Ears
Otoplasty
For prominent ears
How it works
Otoplasty encompasses several techniques that place prominent ears closer to the head and recreate the natural folds of the cartilage.
It can be performed in children, ideally before they enter primary school, to prevent mockery by other children. However, many teenagers and adults still have the deformity and remain candidates for surgery.
Videos
Videos
Torn earlobe repair
Correction of earlobe tears caused by earrings
How it works
This surgical procedure reconstructs the continuity of the earlobe skin after a complete or incomplete tear. The earring hole may be closed, allowing a new hole to be made elsewhere later, or kept open. In the latter case, appropriate earrings, such as gold earrings, are recommended during the first few weeks.
The most common causes are forceful pulling of an earring or frequent use of heavy earrings. After surgery, earrings should preferably be lightweight to avoid recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about otoplasty and torn earlobe repair.
What is otoplasty used for?
Otoplasty improves the appearance of the ears and corrects deformities or prominent ears.
How does otoplasty work?
It encompasses several techniques that place prominent ears closer to the head and recreate the natural folds of the cartilage.
Can otoplasty be performed in children?
Yes. It can be performed in children, ideally before they enter primary school.
Can teenagers and adults also undergo otoplasty?
Yes. Many teenagers and adults still have the deformity and remain candidates for surgery.
How long does otoplasty take?
The procedure takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used for otoplasty?
General anaesthesia is used in children. In adults, the procedure may be performed under local anaesthesia, with or without sedation, or under general anaesthesia.
Where are otoplasty scars located?
The scars are located in the groove behind the ear and are unnoticeable in social settings.
Does otoplasty require a hospital stay?
Otoplasty usually does not require hospitalisation.
What is recovery after otoplasty like?
You can return to work after 2–4 days. An elastic band should be used for one month, and physical activity can resume after one month, except contact sports, which may require longer.
Is otoplasty definitive and what are the risks?
The procedure is usually definitive. Temporary throbbing, pain, swelling, redness or numbness may occur; less frequent problems include cartilage infection, excessive scarring, blood clots, an inadequate or artificial appearance and recurrence of the protrusion.
What does torn earlobe repair involve?
It is a surgical procedure that reconstructs the continuity of the earlobe skin after a complete or incomplete tear.
Can the earring hole be kept during the repair?
The hole may be closed, allowing a new hole to be made elsewhere later, or kept open. When it is kept open, appropriate earrings are recommended during the first few weeks.
What commonly causes a torn earlobe?
The most common causes are forceful pulling of an earring or frequent use of heavy earrings.
How long does torn earlobe repair take and what anaesthesia is used?
The repair takes 20–30 minutes per ear and is performed under local anaesthesia.
What is recovery like and what are the risks of torn earlobe repair?
Recovery is immediate, stitches are removed after 5–7 days and physical activity can resume after two weeks. Heavy earrings may cause recurrence; less common risks are infection and excessive scarring. The result is lifelong when postoperative instructions are followed.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
