Otoplasty: ear surgery for prominent ear correction
Prominent ears — the so-called "bat ears" — can cause significant discomfort in the lives of those who have them. Many people try to disguise them with hair, hats, or headbands, and end up limiting even their choice of hairstyles and daily activities. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Brazil with over twenty years of experience, I perform otoplasty — also known as ear pinning or ear surgery — with the aim of restoring a natural, balanced appearance to the facial contour, bringing more confidence and well-being to the patient. When correctly indicated and performed in an appropriate surgical setting, it reshapes the ear cartilage to create ears that are more proportional to the face, while still requiring individual assessment of risks, healing and expectations.
I use different techniques to reposition the ears closer to the head, resize them when necessary, or correct asymmetries, always reshaping the cartilage carefully to preserve a natural appearance — without that "stuck" ear look, which I consider an artificial result. International patients seeking cosmetic surgery abroad often value the technical planning, hospital structure and cost transparency that prominent ear correction offers at my clinic in Brazil.
From what age?
From the age of six, the ears have completed about 90% of their development and can therefore be assessed for surgery when the child is healthy and the indication is appropriate. In many cases, I prefer to perform otoplasty at this age — before the start of school life — to avoid embarrassment among peers. However, many of my patients seek the surgery in adulthood and achieve meaningful improvement. There is no strict upper age limit for otoplasty when clinical evaluation and health status allow surgery.
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Pre-operative
The consultation
During the consultation for otoplasty, I carefully assess three fundamental elements and explain each of them to the patient: the absence of the anti-helix, the projection of the conchas, and the presence or absence of asymmetries.
The anti-helix is a fold in the cartilage that gives curvature to the outer part of the ear, especially in the upper segment. In patients with protruding ears, one or both anti-helices are "flattened," which projects the ears forward, creating the protruding appearance. In otoplasty, I delicately redesign the anti-helices, following the technique in Professor Ivo Pitanguy's Island. In some cases — particularly in small children, whose cartilage is more pliable — it is possible to simply scrape the cartilage to recreate the anti-helices, without the need for a full-thickness incision.
Excess cartilage in the concha projects the ears forward, potentially reaching an angle close to 90 degrees with the head. In surgery, I rotate the conchas backwards without removing cartilage, maintaining the natural projection. I consider an ear without any projection, flat against the head, to be artificial. In my technique, I perform a calculated hypercorrection, as the ears gradually open over the first three weeks until they achieve a balanced and attractive result. To control this opening, the patient wears a compressive band 24 hours a day during this period.
Asymmetries between the ears are quite common — often, one ear projects more than the other. In many cases, otoplasty can minimise these differences enough to make them less noticeable in daily life, but perfect symmetry is not a realistic surgical goal. In rare situations, when the asymmetry involves a significant deformity, the surgery may include partial or total reconstruction of the auricle.
Anatomical details I assess during the otoplasty consultation
Helix
The helix of the ear is the outermost fold, starting at the root of the ear and ending at the lobe. Most of the time, its curvature is normal, but in cases of otoplasty for lop ear or cup ear, the curvature is very pronounced, sometimes caused by a horizontal fold in the cartilage that crosses the anti-helix, requiring, in these cases, reshaping of the helix and supporting it with a spring made from the cartilage of the concha.
Anti-helix
In most cases of protruding ears, the anti-helix, which should be a curved "Y" shaped fold, located just anterior to the helix, is absent. Otoplasty involves reshaping the cartilage, recreating the anti-helix and thereby reducing the projection, especially of the upper pole of the protruding ear.
Darwin's tubercle
This fold or projection on the helix, at its superior-external point, is evident in most people but may be just a barely perceptible thickening in others, and is called Darwin's tubercle. In some cases, when it is very prominent and accentuates the projection of protruding ears, I may surgically reduce it during otoplasty.
Lobe
The lobe of the ear is the lower part, without cartilage, where earrings are placed. The lobe can be attached or free. In some cases, especially in the elderly, it can be excessively large, and plastic surgery for ears can reduce its size by removing a wedge in the shape of a slice of pizza close to its insertion on the face. In other cases, otoplasty can close torn holes from earrings (due to allergy or trauma), through an anterior zetaplasty and simple suture at the back, to break the scar, interposing healthy skin in it, preventing future tears.
