BALANCE. PROPORTION. HARMONY.
Otoplasty to reshape, reduce or reposition the ears, so they sit in proportion with your face.
ABOUT OTOPLASTY
Ear surgery, clinically known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes, reduces, or repositions the ears to restore proportion and balance with the rest of the face. It is one of the few cosmetic procedures performed successfully on both children and adults.
The most common concern treated is prominent ears, where the ears protrude further from the head than is proportionate. In these cases, the cartilage is reshaped and repositioned so the ear lies closer to the head, a technique known as ear pinning. Where the ear is disproportionately large, the procedure may involve reducing its size by removing excess skin or reshaping the cartilage to restore balance with the face.
Ear deformities caused by injury, congenital conditions, or genetics can all be corrected through otoplasty. Professor Hindocha develops a surgical plan for each patient, aiming for ears that look natural and balanced rather than corrected.
THE PROCEDURE AT A GLANCE
A straightforward day-case procedure with no overnight hospital stay required.
Surgery Time
Anaesthesia
Hospitalisation
Ear Band Required
Return to Work
The exact surgical approach is determined at consultation, based on your individual anatomy and goals.
YOUR RECOVERY
Week 1
A head bandage is worn immediately after surgery to protect the ears and maintain their new position. Rest and avoid sleeping on your side or applying any pressure to the ears.
Week 1–2
The head bandage is replaced with a lighter ear support band. Bruising and swelling begin to subside. Most patients can return to light work and everyday activities during this phase.
Week 3–6
Swelling continues to reduce and the new ear position becomes increasingly apparent. The ear support band is worn consistently, particularly at night, to protect the cartilage as it heals.
Week 6–8+
The ear band is discontinued once healing is complete and the cartilage has stabilised in its new position. The final shape of the ears is now visible.
LIFE AFTER EAR SURGERY
The results of otoplasty are permanent. For patients who have felt self-conscious about their ears for years, that can matter a great deal.
WHY OTOPLASTY?
Otoplasty can be performed on children from around age 5, once the ear cartilage has stabilised, and on adults at any age. It is one of the few procedures that addresses both congenital and aesthetic concerns equally.
No two ears are alike. Whether the concern is protrusion, size, shape, asymmetry, or injury-related deformity, the surgical plan is designed specifically around the anatomy of your ear and your aesthetic goal.
The aim of otoplasty is a natural look, not a “corrected” one. Ears that simply belong on your face. The best results are those others never notice, because they look like they were always there.
For many patients, prominent or misshapen ears have been a source of self-consciousness for years. The boost in confidence following otoplasty is often described as one of the most meaningful outcomes of any cosmetic procedure.
MEET YOUR SURGEON
Ear surgery requires a detailed understanding of cartilage anatomy and the three-dimensional relationship between the ear and the surrounding face. The difference between a result that looks natural and one that looks overcorrected often comes down to surgical restraint and precision. Professor Hindocha’s approach puts proportion first, aiming for ears that fit the face.
Every consultation includes a thorough assessment of ear anatomy, cartilage structure, and the specific nature of each patient’s concern. Whether treating a child or an adult, the surgical plan is designed around the individual rather than a standard technique.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Otoplasty is planned around the anatomy of your ear and the nature of your concern.
PROMINENT EARS
When ears protrude further from the head than is proportionate, cartilage reshaping brings them closer. This is the most commonly performed form of otoplasty and produces consistent, natural-looking results.
LARGE EARS
Where the ear is disproportionately large relative to the face, excess skin or cartilage is removed to reduce overall ear size and restore a more balanced, proportionate appearance.
ASYMMETRY & DEFORMITY
Ears misshapen by injury, congenital conditions, or uneven natural development can be surgically corrected to restore symmetry, natural proportion, and confidence in appearance.
RIGHT FOR YOU?
Otoplasty is suitable for healthy children (from around age 5) and adults of any age. Ideal candidates typically present with one or more of the following concerns:
WHAT ELSE TO CONSIDER
Other facial procedures that may align with your aesthetic goals.
FACE & NECK SURGERY
Correction of stretched, torn, or elongated earlobes, often done alongside otoplasty.
FACE & NECK SURGERY
Surgical reshaping of the nose to refine facial proportion and balance, often explored alongside ear surgery.
FACE & NECK SURGERY
Surgery for loose skin and tissue in the midface, jowls and neck.
TIMING YOUR PROCEDURE
Otoplasty is one of the very few cosmetic procedures equally appropriate for children and adults. Understanding when the right time is can help you make a confident, well-informed decision.
Verified patient reviews
Independently published reviews from patients of Prof. Hindocha, quoted in full and exactly as written. Every one links back to its source.
★★★★★
After years of being unhappy with my breasts after breastfeeding, I'm so glad I trusted my instincts and waited until I found the right surgeon. From my first consultation, Professor Hindocha made me feel completely at ease and I knew I could trust him. I'm only a week post-op and already love my results. I feel incredibly lucky to have found him and truly believe I found the best surgeon.
K.N.
Breast surgery patient
★★★★★
Amazing experience and surgeon. So incredibly thorough, precise and professional. Went above and beyond to explain every last detail to me, he put me at ease, didn't mind a family member being there, very down to earth, can't praise him enough. Would only use this surgeon now.
L.O.
Consultation and surgery
★★★★★
I cannot recommend prof Hindocha enough, from consultation to aftercare he has amazing as have his team. Very professional , I felt very reassured through every step of the process. Thank you Prof Hindocha and team for your kind and professional care.
D.T.
Consultation to aftercare
Read all verified patient reviews
Patient stories describe individual experiences. Results vary from person to person, and the risks, limitations and likely outcome of any procedure are discussed with you at consultation.
BEGIN YOUR CONSULTATION
Book your consultation today.
Take the first step towards ears that sit naturally and harmoniously with your face. Book a private consultation with Professor Hindocha to discuss your goals, assess your anatomy, and receive a personalised surgical plan.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most.
