Otoplasty is the surgery that reshapes or repositions the ears, mainly to correct prominent ears (“sticking-out” ears). It is usually done under local anaesthesia, is an outpatient procedure and the scar is hidden behind the ear. It does not affect hearing and, like any surgery, requires a consultation and a postoperative period with proper care.
Otoplasty is one of the most rewarding facial cosmetic surgeries: it corrects a feature that can cause self-consciousness from childhood —ears that stick out— with a simple, outpatient procedure and a manageable recovery. If you are considering it, you can find out the details of the service and book an appointment at Otoplasty in Girona.
In this guide we explain, plainly, what it is, who it suits, what types and techniques exist, what the operation is like step by step, how long recovery lasts, what risks it has, at what age it can be done and how to choose a surgeon. Nothing you read here replaces an individual medical consultation.
In summary: 6 keys to otoplasty
- What it is: surgery that reshapes the cartilage to correct the shape, size or position of the ears.
- What it is most used for: bringing prominent ears closer to the head and recreating the natural fold (antihelix) that has not formed properly.
- What it is like: usually under local anesthesia (sometimes sedation), outpatient, with the scar hidden behind the ear.
- Age: it can be considered from 6-7 years of age, when the ear is almost fully developed; in adults there is no limit.
- Recovery: bandage for a few days, a band to sleep in for a few weeks, and avoiding knocks and contact sports.
- Most important: the result depends on the diagnosis and the surgeon's experience; be wary of fixed prices without a prior consultation.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is the surgical procedure that corrects the shape, size or position of the ears. Most often it is used to bring ears that stick out too much closer to the head and to recreate the natural cartilage folds that have not developed properly, especially the so-called antihelix (the «Y»-shaped fold on the inside of the ear). It can also reduce large ears, correct asymmetries or repair the after-effects of trauma.
It is worth clarifying because it raises doubts: otoplasty acts only on the visible part of the ear, the auricle. It does not modify the ear canal or the inner ear and therefore does not affect hearing. It is a cosmetic surgery —and in some cases reconstructive— whose aim is for the ears to be proportionate and in harmony with the face.
What a “sticking-out” ear is
Prominent or “sticking-out” ears are those that stand out further than usual from the head. This is usually due to two causes, which may occur together: a poorly defined antihelix (the fold that “gathers” the ear is missing) or a large auricular concha (the central hollow that pushes the ear outwards). Otoplasty corrects precisely these two elements.
Who is it for? Who is a good candidate
Otoplasty is usually considered when there is:
- Prominent or “sticking-out” ears (set away from the head).
- Lack of the natural fold of the cartilage (poorly marked antihelix).
- Asymmetry between the two ears.
- Large ears (macrotia) or ears with a shape that worries the person.
- After-effects of trauma or small malformations of the outer ear.
Beyond anatomy, a good candidate is someone who starts from realistic goals and who is genuinely bothered by the shape of their ears. If it does not cause discomfort, there is no medical reason to operate. In adults, good general health is essential; in children, adequate maturity and family support.
Types of otoplasty and techniques
Depending on the goal, otoplasty can be aesthetic (correcting a healthy ear to improve facial harmony) or reconstructive (repairing the ear after trauma or a malformation). Depending on the technique, the classic approach works on the cartilage through an incision behind the ear; there are also minimal-incision or suture techniques for mild cases with flexible cartilage.
| Appearance | Classic technique (with incision) | Minimal incision technique / stitches |
|---|---|---|
| Acceso | Incision in the groove behind the ear | No incision or minimal punctures |
| What it acts on | Reshapes and/or removes cartilage; creates the fold with stitches | Folds the cartilage with stitches, without reshaping it |
| Indication | Most cases, including the most pronounced ones | Mild cases with flexible cartilage |
| Scar | Hidden behind the ear | Mínima o inapreciable |
| Durability | Very stable | Slightly higher possibility of partial recurrence |
*The information is indicative; the appropriate technique is determined by the surgeon after examining the cartilage.
