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Face

Ear Surgery

Otoplasty

Home/Procedures/Face/Ear Surgery

AnesthesiaLocal with sedation, or general

Procedure time1–2 hours

DowntimeAbout 1 week

ResultsSettles over a few weeks

Otoplasty

Ear Surgery

Repositioning and reshaping prominent or protruding ears for a natural, proportionate result.

Otoplasty, or ear surgery, repositions and reshapes prominent or protruding ears for a natural, proportionate result. By setting the ears closer to the head and refining their fold and shape, otoplasty brings balance to the face and can be life-changing in confidence — for both adults and children.

Dr. Marciales places incisions behind the ear, leaving scars that are virtually invisible. Because the ears are nearly full-size early in life, otoplasty can be performed from childhood onward.

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Is It Right for You?

Am I a Candidate?

Good candidates have prominent, protruding, or misshapen ears and want a more balanced, natural appearance. It suits healthy children (typically from around age five or six, when the ears are near full size) and adults alike.

Prominent or protruding ears
Ears that feel out of proportion with the face
Asymmetry between the two ears
Children around age 5–6 or older, and adults
Good general health

Why Patients Choose It

The Benefits

Sets prominent ears closer to the head
Refines and reshapes the ear's natural fold
Improves facial balance and confidence
Suitable for children and adults
Incisions hidden behind the ear

What to Expect

The Procedure

Through an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear, Dr. Marciales reshapes and, where needed, removes or folds cartilage, then secures the ear in a more natural position closer to the head. Both ears are usually treated for symmetry.

The procedure takes one to two hours under local anesthesia with sedation (or general anesthesia, especially for children) on an outpatient basis at the accredited facility within New City Medical Plaza.

Before Surgery

How to Prepare

Attend a consultation to plan the reshaping
Stop smoking and nicotine before surgery (adults)
Pause blood thinners and supplements as directed
Arrange a ride home and help
Prepare a headband as advised for after surgery
Plan to keep the head elevated while resting

Healing, Week by Week

Your Recovery Timeline

First few days

The ears are covered with a supportive dressing. Expect some soreness, swelling, and tightness. Rest with the head elevated and avoid pressure on the ears.

About 1 week

The dressing is typically changed for a protective headband worn as directed, especially at night. Many adults return to work and children to school around this time.

Weeks 2–4

Swelling settles and the ears look progressively natural in their new position. Continue protecting them from bending or pressure.

Weeks 4–6+

The final position and shape settle as the last swelling resolves and the incisions behind the ear fade.

The Outcome

Your Results

The new, closer position is visible as soon as the dressing comes off, with the final, natural result settling over the following weeks as swelling resolves. Otoplasty results are long-lasting, and the scars behind the ear become virtually invisible.

For children, the improvement in confidence is often as meaningful as the aesthetic change.

Investment

Cost & Personalized Quote

Otoplasty is quoted individually, whether for one ear or both, an adult or a child. After your consultation you'll receive a clear, written quote.

One ear or both
The extent of cartilage reshaping
Anesthesia type (local vs. general)
Accredited-facility and aftercare costs

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Good to Know

Ear Surgery FAQ

At what age can a child have otoplasty?

Because the ears are nearly full-size early in life, otoplasty can usually be done from around age five or six onward — often before school-age teasing becomes an issue.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are hidden in the crease behind the ear, so scars are virtually invisible once healed.

Are the results permanent?

Yes — otoplasty provides a long-lasting correction, holding the ears in their new, natural position.

How long does my child need off school?

Many children return to school around a week, wearing a protective headband as directed (especially at night) and avoiding rough play for several weeks.

Can just one ear be corrected?

Yes, though both ears are often refined together to ensure symmetry. Dr. Marciales will advise based on your ears.

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort is generally mild and well-managed. The ears feel sore and tight for the first days, easing steadily through the first week.