1–2 hours
General (children) or local (adults)
1–2 weeks
Permanent
Otoplasty corrects prominent or misshapen ears by reshaping the cartilage and repositioning the ear closer to the head. At The Sculptique Aesthetics in Mumbai, we perform ear surgery for both children and adults with attention to symmetry and natural-looking results. Whether the concern is protruding ears, large or asymmetric ears or certain congenital shape issues, a personalised consultation helps us recommend the right technique.
Incisions are placed behind the ear so scars are hidden. The procedure is one of the few aesthetic operations commonly done in childhood—often from around age five, when the ear has reached nearly full size—so children can avoid teasing and feel more confident. Adult otoplasty is also common and produces lasting results.
What it is
Otoplasty (ear pinning) addresses protruding ears by reshaping the ear cartilage and setting the ear back closer to the head. The most common cause of prominent ears is an underdeveloped or absent antihelical fold (the inner curve of the ear) and/or an oversized concha (the bowl of the ear). Surgery can create or strengthen the antihelical fold, reduce the concha if needed, and set the ear in a more natural position.
Incisions are placed in the crease behind the ear so they are not visible from the front or side. The cartilage is reshaped with sutures and sometimes scoring or removal of small amounts of cartilage. Both ears are usually operated on in one session for symmetry. The procedure can also address large or asymmetric ears and some congenital ear shape concerns (e.g. constricted ear); more complex deformities may require staged or specialised techniques.
At The Sculptique Aesthetics we tailor the technique to your (or your child's) anatomy. We will explain the exact steps, the type of anaesthesia and what to expect during recovery so you can make an informed decision.
Who it's for
Ideal candidates for otoplasty are children (typically from around age five, when ear cartilage is stable enough for surgery and ear growth is nearly complete) and adults who are self-conscious about ear position or shape. Good candidates are in good general health and have realistic expectations: the goal is a natural, symmetric ear position, not perfectly identical ears (some natural asymmetry is normal).
Operating in childhood can help before school or social pressure increases, and results are permanent. Adults who did not have surgery as children can still benefit; the procedure is the same and recovery is straightforward. During your consultation in Mumbai we will examine the ears from the front and back, discuss your (or your child's) concerns and goals, and explain the technique and recovery. For children, we will also discuss timing and the importance of avoiding ear trauma during healing.
Benefits
- Ears sit closer to the head with a natural position
- Improved symmetry and proportion; reduced prominence
- Permanent correction; cartilage holds the new shape
- Hidden scars behind the ear; minimal visible evidence
- Suitable for children and adults
- Often performed in one session for both ears
Recovery & results
A head bandage or dressing is worn for a few days to protect the ears and support the new position. Swelling and mild discomfort are normal; we will advise on pain relief and care. The bandage is usually removed within a week, and you (or your child) may be asked to wear a soft headband at night for a few weeks to protect the ears while sleeping.
Strenuous activity and contact sports are avoided for several weeks to prevent trauma to the ears. Most children can return to school within about a week once the bandage is off; adults can return to work around the same time. Final position and shape are visible once swelling has settled—typically within a few weeks. Results are permanent: the cartilage heals in the new position. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions and a follow-up schedule.
Before & after
Drag the slider left and right to compare before and after. Results may vary.
Frequently asked questions
Ear cartilage is stable enough for surgery from around five years of age, and the ear has usually reached nearly full size. Operating at this stage can help before teasing at school becomes an issue. Adult otoplasty is also very common for those who did not have surgery as children.
Incisions are placed in the crease behind the ear. Once healed, scars are inconspicuous and hidden when viewed from the front or side. We use careful closure and aftercare to support optimal healing.
There is some discomfort after surgery, which is managed with pain relief. Children having general anaesthesia feel nothing during the procedure; adults having local anaesthesia may feel pressure but not pain. Most patients describe recovery as manageable.
Yes. If only one ear is prominent or misshapen, we can operate on that side only. Often both ears have some asymmetry, so operating on both in one session can achieve the best symmetry.
We typically advise avoiding contact sports and activities that could traumatise the ears for about six weeks. Non-contact activities can often be resumed earlier. We will give you a clear timeline based on your child's healing.
Choose a surgeon trained in plastic or ENT surgery with experience in otoplasty. At The Sculptique Aesthetics our surgeons are board-certified and perform ear surgery for both children and adults. We encourage you to come for a consultation to discuss your goals and see our approach.
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