoplasty or ear surgery procedure?

Your bandage is removed after 3 days, the stitches normally after 8 days. You should wear a tennis sweatband for a further two weeks. You can resume all sports after 6 weeks.