At what age can it be done?
The ear reaches almost its adult size around 6-7 years, so that age is usually considered the point from which the procedure can be considered. Operating before school age can help avoid situations of teasing, but the decision must respect the child's pace. In adults there is no maximum age: what matters is the state of health and the individual assessment.
The step-by-step intervention
Although each case has its own protocol, otoplasty follows a recognizable pattern: anesthesia, hidden incision, cartilage reshaping and same-day discharge.
| Phase | What happens |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local, sometimes with sedation. In young children, general anesthesia may be considered. |
| Incision | In the groove behind the ear, where the scar is hidden. |
| Remodeling | The cartilage is sculpted and/or folded and fixed with stitches to give the desired shape. |
| Duration | Approximate: around 1-1,5 hours depending on the case. |
| Alta | Outpatient: you go home the same day with a dressing. |
Otoplasty recovery in stages
| Moment | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Early days | Compression bandage. Mild discomfort and some swelling, manageable with pain relief. |
| First week | The dressing is removed and a band or strap is usually used instead, especially for sleeping. |
| 2-4 semanas | Gradual return to normal life. Avoid knocks and contact sports. |
| Result | The shape is noticeable soon; the result fully settles over the following weeks. |
Key care: wear the band to sleep for the first weeks, sleep without pressing on the ears, keep the area clean and dry, avoid knocks and contact sports, and protect the scar from the sun for the first months. These timings are approximate: everyone heals at their own pace.
Risks and safety: is otoplasty dangerous?
When performed by a qualified team and after a proper assessment, otoplasty has a good safety profile. Even so, like any surgery, it carries possible complications that are worth knowing about: hematoma or bleeding, infection (uncommon), temporary changes in sensation, hypertrophic scarring or keloid in predisposed people, residual asymmetries or partial relapse (the cartilage tending to return to its previous position, more associated with suture techniques). It must be carefully assessed in cases of active infections, uncontrolled clotting problems or unrealistic expectations.
How much does an otoplasty cost?
There is no single price, and be wary of anyone who gives you a fixed figure without having examined you. The cost depends on whether one or both ears are operated on, the technique required, the type of anesthesia, the team and the follow-up included. That is why the price must be personalised after a consultation and a detailed quote. You can look into financing options to spread the cost into instalments.
How to choose a surgeon
The decision that most influences your result and your safety is who operates on you. Check that they are a registered specialist trained in plastic surgery or otolaryngology, ask about their real experience, ask to see real before-and-after cases, and make sure they honestly explain which technique suits your ear. Be wary of absolute promises and aggressive “special offer” prices.
Is otoplasty right for me? How we approach it
As a guideline (it never replaces the medical consultation), it usually suits people with prominent, asymmetrical or large ears that cause them discomfort and who are looking for a natural result. Our approach:
- Prior diagnosis: we examine the cartilage and define the technique suited to your case.
- Tailor-made plan: we explain the options, the expected result and the budget without unrealistic promises.
- Follow-up: check-ups to monitor healing and the result.
Resolve your case with the medical team
First otoplasty consultation, in Girona, no obligation.
Otoplasty results: before and after
Results of an otoplasty operation · Watch on our YouTube channel
Frequently asked questions
Does otoplasty hurt?
Does it leave a visible scar?
Does otoplasty affect hearing?
Is the result permanent?
Are both ears always operated on?
What anaesthesia is used?
How long does the operation take?
When can I return to work or sports?
From what age can this be done for children?
How much does an otoplasty cost?
Treatments and related units
Ear surgery in Girona
Correction of prominent (“sticking-out”), asymmetrical or large ears.
Rhinoplasty in Girona
Aesthetic and functional nose surgery, also with the ultrasonic technique.
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Medical review Content created by the medical team at Medics Integral Salut and reviewed by the Facial Aesthetic Surgery Unit.