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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Correct prominent ears and improve ear shape for children and adults with expert otoplasty that creates natural-looking, balanced proportions.

Procedure Time
1-2 Hours
Recovery
1 Week
Anesthesia
General/Local
Results
Permanent

Achieve Balanced, Natural-Looking Ears with Expert Otoplasty

Ear surgery, medically known as otoplasty, corrects prominent, protruding, or misshapen ears for children and adults. Whether addressing ears that stick out too far from the head, are too large, or have shape irregularities, Dr. Ridha's expert techniques create natural-looking, proportional ears that enhance facial balance and boost confidence.

At RIDHA Plastic Surgery in Saratoga Springs, NY, we understand that prominent ears can significantly impact self-esteem, especially for children who may experience teasing. Otoplasty is one of the few plastic surgery procedures commonly performed on children as young as 5-6 years old once ear development is complete, though adults also benefit greatly from correction.

Dr. RIDHA uses advanced cartilage-reshaping techniques to create natural ear contours, ensuring symmetry and appropriate positioning without an operated appearance. Whether correcting one or both ears, the results are permanent improvements that restore confidence and eliminate self-consciousness about ear appearance.

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with otoplasty expertise
  • Safe for children aged 5+ and adults of all ages
  • Natural-looking results with hidden scars
  • Permanent correction of prominent ears
  • Quick recovery with minimal downtime
Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified
20+ Years
Experience
98% Rating
Patient Satisfaction

Benefits of Ear Surgery

Enhanced Confidence

Eliminate self-consciousness about prominent ears and feel confident in any hairstyle or social situation.

Improved Facial Balance

Create harmonious ear proportions that complement your facial features naturally.

Permanent Results

Enjoy lifelong correction of prominent ears with results that don't change over time.

Quick Recovery

Resume most activities within 1-2 weeks with minimal disruption to daily life.

Hidden Scars

Incisions placed behind the ear are virtually invisible once healed.

Safe for Children

One of the few cosmetic procedures safely performed on children aged 5+ once ear development is complete.

Are You a Good Candidate for Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty benefits both children and adults bothered by ear appearance. Ideal candidates typically meet these criteria:

✓ You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • Children aged 5-6+ with fully developed ear cartilage, or adults of any age
  • In good overall health without medical conditions that impair healing
  • Bothered by prominent, protruding, or misshapen ears
  • Realistic expectations about otoplasty outcomes
  • Children mature enough to follow post-operative instructions
  • Non-smoker (for adult candidates)
  • No active ear infections or skin conditions
  • Able to wear protective headband for several weeks post-surgery

Ear Surgery Procedure Details

Duration
1-2 Hours
Depends on complexity of correction
Anesthesia
General or Local
General for children, local for adults
Location
Surgical Suite
Accredited facility
Recovery
Outpatient
Return home same day
Technique
Cartilage Reshaping
Reshaping and repositioning ear cartilage
Results
Permanent
Lifelong correction of ear position

Ear Surgery Recovery Timeline

Understanding otoplasty recovery helps ensure optimal healing and beautiful results.

1
Immediate Recovery

1-3 Days Post-Op

Days 1-3

Initial recovery with protective head dressing

  • Bulky bandage or head wrap around ears
  • Mild discomfort, throbbing, or tenderness
  • Manage pain with prescribed medication
  • Keep head elevated to reduce swelling
  • Avoid touching or disturbing bandages
2
Short-term Recovery

Days 4-7

Days 4-7

Bandages removed, protective headband applied

  • Initial bandages removed around day 5-7
  • Sutures may be dissolvable or removed
  • Begin wearing protective headband
  • Swelling and bruising begin to subside
  • Avoid sleeping on ears
3
Short-term Recovery

Week 2

Week 2

Return to school/work and light activities

  • Most swelling resolved
  • Return to school/work (children and adults)
  • Continue wearing headband at night
  • Avoid contact sports and rough play
  • Protect ears from trauma
4
Mid-term Recovery

Weeks 3-6

Weeks 3-6

Gradual resumption of all activities

  • Resume most normal activities
  • Ear shape and position refine
  • Continue wearing headband at night for protection
  • Avoid contact sports until cleared by surgeon
  • Scars continue to fade and flatten
5
Long-term Recovery

Months 3-6

Months 3-6

Final results emerge

  • All swelling fully resolved
  • Final ear position and shape evident
  • Scars fade to thin white lines behind ears
  • Resume all activities without restrictions
  • Enjoy permanent ear correction

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about ear surgery.

Ear surgery can be safely performed once ear cartilage is fully developed, typically around age 5-6. Many parents choose to have otoplasty performed before a child starts school to avoid potential teasing. However, ear surgery is also highly effective for teenagers and adults of any age who are bothered by prominent ears.
Yes! Dr. Ridha's technique creates natural-looking ear contours and proportions that complement your facial features. The goal is to position ears closer to the head at a normal angle (typically 25-35 degrees from the head) without an operated or pinned-back appearance. Ears should look like they naturally belong on your head.
Yes, otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage reshaping and repositioning achieved during surgery maintains its new shape indefinitely. While ears continue to age naturally along with the rest of your body, they will always maintain their improved position and proportions.
Ear surgery incisions are placed in the natural crease behind the ear where they are virtually invisible. Even when looking for scars, most people cannot detect them once fully healed. The scars typically fade to thin white lines within 6-12 months.
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain. Children often describe a throbbing or aching sensation. Any discomfort is easily managed with prescribed pain medication for the first few days. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers within 3-5 days.
Most patients wear a protective headband 24/7 for the first 1-2 weeks, then at night only for an additional 4-6 weeks. The headband protects ears from accidental trauma during sleep and helps maintain the new ear position while tissues heal. Compliance with headband wearing is crucial for optimal results.
Yes! If only one ear protrudes or has shape irregularities, surgery can be performed on that ear alone. However, for optimal symmetry, Dr. RIDHA may recommend subtle adjustments to both ears even if only one appears prominently different, ensuring balanced, natural-looking results.
Most children can return to school within 1 week after surgery. They should avoid contact sports and rough play for 4-6 weeks to allow proper healing. The protective headband can be worn under a hat or headband for additional protection during the early recovery period.