Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)
- Natural-looking ear position
- Improved ear symmetry
- All consultations free with no obligation
- Internationally trained specialist surgeons
- Complete aftercare included
Natural-Looking Results Through Precise Ear Reshaping
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, corrects the position, shape or proportion of the ears when they sit further from the head than a patient would like, or where their shape has developed unevenly. The procedure suits prominent ears present since childhood just as well as shape changes that only become noticeable later in life.
As otoplasty involves one of the face’s most visible and finely detailed features, it requires a surgeon who regards ear surgery as a specialist area of practice rather than a routine add-on. At Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery, every procedure is planned around the individual’s cartilage structure and ear anatomy, with the aim of achieving a natural, symmetrical result rather than an obviously altered appearance.
About
What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty reshapes or repositions the cartilage of the outer ear, most commonly to reduce prominence or correct asymmetry between the two ears. Depending on the concern, this may involve setting the ears closer to the head, refining the folds of the ear itself, or adjusting the size and proportion of specific areas, all planned to preserve a natural ear shape rather than an overly flattened result.
This content has been medically reviewed by Mr Gautham Ullas BMBS, BMedSci, FRCS (ORL-HNS).
What Conditions Can Otoplasty Treat?
Ear shape and position vary naturally between people, but some patterns are common reasons patients seek otoplasty. Many candidates have lived with these concerns since childhood, while others notice them becoming more pronounced later on.
Otoplasty is commonly used to address:
- Prominent or protruding ears
- Asymmetry between the two ears
- Overly large or stretched earlobes
- Folded, cupped or lop-shaped ears
- Misshapen ears present from birth
- Ears affected by previous injury or surgery
Benefits
What are the Benefits of Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is performed on children as well as adults, and its benefits reach beyond appearance alone, particularly in terms of confidence and self-consciousness. Many patients describe a lasting change in how comfortable they feel in social situations, not just in photographs.
The benefits of otoplasty include:
Improved ear symmetry and proportion
Reduced prominence of protruding ears
A more balanced profile from the front and side
Long-lasting structural correction
Greater confidence with hairstyles that expose the ears
Suitability for both children and adults
our Candidates
Am I a Good Candidate for Otoplasty?
People considering otoplasty are usually self-conscious about how far their ears sit from the head, or about a difference between the two ears that has never quite settled, whether that concern started in childhood or became more noticeable later in life. General health and realistic expectations about the degree of change achievable matter more than age itself, and suitability is confirmed individually during consultation.
Otoplasty at a Glance
Duration of Surgery
1–2 Hours
Anaesthesia
General
Hospital Stay
Day Case
Pre-admission
No smoking/vaping x 6 weeks
Off HRT/OCP x 6 weeks
Downtime
1-2 Weeks
Driving
7–10 Days
Time to Exercise
4-6 Weeks
Follow-Up
1 week / 2 weeks / 6 weeks / 6 months / 1 year
How Does Otoplasty Work?
Otoplasty adjusts the cartilage that gives the ear its shape, either by scoring, suturing or removing small amounts of tissue to create the desired contour. The specific technique depends on what is causing the prominence or asymmetry, whether that is an underdeveloped fold, excess cartilage, or a combination of both. Incisions are placed behind the ear wherever possible, so any resulting scar sits hidden within the natural crease rather than being visible from the front.
Your journey
Your Otoplasty Treatment Journey at Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery
Every otoplasty at Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery is planned around individual ear anatomy, whether the patient is a child or an adult. The treatment journey is designed to give clarity and reassurance at every stage.
Your consultation is free and carried out directly with a facial plastic surgeon, giving time to assess ear anatomy and discuss realistic goals. Where the patient is a child, this is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions and understand the full recovery process before deciding whether to proceed. A second complimentary consultation is available for further discussion.
Otoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation for adults, or general anaesthetic, where preferred or when treating younger patients. Incisions are placed behind the ear, allowing the surgeon to reshape or reposition the cartilage before closing discreetly within the natural fold.
Initial results are visible as soon as the dressings are removed, though final shape and symmetry become clearer as swelling settles over the following weeks. Most patients and parents notice an improvement in ear position from an early stage of recovery.
A supportive headband is usually worn for a period after surgery to protect the new ear position while healing. Swelling and mild discomfort are common in the first week, with most patients, including children, returning to school or normal activities within seven to ten days. Follow-up appointments are arranged to monitor healing and support recovery.
Risks
Otoplasty Risks and Side Effects
As with any surgery, otoplasty involves a period of normal healing alongside a small number of less common risks, both of which your surgeon will explain fully at your consultation. Most patients experience some of the temporary side effects below, while the risks further down the list are uncommon.
