How Is Otoplasty Performed?

How Is Otoplasty Performed?

Understanding the procedure helps ease concerns. Here is a step-by-step explanation of otoplasty surgery.

Otoplasty is a relatively short procedure with consistent techniques. Here is how it is performed.

Step-by-step:

• Step 1: Anesthesia
• Children: General anesthesia (completely asleep)
• Adults: Local anesthesia with sedation or general

• Step 2: Marking
• The surgeon marks the planned incision and ear position while you are awake (sitting up)
• This ensures symmetry

• Step 3: Incision
• An incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear
• The scar is hidden in the crease where the ear meets the head

• Step 4: Cartilage reshaping
• The surgeon exposes the ear cartilage
• Permanent sutures are placed to reshape the cartilage and create the natural anti-helical fold (the fold inside the ear)
• The ear is repositioned closer to the head
• In some cases, cartilage is partially removed or thinned

• Step 5: Closure
• The incision is closed with absorbable or removable sutures
• A dressing and supportive headband are applied

Surgical techniques:

• Suture-only technique:
• Uses permanent sutures to reshape the cartilage
• No cartilage cutting
• Good for mild to moderate prominence

• Cartilage scoring technique:
• The cartilage is partially weakened (scored) to create a new fold
• More suitable for severe deformities
• More permanent result

Surgery Duration

• Otoplasty takes 1–2 hours for both ears
• It is typically an outpatient procedure (go home the same day)

Clinical Guidance

Otoplasty is performed through a hidden incision behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped using permanent sutures or scoring techniques, and the ear is positioned closer to the head. The procedure takes 1–2 hours and is done as an outpatient.