Tragus
This cartilage protuberance in front of the ear, at the height of the external auditory canal, is called the tragus. The tragus may be flattened, mainly due to a stigma from facial plastic surgery, the facelift, when the surgeon tries to hide the scar behind the tragus. In these cases, it is enough to release the cartilage by removing the scar tissue that holds it, restoring its projection. The cartilage protuberance above the lobe is called the antitragus.
Root
The uppermost insertion of the ear, consisting of the beginning of the helix and located just above the tragus, is called the root of the ear. It rarely needs to be operated on with otoplasty, but it is very useful in cases of helix flap (Antia flap), where a V-Y flap is performed at the root, allowing lateral and inferior advancement of the helix to repair substance loss in the middle or upper thirds of the helix. Most of the time, it serves as an anatomical parameter during facelift surgery as the maximum limit where the hairline can reach, in order to avoid a stigma of facial plastic surgery.
Concha
This smooth, concave part, adhered to the mastoid, posterior to the external acoustic meatus, is called the concha and contains cartilage that is ideal for performing grafts of hyaline cartilage, in the nose, for example. The concha may be very prominently projected in patients with protruding ears and can be detached at its posterior part and properly fixed to the mastoid, reducing its projection. Normally, I perform this manoeuvre in conjunction with reshaping the anti-helix.
Examinations
I request the following pre-operative examinations to perform otoplasty safely:
- Complete blood count;
- PT with INR + APTT;
- Creatinine;
- Urea;
- Fasting blood glucose;
- Total proteins and fractions;
- Urinalysis;
- ECG;
- Pre-operative cardiac assessment.
The anaesthesia
I perform otoplasty under general anaesthesia, which allows controlled comfort and monitoring during the procedure, which lasts between sixty and ninety minutes. In selected cases of cooperative adults, local anaesthesia with sedation may be a viable alternative, but general anaesthesia remains my preference for the tranquillity it provides — especially in children.
The surgery
I begin the otoplasty with precise marking and removal of excess skin in the posterior region of the ears. Next, I mark and create the island of cartilage that will shape the new anti-helix — this is the essence of the Island technique I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy. The cartilage is projected with absorbable sutures and the new contour of the ear begins to reveal itself. Then, I detach the auricular cartilage from the mastoid and rotate the ear backwards, correcting the excessive projection of the concha. Suturing is done behind the ears, where the scars are planned to be discreet after healing.
In my experience, otoplasty is an outpatient procedure: the patient goes home the same day, as soon as the effects of the anaesthesia wear off, with a padded bandage in the shape of a helmet that protects the ears without causing thermal discomfort. This bandage remains for approximately three days.
Scars
As the surgery is performed in the posterior region of the ears, the scars are positioned away from the front view and are planned to become discreet after healing. Patients with a tendency to keloids should be evaluated before surgery — the retroauricular region has a slightly higher risk of keloid formation, as do the shoulders and pre-sternal region. In my experience, unaesthetic scars after otoplasty are uncommon, but scar quality varies between patients.
Post-operative
After otoplasty, the intensity of pain varies from patient to patient — some feel moderate discomfort, while others report only mild discomfort. I use analgesic medications to keep the post-operative period controlled. The compressive band should be worn 24 hours a day for three weeks, being removed only for bathing. I remove the sutures between 7 and 10 days, and after about a month the patient can resume light physical activities, sleep on their side, and return to wearing glasses.
Swelling improves considerably in the first month, but it may take up to six months to disappear completely. During this period, the sensitivity of the ears may be temporarily diminished, returning progressively.
Recurrence
We call it recurrence when the ears begin to project again after surgery. The Island technique I use involves a full-thickness incision through the cartilage that neutralises its original elastic memory, which makes recurrence uncommon in my experience but still possible. This is one of the great differentiators of the technique I learned from Professor Pitanguy: by creating a cartilage island and reconfiguring the anti-helix on the cartilage itself, the result tends to remain stable over the long term.
