What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the ears to improve their appearance and relationship to the head. The most common concern addressed is prominent ears — ears that stick out noticeably from the side of the head due to underdeveloped antihelical folding or excess conchal cartilage. Beyond prominence, otoplasty can also address ears that are asymmetric, unusually large (macrotia), misshapen from birth, or distorted following injury. At Panache in Delhi, Dr. Ankit Gupta performs otoplasty for both adults and children (from age 5–6 when ear cartilage is sufficiently developed). The procedure produces permanent, natural-looking results — ears that appear balanced, proportionate, and in harmony with the rest of the face. Because the incisions are placed behind the ear, scarring is completely concealed.
Who is it for?
Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic procedures that is equally appropriate for children and adults.
- Children aged 5 and above whose ears protrude significantly — early treatment prevents teasing and self-consciousness during school years
- Adolescents and adults who are self-conscious about prominent or asymmetric ears
- Patients who avoid certain hairstyles, hats, or activities due to ear appearance
- Those with one ear more prominent than the other (asymmetry)
- Patients with overly large ears (macrotia) who want proportionate reduction
- Anyone with ear cartilage deformities from birth or injury
The Procedure
Otoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation for adults, or general anaesthesia for younger children. It takes 1–2 hours and does not require an overnight hospital stay.
A discreet incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear — completely hidden from view.
The ear cartilage is sculpted, scored, and/or folded to create or enhance the antihelical fold and reduce conchal excess — bringing the ear to a natural position closer to the head.
Permanent sutures hold the cartilage in its new position. These are placed deep to the skin and are not visible.
The incision behind the ear is closed with fine sutures. A soft bandage is wrapped around the head to protect and support the ears during initial healing.
Recovery
Recovery from otoplasty is straightforward. The most important phase is the first week, when the ears must be protected from any pressure or trauma.
- Day 1–3: a soft head bandage is worn. Mild aching and tightness — managed with simple painkillers.
- Day 5–7: bandage removed and replaced with a lighter headband worn at night.
- Week 2: sutures removed. Most patients return to work and school.
- Week 3–6: headband worn at night to prevent accidental folding during sleep.
- Month 2+: ears settle into their final, natural position. Result is permanent.
- Avoid contact sports and any activity with risk of ear trauma for 6 weeks.
What to Expect
The results of otoplasty are immediate and permanent. Once healed, the ears require no maintenance and will not revert to their previous position.
- Ears are brought to a natural position — not pinned too flat, which looks unnatural
- Asymmetry between both ears is corrected to the extent anatomy allows
- Scarring is entirely hidden in the crease behind the ear
- For children: significant improvement in confidence and elimination of a common cause of social distress
- Results are for life — cartilage that has been reshaped and secured does not revert
