Otoplasty (ear correction / ear repositioning) at York Hospital

What does ear correction surgery treat? 

The surgery is most commonly performed on prominent ears, where one or both ears stick out more than a person is comfortable with. It can also change the overall size or shape of the ears. 

The operation is not suitable for children under 5 because the ear cartilage (the firm tissue that gives ears their shape) is still growing and the tissue is too soft to hold stitches securely. If your baby has prominent ears, ask your GP about ear splints. Before the age of 6 months, splints can gently reshape the ears without any surgery, and this does not cause any pain. 

What are the benefits? 

Most people who have ear correction surgery are happy with their results. The procedure can help reshape your ears and improve how you feel about your appearance. 

Types of ear correction surgery 

There are two main approaches, and your surgeon will recommend the right one based on your ears and your age. 

Incisionless otoplasty: This does not involve any cuts to the skin. A fine needle is inserted into the surface of the cartilage to make it more flexible, and stitches are then used to hold the ear in its new position. 

Standard otoplasty: This involves a small cut behind the ear to expose the cartilage. Small pieces of cartilage may be removed if needed, and stitches are placed at the back to bring the ear closer to the head. 

Both types can be performed under general anaesthetic (medicine that sends you fully to sleep) or, for older children and adults, under local anaesthetic (medicine that numbs just the area around the ear). 

Before your surgery 

Take time to think carefully about your reasons for wanting ear correction surgery before going ahead. 

If you decide to proceed, check that your surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and that the hospital or clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Surgeons who perform this type of procedure are often members of professional bodies such as the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). 

Always meet your surgeon before the operation. Useful questions to ask include: 

• How many ear correction operations have you done? 
• What is your complication rate? 
• What follow-up care will I receive? 
• What happens if the results are not what I expected?

What happens during the procedure? 

The operation takes 1 to 2 hours. If you have a local anaesthetic and there are no complications, you can usually go home the same day. 

For a standard otoplasty, your surgeon will: 

1. Make a small cut behind the ear to access the cartilage 
2. Remove small pieces of cartilage if needed to allow the ear to sit flatter 
3. Place stitches at the back of the ear to hold it in its new position 
4. Apply a bandage around your head to support your ears while they begin to heal.

For an incisionless otoplasty, the surgeon uses a fine needle to soften the cartilage, then places stitches to secure the ear in position, without making any cuts. 

Recovery from ear correction surgery 

If a bandage was applied, keep it clean and dry. You will not be able to wash your hair until after it is removed. 

You may need to wear a headband at night for several weeks to protect your ears while you sleep. Treat any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. 

Recovery timeline: 

• 5 to 10 days: bandage and stitches removed (unless dissolvable stitches were used) 
• 1 to 2 weeks: most children can return to school 
• 4 to 6 weeks: swimming is generally safe 
• Around 8 weeks: contact sports are usually permitted. 

Common side effects after surgery include: 

• Small scars behind each ear, which fade over time 
• Sore and tender ears for several weeks 
• Numbness or tingling around the ears for several weeks 
• Slight bruising for around 2 weeks.

Risks and complications