Reconstructive Otoplasty
In fact, otoplasty is a term that refers to any plastic surgery of the ears, whether for protruding ears or other variations such as: lop ear, cup ear, microtia (small ear), anotia (absence of ear), reconstruction after trauma or due to the removal of skin cancer, among others.
The various deformities that an ear can present individualise the treatment for each case, which can range from a simple relaxation of the cartilage with minimal skin removal, removal of a part of the other ear to reconstruct a defect, or even a surgery with total reconstruction of the auricle using cartilage taken from the chest.
In my clinic in Brazil, each patient is evaluated individually and clearly guided about the real possibilities of improvement — total or partial — of the problem they present. Throughout my training and practice, I have developed the necessary experience to offer the best solutions in reconstructive otoplasty, always prioritising a functional and aesthetically balanced result.
How much does otoplasty cost in Brazil for UK patients?
The cost of otoplasty varies according to the complexity of the case — straightforward bilateral prominent-ear correction, unilateral work, combined lobuloplasty or reconstructive surgery for deformities such as lop ear and cup ear each carry different fees. The total investment covers my surgical fees, the anaesthetic team, theatre materials and the hospital day-case charge. I quote every patient individually during the first consultation (initial consultation £115), once I have examined the ears, selected the technique and estimated the operating time. For international patients travelling from the United Kingdom, my secretary can help coordinate the dates so that you combine the pre-operative review, the surgery itself and the initial follow-ups within a single trip to Londrina.
Does the NHS cover otoplasty?
On the NHS, otoplasty is classified as a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not routinely funded. There are exceptional cases — typically paediatric patients with severe congenital deformities such as microtia, anotia or significantly protruding ears causing documented psychological distress — where an Individual Funding Request may be submitted to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB), supported by a psychological assessment. Approval is rare and varies by region. Private medical insurance policies (BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva) generally exclude purely aesthetic otoplasty; cover may apply only when the surgery is considered reconstructive (post-trauma, oncological resection or congenital malformation) and prior authorisation has been obtained. In my practice in Londrina I attend UK patients privately, with a transparent quote agreed at the initial consultation and no hidden extras on the day of surgery.
Otoplasty headband: how to wear it, for how long, where to buy
The compression headband — also known as the post-otoplasty band or ear compression band — is the single most important element of the recovery. It holds the ears in their new position while the cartilage heals, controls the gradual re-opening produced by the planned hypercorrection, and reduces swelling. Without it, the result can fall short of expectations even when the surgical technique has been flawless.
How long to wear the headband after otoplasty
My standard instruction is for patients to wear the compression headband 24 hours a day for the first three weeks, removing it only for daily bathing. After that period, I advise wearing the headband only overnight for a further one to two weeks, so that the total wearing time reaches roughly 30 to 35 days. This tapering phase protects the ears from pillow friction while the tissues complete their healing. For international patients who fly home during this stage, I prepare a travel letter explaining the dressing so that cabin crew and airport security understand why the headband must remain in place.
Where to buy the otoplasty headband in the UK
UK patients can purchase a suitable post-otoplasty headband from orthopaedic suppliers, specialist surgical online retailers, larger high-street chemists and a number of Amazon UK vendors. I recommend buying the correct model before travelling for surgery so that a spare is already available at home for the transition phase. Children's, men's and women's versions exist, some in discreet fabrics and neutral colours suitable for the workplace. The essential criterion is that the band compresses the ears firmly without squeezing the head to the point of causing discomfort or headache — and that a second band is available so one can be washed while the other is worn.
Paediatric, men's and women's headbands
For children there are smaller sizes with playful patterns that help with compliance. For adults, neutral fabrics in black, beige or grey draw less attention. During the day the hair typically covers most of the band, and in the final two weeks many patients return to work without difficulty — particularly men with shorter hair, who usually only need to explain the situation briefly to colleagues.
How do ears look before and after otoplasty?
