Prominent ears

The correction of prominent ears needs a surgical procedure called otoplasty, aiming at reshaping the auricles considered excessively too visible.


The surgery is usually performed on the two auricles but could be done unilaterally.

An otoplasty can be performed from 7 years old, as soon as the child starts suffering of his/her ear aspect.


Most of the time, coverage by health insurance is possible for children. In adults, coverage is possible for extreme cases.

Schematically, we can distinguish three types of abnormalities which are often, more or less, associated:

• Too open angle between the auricle and the skull, carrying out the so called prominence (valgus helix).
• Too large size of the conchal cartilage projecting forward the ear which improves the prominent aspect (concha hypertrophy).
• Failure into the normal cartilage reliefs folding which gives a too smooth, like unpleated, aspect to the ear (lack of anthelix plicature).

Before the procedure

A usual pre-operative evaluation is done, following the prescriptions.

An anaesthesiologist must be seen in consultation, at least 48 hours before surgery if the anaesthesia is not local only.

No aspirin-based medication should be taken during the 10 days preceding the operation.

The procedure

The procedure may be carried out on an out-patient basis, in an ambulatory facility, the patient leaves on the same day after a few hours under observation.

 Three type of anaesthesia exist:

• simple local anaesthetic (an analgesic drug is injected locally to insensibilize the ears).
• local anaesthesia completed by tranquillizing drugs, injected in veins (vigil anaesthesia).
• classical general anaesthesia, which puts you asleep.

Usually, the scars are hidden inside the natural retro-auricular fold, which is the natural fold behind the ear.

After the procedure

You will be monitored in the recovery room during about 1h30 and in your room.

The voluminous dressing is done in a helmet shape to keep the ears in a good position during the first 24 hours. It is removed the day after surgery. It aims at compressing the treated areas during the first hours after the operation.

Swelling emphasizing the ear reliefs can appear. More or less important bruising can appear. This matter of fact should not worry you, it will be transitory and will not affect the final result.

• When the dressing is removed, stitches do not need any bandage and you can wear glasses again. A protecting head-band will be worn day and nights for 7 to 10 days (day and night) and then for 1 month, during night only to avoid a reversal of the ears.

Violent sports or sports which can traumatize the ears need to be avoided during 2 months.

• Pains are usually moderate and if necessary, they can be treated using pain killers or anti-inflammatory drugs. In the contrary, you must consult the surgeon.

• You must also avoid high cold temperature for at least 2 months after surgery, due to the frost-bite risk because of the transitory sensitiveness abatement.

The final aspect will be appreciated within 2 to 4 months after surgery.