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cosmetic surgery
Otoplasty
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.
Quick Facts
- Price range
- Varies by clinic
- Recovery
- Varies
- Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- cosmetic surgery
- Anaesthesia
- Varies
- Min. stay abroad
- Varies
- Price Range (International)
- Varies by clinic
- Average Recovery
- Varies
- Typical Sessions
- Varies
- Category
- cosmetic surgery
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.*
Key Considerations
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
Credentials a clinic should hold
Specialty-board certifications and facility-level accreditations relevant to this procedure. Verify on the issuer's public register before booking — most issuers publish a searchable directory.
ISAPS member surgeon
Issuer International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Individual surgeon membership; requires national-board certification in plastic surgery plus peer endorsement.
Verify on the issuer's register →National plastic-surgery board certification
Issuer Country-specific (e.g. ABPS in US, BAAPS in UK, SBCP in Brazil, KSPRS in South Korea, ASPRS in Australia)
Specialty-board certification in plastic surgery from the surgeon's country of practice. The single most important credential for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure.
Verify on the issuer's register →
Recovery Timeline
Average recovery for Otoplasty is 0 days. Individual recovery varies — always follow your surgeon’s specific guidance.
- 01Day 0–1
Immediate
First 24–48 hours post-procedure. Monitoring, anaesthesia recovery, initial pain management. Most clinics expect you to remain on-site or nearby.
- 02Day 2–2
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.
- 03Day 3–3
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.
- 04Day 4–0
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.*
Questions to Ask Your Clinic
Browse all destinations offering Otoplasty →Detailed cost breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Related Procedures
Other cosmetic surgery procedures in our registry