The Procedure

Otoplasty corrects the structural causes of ear prominence. It is a precise, well-established procedure that repositions the ear to a balanced proportion and position. The goal is not an ear that has been operated on — it is an ear that looks as though it was always meant to sit exactly where it does.

Why Ears Become Prominent

Prominent ears are not a single anatomical problem — they arise from one or more distinct structural variations, each requiring its own surgical response. Identifying the specific contributors in each patient is the essential first step in planning a correction that is both effective and lasting.

• Underdeveloped Antihelical Fold The most common contributor. The antihelix is the inner curved ridge of the ear that, when properly formed, holds the upper and middle thirds of the ear close to the head. When this fold is deficient or flat, the ear protrudes outward.
• Conchal Bowl Excess The concha is the deep cavity of the ear adjacent to the ear canal. When the conchal cartilage is excessively deep, or its angle relative to the skull is too wide, the entire ear is pushed away from the head — a distinct contributor requiring its own management.
• Combined Antihelix & Concha Many patients present with both contributors simultaneously. A single technique rarely addresses this adequately — the operative plan must target each structural cause independently, which is why careful pre-operative assessment is essential.
• Earlobe Prominence Less common, but assessed as part of the overall evaluation where the earlobe contributes to asymmetry or the overall impression of prominence. Addressed through earlobe reduction or repositioning where indicated.

Incisions & Scarring

All access for otoplasty is obtained through a single incision placed in the natural crease behind the ear — the postauricular sulcus. This incision is entirely concealed when the ear is viewed from the front, and heals to a fine, discreet scar within the shadow of the posterior ear. No visible incision is made on the face or front of the ear. Absorbable sutures are used throughout, so no suture removal is required.

Otoplasty for Children

Surgery is appropriate once the ear cartilage has reached near-adult size and stability, typically in the primary school years, though the ideal timing is discussed individually. School holiday planning: We commonly plan paediatric surgery around school holiday periods, allowing recovery in a relaxed home environment with adequate time for swelling to settle before return to school. Our team can advise on appropriate booking windows aligned to the school calendar. Anaesthesia: Performed under general anaesthesia, planned in collaboration with a specialist paediatric anaesthetist. Absorbable sutures are used throughout — no suture removal is required, minimising post-operative visits and discomfort.

Otoplasty for Adults

Adults may seek otoplasty for a concern they have lived with since childhood, for asymmetry that has become more noticeable with time, or following an unsatisfactory prior procedure. The same techniques are employed with appropriate adaptations for adult cartilage, which is typically stiffer and benefits from the combined scoring and suture approach. Otoplasty can be performed at any adult age, provided general health is satisfactory.

Earlobe Surgery

Earlobe reduction and reshaping is offered alongside otoplasty, or as a standalone procedure. Common indications include earlobes elongated by ageing, split or torn lobes from earring trauma or gauges, and lobes that are disproportionately large relative to the rest of the ear. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, with meticulous attention to scar placement, symmetry, and balanced proportion. Re-piercing through the repaired area is straightforward once healing is complete, typically after three to four months.

Revision Otoplasty

Revision otoplasty — correction of an unsatisfactory result from prior ear surgery — is technically more demanding than primary surgery. Prior cartilage manipulation changes the mechanical behaviour of the tissue; scar formation alters skin mobility; and the technique used previously influences which revision options are available. Your surgeon approaches each revision case with a careful pre-operative assessment of the existing anatomy, the technique used previously, and the specific concern to be addressed. The operative plan targets the underlying anatomical cause of the problem rather than simply repeating the original approach. Common revision indications include recurrence of prominence, under-correction producing asymmetry, over-correction giving an unnaturally flat appearance, and irregular contours from prior cartilage work. Patients who have had a prior otoplasty are advised to wear the protective headband for the full 12 weeks following revision surgery, given the increased cartilage memory and tendency for tissue to return toward its original position.

Is Otoplasty Right for You?

Suitability for otoplasty depends on the specific anatomical concern, general health, the age and growth status of the patient, and the alignment between anatomy and realistic expectations. Your surgeon discusses candidacy openly at consultation. You may be a suitable candidate if:

• You have prominent, asymmetric, or disproportionate ears you would like corrected
• Children: ear cartilage near adult size and stability (timing discussed at consultation)
• Adults: stable general health, any age
• Realistic expectations — balanced correction, not perfection
• Non-smoker or willing to cease prior to surgery
• Prior unsatisfactory ear surgery (revision cases assessed individually)

This procedure may not be appropriate if:

• Significant unmanaged medical conditions increasing anaesthetic risk
• Active ear infection or skin condition in the operative field
• Unrealistic expectations — complete geometric symmetry is not achievable
• Children: ongoing significant facial and ear growth (timing to be assessed)
• Body dysmorphic disorder — careful psychological assessment is part of responsible practice

Planning Your Surgery

At your initial consultation, your surgeon will assess the specific anatomical contributors to ear prominence, discuss the appropriate combination of techniques, and explain what can realistically be achieved. For children, timing is assessed against cartilage maturity and the child’s readiness and understanding.

GP referral. A referral from your general practitioner is required before booking surgery. Your GP confirms general health and surgical appropriateness, and supports your recovery.

Seven-day cooling-off period. In line with AHPRA guidelines, a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies between your consultation and surgery. This time is yours to reflect, review consent documents, and decide without pressure.

Independent second opinion. You are encouraged to seek an independent second opinion from another appropriately qualified registered practitioner before proceeding. We support this and will assist with referrals on request.

Realistic expectations. All surgery has limits. Outcomes vary between individuals based on anatomy, healing, and other factors. No specific result can be guaranteed, and the information on this page is general — not a promise of any particular outcome.