Ear Plastic Surgery 

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the shape, position, and size of the auricles. The auricles are paired structures located on the sides of the head and significantly influence the overall perception of the face and the proportionality of the profile.

The most common reason for seeking surgery is prominent ears, or protruding auricles. However, the range of otoplasty procedures is much broader: from correcting asymmetry and reducing overly large ears to complex reconstruction in cases of congenital anomalies and post-traumatic defects.

At Iskusstvo Clinic in Moscow, otoplasty is performed by surgeons trained in the school of Professor A.I. Nerobeev, combining aesthetic surgery with expertise in reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery.

Indications

Aesthetic Indications

Prominent ears, or protruding auricles, with an increased angle between the auricle and the head of more than 30 degrees

Flattening or absence of the antihelix, the anatomical fold of the auricle

Hypertrophy, or excessive enlargement, of the conchal bowl

Asymmetry of the auricles in shape, size, or position

Macrotia, or disproportionately large auricles

Earlobe deformities, including stretched earlobes or torn earlobes after wearing tunnels or earrings

The patient’s desire to change the shape of the auricles to improve self-confidence

Reconstructive Indications

Microtia, or congenital underdevelopment or absence of the auricle

Anotia, or complete absence of the auricle

Post-traumatic deformities and defects of the auricle after injuries, bites, or burns

Defects after oncological resections

Congenital anomalies of auricle shape, including constricted ear, satyr ear, and cryptotia

Types of Procedures and Methods

Iskusstvo Clinic performs the full range of auricular procedures, from aesthetic correction of prominent ears to multi-stage reconstruction in cases of microtia.

Aesthetic Otoplasty, or Correction of Prominent Ears

This is the most common ear surgery. It is aimed at correcting prominent ears by forming the proper antihelical fold and, if necessary, reducing the concha. The procedure is performed for both adults and children from the age of 5–6.

Reconstructive Otoplasty

Reconstructive otoplasty restores the auricle in cases of congenital anomalies, such as microtia or anotia, post-traumatic defects, burn injuries, and consequences of oncological surgery. It may involve the use of autologous cartilage frameworks, usually from rib cartilage, skin flaps, and, in some cases, epitheses, or silicone prostheses.

This is one of the most complex areas of reconstructive surgery and requires exceptional surgical skill and a refined sense of form.

How the Procedure Is Performed

Ear surgery at Iskusstvo Clinic is performed in an operating room equipped with microsurgical instruments. Preoperative preparation includes a consultation with the surgeon, a detailed examination, photographic documentation, and, in reconstructive cases, computer-based 3D modeling. For children, a preliminary consultation with an anesthesiologist is required.

Aesthetic otoplasty is performed under local anesthesia in adults and under general anesthesia in children. The procedure lasts from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. As a rule, the patient leaves the clinic on the same day.

Reconstructive otoplasty, for example in cases of microtia, is performed under general anesthesia. It may take from 2 to 5 hours and may require several stages with intervals of 3–6 months.

In aesthetic otoplasty, the incisions are placed on the back surface of the auricle and are hidden behind the ear after healing. In reconstructive procedures, the location of the incisions is determined by the reconstruction plan and discussed with the patient in advance.

Rehabilitation

After aesthetic otoplasty, a fixation dressing is applied to the ears and worn around the clock for 5–7 days. After that, an elastic bandage, sports headband, or special bandage is recommended at night for 3–4 weeks. Sutures are removed on days 7–10.

Swelling and bruising are minimal and usually resolve within 7–14 days. Sensitivity of the auricles may be temporarily reduced and usually recovers within several weeks.

Return to social activity is possible after 5–7 days. Children may return to school after 7–10 days. Physical activity and contact sports should be restricted for 4–6 weeks. The final result of aesthetic otoplasty forms within 1–2 months. Rehabilitation after reconstructive procedures is longer and depends on the extent of surgery. Recovery timelines are individual.

Risks and Complications

Possible complications include hematoma, infection, asymmetry, suture contouring, recurrence of protrusion due to weakened fixation, unsatisfactory scarring, overcorrection or undercorrection, and reduced skin sensitivity.

A specific complication of chondroplasty is chondritis, or cartilage inflammation, which requires early treatment. All potential risks are discussed with the surgeon during the consultation. The experience of Iskusstvo Clinic surgeons in auricular surgery helps minimize the likelihood of complications.

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

Decompensated somatic diseases

Blood clotting disorders

Active oncological disease

Acute infectious diseases

Active inflammation in the auricle area, including chondritis, perichondritis, or otitis

Relative Contraindications

Age under 5 years, as the auricle has not yet reached sufficient size for correction

Autoimmune diseases affecting cartilage tissue

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The final decision on whether surgery can be performed is made by the doctor.

Why Choose Iskusstvo Clinic

The School of Professor Nerobeev

The surgeons have expertise in facial reconstructive surgery, which is critically important in complex cases such as microtia and post-traumatic defects.

Full Range of Procedures

The clinic performs everything from aesthetic correction of prominent ears to multi-stage auricle reconstruction using rib cartilage within one medical center.

Microsurgical Expertise

Precision skills in working with small structures ensure accuracy when forming the complex relief of the auricle.

Equipment

The clinic has 5 operating rooms, 12 inpatient rooms, and equipment at the level of leading federal medical centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Can a Child Have Otoplasty?

Aesthetic otoplasty, or correction of prominent ears, can be performed from the age of 5–6, when the auricle reaches approximately 90% of its adult size. Early intervention may be reasonable if the child experiences psychological discomfort.

The decision is made jointly by the parents and surgeon and, whenever possible, with the child’s opinion taken into account. Reconstructive otoplasty for microtia usually begins between the ages of 6 and 10.

Will There Be Scars After Otoplasty?

In aesthetic otoplasty, the incision is placed on the back surface of the auricle and, after healing, is hidden in the fold behind the ear. It is not visible from the front or side.

In reconstructive procedures, the location of the scars depends on the extent of surgery and is planned to make them as inconspicuous as possible.

Can Prominent Ears Return After Surgery?

Recurrence of prominent ears is possible, but it is uncommon. According to the literature, it occurs in 3–5% of patients. The risk of recurrence is reduced by careful cartilage fixation and adherence to the postoperative regimen, including wearing the bandage at night for the recommended period.

If recurrence occurs, revision correction is possible.

Is Otoplasty Painful?

The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so there is no pain during surgery. Local anesthesia is more commonly used in adults, while general anesthesia is used in children.

During the postoperative period, moderate discomfort, pressure, and tightness may occur. These sensations are well controlled with pain medication and usually resolve within a few days.

Is Hospitalization Required?

Aesthetic otoplasty is an outpatient procedure: the patient leaves the clinic on the same day. Reconstructive procedures, such as microtia correction or rib cartilage harvesting, may require an inpatient stay of 1–2 days. The exact timing depends on the extent of surgery.

Can a Stretched or Torn Earlobe Be Corrected?

Yes. Earlobe correction is a common and relatively simple procedure. A stretched earlobe after wearing heavy earrings or tunnels can be reduced, and a torn earlobe can be restored.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes 20–40 minutes. Re-piercing is possible after complete healing, usually after 2–3 months.