This page contains health-related information for reference only. It is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer
cosmetic surgery
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.
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.
*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*
Average recovery for Otoplasty is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
Immediate
First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.
Early recovery
Wound care, swelling or bruising peaks, restricted activity. Typical window for follow-up visits and drain removal if applicable. Travel is usually not advised.
Intermediate recovery
Gradual return to non-strenuous daily activity. Many international patients fly home during this window. Surgeon may require medical clearance for long-haul travel.
Full recovery
Return to full activity, exercise, and work. Final results may still be settling. Final follow-up with local doctor recommended.
If you have a bandage around your head, keep it clean and dry. You will not be able to wash your hair until after the bandage has been removed. You might need to wear a headband at night for several weeks to protect your ears while you sleep. The stitches may come to the surface of the skin or make your ear feel tender. Treat any pain with painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. #### Timeline - After 5 to 10 days: the bandage (if used) and stitches are removed (unless they're dissolvable stitches). - After 1 to 2 weeks: most children can return to school. - After 4 to 6 weeks: swimming should be OK. - Around 8 weeks: contact sports should be OK.
*Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*
Browse all destinations offering Otoplasty→
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.
Before you go ahead, be sure about why you want ear correction surgery. Take time to think about your decision.
What happens during ear correction surgery depends on the type of surgery you have.
Ear correction surgery can occasionally cause:
Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.
Other cosmetic surgery procedures in our registry