Before otoplasty, prominent ears project forwards and sit at an angle greater than 30 degrees from the side of the head. The three anatomical findings I see most often are: a flattened antihelix (the curved "Y"-shaped fold is effectively absent), an over-projected concha and side-to-side asymmetries — one ear usually stands out more than the other. Many patients hide their ears with long hair, hats, caps or headbands, which restricts their choice of hairstyles and sporting activities and, in children, can expose them to teasing in the school playground.
After surgery, the ears sit in proportion to the face, with a redesigned antihelix and the concha rotated towards the mastoid. I always preserve a natural degree of projection — I consider an ear that is flat against the head to be artificial. The final appearance emerges gradually: during the first three weeks, the swelling and the compression headband control the re-opening; between one and three months the natural shape settles; and up to six months any residual swelling and temporary change in sensation return to normal. The scars are positioned behind the ears and are planned to become discreet in day-to-day life, although scar quality varies between patients.
I do not publish before-and-after photographs on this website because the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine's Medical Advertising Manual (CFM Resolution 1.974/2011) restricts the use of patient images for promotional purposes, even when consent has been given. During the consultation I show photographs of my own cases (with the patients' explicit authorisation, in a private setting) so that you can appraise the standard of result my technique produces with complete transparency.
Incisionless otoplasty (with suspension sutures): does it work?
"Incisionless" otoplasty — also called the closed technique, the stitch method or suture-only otoplasty — is a procedure in which the surgeon passes non-absorbable sutures through tiny skin punctures, without an open incision, attempting to bend the cartilage and reposition the ear. I do not offer this technique in my practice. The reasoning is clinical, not commercial.
The surgical literature consistently shows higher recurrence rates for suture-only techniques compared with open procedures, because they do not alter the elastic memory of the cartilage — they merely hold it mechanically with threads. Over time, the cartilage tends to drift back towards its original position and the sutures themselves can generate complications: extrusion through the skin, infection, granulomas and chronic local discomfort. Non-absorbable sutures that surface through the skin months or years after the operation are a well-documented complaint with this technique.
I prefer the Island technique of Professor Ivo Pitanguy, performed through a posterior incision placed behind the ear and engaging the full thickness of the cartilage. This approach neutralises the original elastic memory and, both in my experience and in the published literature, supports a stable long-term result. The difference between a method that "supports mechanically" and one that "remodels the cartilage itself" helps explain why recurrence is less common with the Island technique.
Botched otoplasty: how to spot it and what to do
The tell-tale signs of a poorly executed otoplasty include: ears glued too tightly against the head (the so-called "telephone ear" deformity), clear asymmetry between the two sides, an antihelix with an unnaturally sharp or ridged contour, a distorted concha, hypertrophic or keloid scars, internal sutures poking through the skin and recurrence of the original projection. Reported revision rates in the international literature vary between 5 and 15%, depending heavily on the technique used and the operating surgeon's experience.
Revision otoplasty
Revision otoplasty is more demanding than a primary procedure: there is scar tissue, the anatomy has already been altered and, in some cases, there is insufficient cartilage left to remodel. I assess each case individually and, when indicated, perform the revision using cartilage grafts harvested from the contralateral concha or, in more complex situations, from a costal rib. The minimum interval between the first operation and the revision is usually 6 months to 1 year, so that healing is complete and the final shape of the first result has declared itself.
How to avoid regret after otoplasty
The factors most strongly associated with regret are unrealistic expectations (wanting ears flat against the head, which looks artificial), not understanding the gradual re-opening that happens in the early weeks, choosing a technique with a high recurrence rate (such as the suture-only method) or, most importantly, choosing a surgeon without specific training in ear surgery. The best prevention is an honest consultation: ask how many otoplasties the surgeon performs each month, which technique they use, why they use it and to see clinical photographs of real cases in the clinic.
Otoplasty in children: ideal age, neonatal moulding and safety
Surgical otoplasty can be performed from the age of 6 — the point at which the ears have completed roughly 90% of their development. In many cases I prefer to operate between the ages of 6 and 10, before the child starts school or very early in their school career, to spare them from playground comments. At this age, the procedure requires careful paediatric assessment, general anaesthesia in a fully equipped hospital, an operation time of around 90 minutes and same-day discharge when recovery is appropriate.
