Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that adjusts the position, shape, or size of the ears.

While it’s most commonly known as “ear pinning” to correct prominent ears, it’s also used to repair stretched earlobes, torn lobes from earrings, congenital deformities, or ears that have been injured or folded abnormally.

It’s a versatile procedure that can dramatically improve balance and symmetry in your facial appearance.

Otoplasty is suitable for children over 5 years old, teenagers, and adults who are unhappy with the shape or position of their ears. By around age 5, ears are close to their adult size, and the cartilage is still soft, which allows for easier reshaping.

That said, many adults have otoplasty later in life and still achieve excellent results. Ideal candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Otoplasty can address a variety of ear-related concerns, including:

• Protruding ears (ear pinning)
  
• Misshapen or folded ears
  
• Birth defects or underdeveloped ears
  
• Torn or stretched earlobes (from earrings or gauges)
• Traumatic injury to the ear cartilage or lobe

Each treatment is customised to your unique anatomy and goals. Individual results may vary. Outcomes depend on a range of factors including your anatomy, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

No, there are no reliable non-surgical options that can permanently change the shape or position of your ears. 

In cases involving missing or deformed ears due to injury or birth defects, prosthetic ears can be worn for cosmetic purposes, but they do not alter your natural ear structure.

Children can undergo otoplasty surgery from as young as 5 years old! Performing surgery at this age may help avoid bullying issues. The softer cartilage also allows for easier reshaping, but excellent outcomes are possible at any age.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

An otoplasty typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours. For adults, the surgery is often done under local anaesthetic with sedation; children usually require general anaesthesia. 

Dr Assad Bangash will make an incision behind the ear or within the ear’s natural folds, reshape the cartilage, and secure the new position with internal sutures. It’s a day procedure, so you’ll return home the same day. 

You’ll wear a protective headband or bandage for the first one to two weeks to support healing. Swelling and bruising are common initially, and the ears may appear uneven as they settle — this usually resolves over time. Most people return to school or work within 5–7 days, but you’ll need to avoid side-sleeping and contact sports until your surgeon gives you the all-clear.

It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon to support optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications. Individual results and recovery times will vary.

Yes, otoplasty results are designed to be permanent. Once the cartilage heals in its new position, the changes are typically long-lasting. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully helps ensure the best outcome.

Scars are typically well hidden behind the ear or in natural creases. They fade over time and become barely noticeable in most cases. Dr Assad Bangash will take care to place incisions discreetly.

Individual results may vary. Outcomes depend on a range of factors including your anatomy, healing response, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Otoplasty is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks. These include:

• Infection or bleeding
• Asymmetry
• Overcorrection or undercorrection
• Scarring or suture-related issues

In rare cases, a revision procedure may be required. Choosing a qualified surgeon minimises risks. Our plastic surgeon, Dr Assad Bangash, has a wide range of experience in plastic surgery. He was trained in Britain and has experience of over 25 years in this field.

No, the ears cannot be repositioned vertically without affecting the function of surrounding structures, including your hearing. Otoplasty focuses on how far the ears project from the head (their “pinning” angle) rather than their height or size relative to the face.

Often, yes. Even if only one ear is noticeably prominent, surgeons frequently operate on both ears to ensure better balance and symmetry. Natural ears are rarely perfectly identical, and even a small difference in angle can be noticeable — otoplasty aims to improve overall facial harmony.

Avoid contact sports, swimming, or any activity that could bump or put pressure on the ears for at least 4–6 weeks. Always wait for your surgeon’s approval before returning to physical activity. Healing cartilage is delicate and needs protection during early recovery.