About otoplasty
Prominent ears are a normal anatomical variant, usually caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold or an over-projected conchal bowl. Neither is a health problem, but the social impact — particularly on children — is well documented and often significant.
Correction works on the cartilage itself. Suture techniques recreate the antihelical fold, and conchal setback reduces projection where the bowl is deep. Both are performed through an incision hidden behind the ear.
We prefer to operate from around age five or six, once the ear has reached close to adult size but before school-age teasing has had lasting effect. Adults do equally well; the cartilage is stiffer and often needs scoring as well as suturing.
Who this suits
- Ears that project more than about 20mm from the head, or asymmetrically.
- Absent or poorly formed antihelical fold.
- Age five or above, with ear growth substantially complete.
- Adults of any age with untreated prominence or a previous unsatisfactory correction.
- No active ear infection or untreated skin condition.
How the procedure is performed
- Measurement of auriculocephalic angle and conchal depth on both sides.
- Incision placed in the postauricular sulcus, entirely hidden behind the ear.
- Anterior cartilage scoring to weaken the spring where the cartilage is rigid.
- Mustardé sutures placed to create or accentuate the antihelical fold.
- Conchomastoid (Furnas) sutures to set back an over-projected conchal bowl.
- Fine closure and a moulded head dressing worn for one week.
- Children are treated under general anaesthesia; adults commonly under local with sedation.
What it achieves
- Ears sit naturally against the head with a normal contour.
- Symmetry corrected between the two sides.
- Scar entirely concealed behind the ear.
- Permanent — recurrence is uncommon with suture-and-score technique.
- Immediate and marked improvement in confidence, particularly in children.
Recovery timeline
Individual recovery varies. These are the stages most patients pass through, and the ones we plan your follow-up around.
- Days 1–7
Moulded head dressing worn continuously. Mild discomfort, controlled with simple analgesia.
- Day 7
Dressing removed and replaced with a soft headband.
- Weeks 2–6
Headband worn at night to protect against accidental folding during sleep.
- Weeks 2–3
Return to school or work. Swimming from week four.
- Months 2–3
Final settled position; contact sports permitted.
Cost
Both ears, including theatre, anaesthesia, dressings and follow-up.
Bands reflect the genuine variation in complexity between patients. Your firm quote is issued after examination and does not change afterwards. See our full price list for context across the catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
Five to seven is ideal — the ear is near adult size and correction happens before prominence affects a child socially. That said, we operate on adults regularly with the same technique and results.
Modern suture-and-score technique has a low recurrence rate. Wearing the protective headband at night for the first six weeks is the main thing that prevents it.
Yes, where prominence is genuinely one-sided. We still examine both to ensure the corrected side will match rather than overshoot.
Ear moulding splints work well in infants under about six months, when the cartilage is still soft. After that, surgery is the only reliable option.