Ear moulding for newborns (EarBuddies)
In babies up to approximately 3 months of age, a non-surgical alternative is available: auricular moulding splints such as the EarBuddies system, originally developed in the United Kingdom by Mr David Gault, a plastic surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital. In the first weeks of life the auricular cartilage is remarkably pliable because of residual maternal oestrogen, and it is possible to remodel the ears with purpose-made splints that are taped to the skin. Treatment should be supervised by a plastic surgeon or paediatric specialist and, when started early, can often prevent the need for surgery later in childhood.
Once this early window has passed, the splints lose their effectiveness — the cartilage stiffens and only surgery will correct the deformity. For that reason, if you have a baby with prominent or folded ears, I encourage you to consult a plastic surgeon in the first weeks of life so that moulding can be considered before the cartilage matures.
Who is qualified to perform otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a regulated surgical procedure that, in every jurisdiction, must be performed by a qualified medical doctor. In the United Kingdom, a patient's best protection is to check the surgeon's entry on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register under Plastic Surgery, confirm membership of one of the recognised professional bodies, and — for aesthetic procedures — confirm registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of the clinic where the surgery is performed. Training pathways vary, but the core credentials to look for are:
- Consultant Plastic Surgeon — on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, ideally a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS (Plast)) and a member of BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). Additional fellowship training in ear surgery is highly desirable.
- ENT / Otolaryngology consultant — on the GMC Specialist Register in Otolaryngology, particularly for reconstructive cases involving microtia, anotia or complex congenital deformities.
- Maxillofacial or Head & Neck surgeon — for reconstructive cases following trauma or oncological resection.
Before booking your otoplasty, verify the surgeon's registration at gmc-uk.org and check the Specialist Register under "Plastic Surgery" when comparing UK providers. Specialist Register status is an important quality marker for consultant-level specialist care in the UK, but it does not replace checking the surgeon's specific experience with otoplasty. In my case, I practise as a cirurgião plástico registered with the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine (CRM-PR 17.388, RQE 15.688) and I am a full member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), with my training completed at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute — the international reference centre for the Island technique of otoplasty. International patients are welcome to verify these credentials directly on the Brazilian CFM portal before travelling. This caution matters all the more given the proliferation of short courses and "minimally invasive" techniques promoted by practitioners without a full residency in plastic surgery.
Keloids and otoplasty: who is at higher risk?
A keloid is an exaggerated form of scarring in which collagen is laid down beyond the boundaries of the original wound, producing a raised, reddened and often itchy lesion. The retroauricular region — where the otoplasty incision is placed — has a slightly higher baseline risk of keloid formation, alongside the shoulders, upper chest and earlobes. In patients with a personal or family history of keloid scarring I assess that risk carefully before recommending surgery.
I have keloids — can I still have otoplasty?
Yes, but with additional precautions. During the consultation I take a detailed personal and family history, inspect previous scars (BCG and other vaccination sites, Caesarean scars, any prior surgery) and, if there are clear signs of a keloid tendency, I may: (a) defer the surgery; (b) pair the procedure with preventive post-operative measures such as silicone sheeting, intralesional corticosteroid injections or laser therapy; or (c) in cases of active keloid disease, treat the skin medically before operating. In patients with no such history, standard dressings and routine post-operative follow-up are normally sufficient.
Infected otoplasty: what to do
Infection after otoplasty is uncommon but serious, because it can involve the cartilage — a structure with a sparse blood supply. Warning signs are: pain that increases after the third day (when it should be settling), redness, local heat, yellow or greenish discharge, and fever. If you notice any of these in the post-operative period, contact the surgeon immediately; in the UK, urgent review at an A&E or minor injuries unit is appropriate if your surgeon is not reachable. Treatment involves systemic antibiotics and, in advanced cases, drainage and removal of any necrotic tissue. Prevention is far better: a meticulous dressing technique, rigorous hygiene with the compression headband and strict adherence to the post-operative prescription.
Frequently asked questions about otoplasty
From what age is it possible to have otoplasty?
