Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Since most of the development of the auricle is complete by age 5-6, the operation is usually considered possible from this age onward. Many families choose the preschool or early primary school period to prevent teasing during the school years. There is no practical upper age limit — otoplasty is also performed successfully in adulthood.

Because the operation is performed under anesthesia, no pain is felt during the procedure. Over the following few days there may be tightness and aching in the ears, which is easily managed with the prescribed pain medication. Children usually get through this period more easily than adults.

Since the incision is made along the natural fold behind the ear, the scar is not visible from the front and does not stand out in daily life. The line, which appears reddish in the first months, fades over time.

After the bandage is removed — usually from day 5-7 — most adults can return to work, and children can return to school after about a week. For physical exertion and activities with contact risk, waiting a few extra weeks is recommended.

Since the cartilage is reshaped with permanent sutures, the result is considered lasting. In rare cases, partial return of the correction (relapse) is possible — following the headband regimen during the first months reduces this risk.

The technique is similar in both age groups; the main differences lie in the anesthesia and the characteristics of the cartilage. In children, the operation is performed under general anesthesia and the softer cartilage is easier to shape; in adults, local anesthesia with sedation is usually sufficient, and since the cartilage is firmer, the suture technique is planned accordingly. In children, psychological readiness and the child's own wish are also always taken into account.

No. The operation is performed only on the outer ear (auricle); the ear canal and the hearing structures are not touched. For this reason, ear correction surgery does not affect hearing function.

In the first days the head remains fully bandaged; the bandage is usually removed on day 5-7. Then an elastic headband is provided to protect the ears — worn all day at first, and later, usually for 3-6 weeks, only at night. This regimen is important for the result to remain stable.

The price varies depending on whether one or both ears are operated on, the type of anesthesia (general anesthesia in children), the degree of the deformity, and the clinic. An exact price can only be given after an in-person consultation and examination — you can book a free consultation for this.

Yes, correction of a single ear is possible. That said, to bring the angles of the two ears as close as possible, a minor intervention on the other ear may sometimes also be recommended — this is assessed individually during the consultation.

Non-surgical correction is possible only in the newborn period, while the cartilage is still very soft, using special ear molds. Once the cartilage hardens (from infancy onward), tapes and bandages do not produce a lasting result — at that stage, the reliable method is surgical otoplasty.

Relapse, meaning a partial return of the angle, is possible in rare cases and is usually related to strain placed on the sutures during the first months. Following the headband regimen, not pulling on the ears, and protecting them from contact impacts significantly reduces this likelihood. If a noticeable return occurs, a repeat correction can be assessed.

Medically, there is no specific season requirement; the operation is performed year-round. For practical reasons, many families choose the summer holidays — the child does not miss school and completes the headband regimen in comfortable conditions.