# Otoplasty

> Citation bundle for Otoplasty on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/otoplasty
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/otoplasty

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

Otoplasty, from Ancient Greek οὖς (oûs), meaning "ear", and πλαστός (plastós), meaning "moulded", is a procedure for correcting the deformities and defects of the auricle, whether these defects are congenital conditions or caused by trauma. Otoplastic surgeons may reshape, move, or augment the cartilaginous support framework of the auricle to correct these defects.

## Overview

Ear correction surgery is cosmetic surgery to alter the size or shape of the ears, or to pin them back if they stick out. Pinning the ears back is known as an otoplasty or pinnaplasty. It is most commonly carried out on children and young teenagers, although adults can also have it done; it is not suitable for children under the age of 5, because at that age the ears are still developing and the cartilage is usually too soft to hold the stitches. Two main techniques are used. In incisionless otoplasty, a needle is used to reshape the cartilage and stitches hold the new shape without cutting the skin. In traditional otoplasty, the surgeon makes a small cut behind the ear, then removes or reshapes the cartilage before repositioning it with stitches. The operation usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Common after-effects include bruising, numbness and tenderness that settle over several weeks. In the UK, ear correction surgery may cost between £2,500 and £3,500, plus the cost of any consultations or follow-up care.

*Reference text adapted from NHS (ear correction surgery) under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## Common risks

- a small scar behind each ear, which will fade in time
- sore and tender ears for several weeks
- numbness or tingling in the ears for several weeks
- slight bruising around the ears for about 2 weeks

## FAQs

### How much ear correction surgery costs?

In the UK, ear correction surgery may cost between £2,500 to £3,500, plus the cost of any consultations or follow-up care that may be needed.

### What to think about before you have ear correction surgery?

Before you go ahead, be sure about why you want ear correction surgery. Take time to think about your decision.

### What ear correction surgery involves?

What happens during ear correction surgery depends on the type of surgery you have.

### What could go wrong?

Ear correction surgery can occasionally cause:

### What to do if you have problems?

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.

### At what age can ear correction surgery be done?

Ear correction surgery (otoplasty) is most often carried out on children and young teenagers, though adults can also have it. It is not suitable for children under the age of 5, because at that age the ears are still developing and the cartilage is usually too soft to hold the stitches used to reshape the ear.