Otoplasty can be considered from around the age of six, when the ears have completed about 90% of their development and the child is healthy enough for surgical assessment. In many cases, I prefer to perform otoplasty at this age — before the start of school life — to avoid embarrassment among peers. However, many of my patients seek the surgery in adulthood and achieve meaningful improvement.
Does otoplasty leave visible scars?
Otoplasty scars are usually placed behind the ears and are planned to be discreet, but scar quality varies between patients. I perform the surgery through the posterior surface of the ear, away from the front view. Patients with a personal or family history of keloids need specific scar-risk assessment before surgery.
Can the ears reopen after surgery?
Ear reopening after otoplasty is uncommon in my experience, but recurrence remains possible and depends on cartilage memory, technique, healing and headband compliance. The Island technique I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy involves a full-thickness incision through the cartilage that neutralises its original elastic memory, which supports long-term stability. I recommend that my patients wear a compression headband 24 hours a day for three weeks to help preserve the outcome.
How long does otoplasty surgery take?
I usually perform otoplasty in sixty to ninety minutes, under general anaesthesia, which is my preference for monitoring and comfort — especially in children. The patient goes home the same day when the effects of the anaesthesia have worn off and recovery criteria are met.
What is the postoperative period like for otoplasty?
At the end of the surgery, I apply a padded dressing in the shape of a helmet that protects the ears for about three days. Then, I recommend that my patients wear a compression band 24 hours a day for three weeks. I remove the sutures between 7 and 10 days, and after about a month, the patient can resume light physical activities, sleep on their side, and wear glasses again. Swelling improves considerably in the first month, but it may take up to six months to disappear completely.
Does otoplasty correct asymmetries between the ears?
Otoplasty can improve ear asymmetry when the difference is caused by cartilage projection, conchal shape, anti-helix definition or ear position, but perfect symmetry is not a realistic goal. In my experience, asymmetries between the ears are quite common — often, one ear protrudes more than the other. The aim is to make the difference less noticeable while preserving a natural ear contour.
Is otoplasty only for protruding ears?
Otoplasty is not limited to protruding ears; it can also address selected ear-shape variations and reconstructive situations after trauma, skin-cancer removal or congenital deformity. In my clinic in Brazil, I perform otoplasty for correction of protruding ears, lop ear, cup ear, microtia, anotia and reconstruction after trauma or removal of skin cancer. Each patient is evaluated individually and clearly guided about the real possibilities of improvement.
What type of anaesthesia is used in otoplasty?
I usually perform otoplasty under general anaesthesia, which allows controlled comfort and monitoring during the procedure. In selected cases of cooperative adults, local anaesthesia with sedation may be a viable alternative, but general anaesthesia remains my preference for the tranquillity it provides — especially in children.
What is the Island technique of Pitanguy?
The Island technique is the essence of otoplasty that I learned from Professor Ivo Pitanguy. It consists of creating a cartilage island that will shape the new anti-helix, with a full-thickness incision through the cartilage. This neutralises the original elastic memory of the cartilage and reconfigures the contour of the ear in a stable, long-lasting way. In my practice, it is one of the factors that makes recurrence less common than with suture-only approaches.
What tests are necessary before otoplasty?
I request a complete blood count, PT with INR, APTT, creatinine, urea, fasting blood glucose, total proteins and fractions, urinalysis, ECG, and pre-operative cardiac assessment. These tests help identify anaesthetic and surgical risks before otoplasty.
How much does otoplasty cost in Brazil?
The price varies with the complexity of the case — bilateral prominent-ear correction, unilateral work, combined lobuloplasty or reconstructive surgery each carry different fees. I provide a personalised quote during the initial consultation (£115), covering my surgical fees, the anaesthetic team, theatre materials and the hospital day-case charge. For UK patients I can help coordinate the pre-operative review, the surgery and the early follow-ups within a single trip to Londrina.
Does the NHS or private health insurance cover otoplasty?
On the NHS, otoplasty is routinely classified as cosmetic and is therefore not funded, with rare exceptional cases where an Individual Funding Request may be considered by the local Integrated Care Board (ICB). These cases are typically severe congenital deformities such as microtia, anotia or pronounced protruding ears in children with documented psychological impact. Approval is uncommon and varies by region. Private medical insurers (BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva) generally exclude purely aesthetic otoplasty, and cover may only apply when the procedure is considered reconstructive. In my Londrina practice, all UK patients are seen privately.
