Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty at Renomé Clinic corrects protruding or asymmetric ears by reshaping the cartilage through an incision hidden in the fold behind the ear. The surgeon recreates the missing antihelical fold and/or reduces an overdeveloped conchal bowl, setting the ear into a natural position — typically 15–20 mm from the head. The procedure takes about an hour per side under local anaesthesia; a protective headband is worn full-time for the first week and at night for several more. Otoplasty is suitable from school age onward, and results are permanent.

Protruding ears are the most common congenital aesthetic ear variation, usually caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold (the Y-shaped cartilage ridge inside the ear rim), an oversized conchal bowl, or both. Otoplasty addresses the actual cartilage anatomy rather than just pinning the ear back. **Technique:** Through a 3–4 cm incision in the retroauricular fold (the natural crease where the ear meets the head), the surgeon exposes the cartilage and recreates the antihelical fold using permanent shaping sutures (Mustardé technique) and/or controlled cartilage scoring; an oversized concha is reduced or set back with sutures to the mastoid fascia (Furnas technique). Because the incision sits entirely behind the ear, the scar is invisible from the front and most angles. **The session:** Local anaesthesia with optional mild sedation; about 60 minutes for one ear, 90–120 minutes for both. A moulded dressing protects the new shape for the first days, replaced by an elastic headband worn continuously for ~1 week and then at night for 4–6 weeks to protect the result during sleep. **Recovery:** Discomfort is mild and well controlled with standard analgesics. Swelling and bruising of the ear rim settle within 2 weeks; most adults return to work within a few days (with the headband). Contact sports should wait 6–8 weeks. The corrected shape is permanent — the reshaped cartilage holds its new geometry once healed. **Who it suits:** Children from about 6 years (when the ear has reached near-adult size and before school teasing typically peaks), adolescents, and adults of any age — it is never too late for this correction. Renomé Clinic also offers earlobe repair and other minor ear corrections within the same procedure family; the exact plan and quote are set at the surgical consultation.