These can include:
- Swelling and bruising around the ears
- Temporary numbness or altered sensation
- Discomfort when sleeping on the side for a period
- Scarring, which is generally hidden behind the ear
- Infection or delayed healing, which is uncommon
- Asymmetry requiring minor revision
Feeling disconnected from your reflection? Frustrated by limited options for facial concerns others dismiss? Our dual-trained surgeons specialise in preservation deep plane facelifts and facial nerve reconstruction, delivering the natural-looking results you deserve. Experience renewed confidence as your appearance finally matches how you feel inside, with minimal downtime and compassionate expert care throughout your journey.
cost
How Much Does Otoplasty Cost?
The cost of otoplasty depends on the complexity of the reshaping required and whether one or both ears are treated, along with the choice of local or general anaesthetic. Following consultation, you will receive a clear quotation tailored to your treatment plan.
Flexible Options
Spread the cost with manageable monthly payments
Terms Available
Various payment terms to suit your circumstances
Regulated Provider
Finance provided through Pall Mall Medical
Our dedicated patient coordinator will discuss all available finance options during your consultation, helping you find a plan that works for your budget.
Choose Us
Why Choose Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery for Otoplasty?
Ear reshaping surgery calls for a steady, detail-focused approach, since the ear is a small and highly visible structure where minor inconsistencies are easy to spot. At Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery, otoplasty is planned with the same precision applied to facial procedures, whether the patient is a child or an adult.
Reasons patients choose Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery for otoplasty include:
Specialist facial plastic surgeons experienced in both paediatric and adult otoplasty.
Surgical planning built around each patient’s individual ear anatomy.
Consultations carried out directly with your surgeon, with clear, honest guidance for both parents and patients.
Free first and second consultations, allowing time to decide without pressure.
A focus on natural, symmetrical results rather than an overcorrected appearance.
Ongoing aftercare and follow-up throughout recovery.
Our Doctors
Meet Your Facial Plastic Surgeons
Two specialist facial plastic surgeons lead your care at Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery with extensive training in both aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery.
Professor Ullas Raghavan is an internationally recognised facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with decades of experience in complex facial surgery, including preservation deep plane face and neck lift techniques.
Mr Gautham Ullas is a UK-trained facial plastic surgeon with specialist expertise in facial rejuvenation, revision rhinoplasty and facial nerve reconstruction, offering a thoughtful and modern approach to facial surgery.
How to Book a Consultation
Consultations at Ullas Facial Plastic Surgery are free and without obligation. Patients from across the UK and overseas are welcome to arrange an appointment to discuss treatment options in a calm, professional setting.
To book a consultation or speak with the team:
FAQ
Otoplasty FAQs
How long does otoplasty take to heal?
Visible swelling and bruising typically settle within one to two weeks, though the ears continue to refine in shape over the following months as deeper healing completes. Most of the change patients notice happens in the first few weeks.
How long do otoplasty results last?
Otoplasty provides a permanent structural change to the ear cartilage, so results are considered long-lasting. Ear position can be influenced by ageing or injury over time, but the original correction itself does not reverse on its own.
How long does pain last after otoplasty?
Discomfort is usually most noticeable in the first two to three days and is generally described as manageable rather than severe. Mild tenderness when the ear is touched or slept on can continue for a further week or two as swelling settles.
How long does it take to recover from otoplasty?
Most patients, including children, return to school or normal daily activities within seven to ten days. More strenuous activity and contact sports are usually avoided for several weeks longer to protect the healing ear.
Can otoplasty be performed on children?
Yes, otoplasty is commonly performed on children once ear cartilage has largely finished developing, usually from around the age of five. Treating prominent ears earlier can help reduce the impact of self-consciousness during school years, though it is equally suitable for adults at any stage of life.
Can adults have otoplasty later in life?
Yes, many adults choose otoplasty after years of feeling self-conscious about ear prominence or asymmetry, and there is no upper age limit for the procedure. Suitability depends on general health and the condition of the ear cartilage rather than age alone.
Can otoplasty correct just one ear rather than both?
Yes, otoplasty can be performed on a single ear where only one side needs correction, which is most common with asymmetry rather than overall prominence. Your surgeon will still assess both ears at consultation to make sure the result looks balanced from every angle.
Does otoplasty affect hearing?
No, otoplasty reshapes the outer ear cartilage only and does not involve the ear canal or the structures responsible for hearing. Hearing is not affected by the procedure at any stage.
Is otoplasty a day case procedure?
Yes, otoplasty is typically performed as a day case, meaning patients go home the same day rather than staying overnight. This applies whether the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic.
Can otoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes, otoplasty can be combined with other facial procedures where appropriate, particularly in adult patients, addressing several areas at once. This is discussed and planned individually during consultation based on each patient’s goals.