How long should I wear the compression headband after otoplasty?
Wear the compression headband 24 hours a day for the first three weeks, removing it only for bathing. After that, keep wearing it only overnight for a further one to two weeks, bringing the total wearing time to around 30 to 35 days. The headband controls the gradual re-opening of the ears and helps to limit swelling.
Where can I buy the otoplasty headband in the UK?
In the UK, a suitable post-otoplasty compression headband can be bought from orthopaedic suppliers, specialist surgical online shops, larger high-street chemists and reputable Amazon UK sellers. I recommend buying the correct model before travelling for surgery so that a spare is already at home for the tapering phase. Paediatric, men's and women's versions are available, and it is worth having two bands so that one can be washed while the other is worn.
Do you perform incisionless otoplasty (with suspension sutures)?
I do not use incisionless or suture-only otoplasty as my standard technique because it does not reshape cartilage directly and may carry recurrence or suture-related complication risks in selected patients. The surgical literature shows that suture-only techniques can have higher recurrence rates than open procedures because they do not alter the elastic memory of the cartilage — they merely hold it mechanically with threads. The threads themselves may extrude through the skin, become infected or cause chronic discomfort. I prefer the Island technique of Professor Pitanguy, performed through a posterior incision behind the ear, which supports a more stable long-term result.
What are the signs of a botched otoplasty?
Signs include ears that sit too tightly against the head (the "telephone ear" deformity), obvious asymmetry, an antihelix with a sharp or ridged artificial contour, hypertrophic or keloid scars, internal sutures poking through the skin, and recurrence of the original projection. Reported revision rates vary between 5 and 15% in the literature and depend heavily on the technique used and the surgeon's experience. Revision otoplasty is more demanding than a primary procedure and usually requires an interval of 6 months to 1 year after the first operation.
Can a baby have otoplasty?
Surgical otoplasty is performed from the age of 6. In babies up to approximately 3 months of age, a non-surgical alternative is available: auricular moulding splints such as the EarBuddies system, originally developed in the United Kingdom by Mr David Gault. In the first weeks of life the cartilage is pliable because of residual maternal oestrogen and can be remodelled with these splints. Once this early window has passed, moulding loses its effectiveness and surgery is required later in childhood.
Who is qualified to perform otoplasty in the UK?
In the UK, otoplasty should be performed by a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, ideally with FRCS (Plast) and BAAPS or BAPRAS membership, or by an ENT / Otolaryngology consultant for reconstructive cases such as microtia. Before booking, verify the surgeon's registration at gmc-uk.org, check the Specialist Register under Plastic Surgery and confirm that the clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission. For Brazilian surgeons, verification is possible on the Brazilian CFM portal (CRM and RQE listings).
Can patients with keloid scars have otoplasty?
Yes, but with additional precautions. I take a detailed personal and family history, inspect previous scars and, if there are clear signs of a keloid tendency, may defer the surgery, combine it with preventive post-operative measures (silicone sheeting, intralesional corticosteroid injections, laser therapy) or, in cases of active keloid disease, treat the skin medically before operating. The retroauricular region has a slightly higher baseline risk, so management must be individualised.
Book your consultation for otoplasty in Brazil
If you wish to know more about otoplasty or other plastic surgeries that I perform in Brazil, I would be happy to welcome you for a personalised evaluation. Get in touch with my clinic and book your first consultation.
Also, learn about lobuloplasty for the correction of torn or elongated lobes. Patients seeking a balanced facial appearance often combine otoplasty with procedures such as rhinoplasty, mentoplasty, and blepharoplasty. Find out more about the cost and the pre-surgical preparation.
Are you ready for this new change? Call now and book a consultation!
Dr. Walter Zamarian Jr.
Plastic Surgeon in Brazil
Rua Engenheiro Omar Rupp, 186
Londrina - Brazil
ZIP 86015-360
Brazil
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