Otoplasty (Protuberant Ears)

Otoplasty, also known as ear correction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure aimed at correcting protruding or misshaped ears. It improves harmony in the size, shape, and angle of the ears, restoring confidence and facial balance.

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What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a surgical procedure designed to correct ear deformities or aesthetic dissatisfaction. The surgery involves reshaping the ear cartilage, adjusting its angle, and, when necessary, removing excess skin to achieve a natural and proportionate appearance.

Indications for Otoplasty

Otoplasty is indicated for patients who:

Have protruding or misshaped ears.
Experience self-consciousness or social discomfort due to ear appearance.
Desire a more harmonious alignment of ears with the face.

Age Considerations:

Recommended from 8 years old, when ear development is complete.
Can be performed at any age in adults.
Early intervention can prevent social or emotional difficulties related to protruding ears.

How Does Otoplasty Work?

Otoplasty is typically performed in three stages:

Preparation:
- Preoperative evaluation and clinical analysis by a plastic surgeon.
- Surgery can be performed under general anesthesia (children) or local anesthesia with sedation (adults) in a hospital setting.
Execution:
- An incision is made behind the ear, following its natural fold.
- Cartilage is reshaped, weakened, or partially removed to adjust size and flexibility.
- Stitches are placed to maintain the ear in its new position.
- Excess skin may be removed if necessary.
Recovery:
- Skin stitches are removed after 10–14 days or are absorbable.
- A compression band is worn to support the ear in its new position.
- Patients can resume daily activities within a week.
- Postoperative discomfort is generally minimal.

Contraindications

Otoplasty is not recommended for patients with:

Uncontrolled medical conditions such as anemia, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or other health issues.
Inadequate health status that prevents safe surgery.

Otherwise, most patients can safely undergo the procedure.

Results of Otoplasty

Immediate Effect: Visible improvement in ear shape and position after the first few days.
Swelling Reduction: Approximately 90% within the first two weeks.
Final Outcome: Near-final results visible around one month post-surgery.

Scarring

Incisions are hidden behind the ear, within the natural groove, making scars almost imperceptible.
Even in techniques involving small anterior incisions, scars are minimal due to thin skin in the area.

Anesthesia and Surgery Time

Children: Usually general anesthesia.
Adults: Local anesthesia with or without sedation.
Surgery Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
Hospital Stay: Usually a few hours, depending on anesthesia type and patient age.

Postoperative Pain and Care

Mild discomfort may occur post-surgery and can be managed with standard painkillers.
Compression band and proper wound care are essential for optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is otoplasty and what ear issues does it correct in Abu Dhabi?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the shape, size, or position of ears. Surgeons correct ears that stick out too far from the head, ears that look uneven or misshapen, and birth defects that affect ear contour. The procedure can also fix deformities caused by injury or previous ear surgery. Otoplasty creates a more balanced ear contour and improves facial harmony.

At what age a child can safely have otoplasty in Dubai?

Dr Paulo Michels recommend otoplasty once a child’s ear cartilage is almost fully formed, which happens around age eight. This age ensures that ear growth is stable and the surgical results last. However, children are treated from age five or six onward if the ear shape causes self‑consciousness or social issues, but formal surgical planning often begins at age eight in Dubai for consistent results. Adults of any age can also have the surgery if they are in good health.

What results patients in Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically see after otoplasty?

Patients commonly see an immediate improvement in how the ears sit closer to the head or look more proportionate within a few days after surgery. Swelling reduces significantly in the first two weeks, and the ear shape continues to refine with healing over several months. Final results usually look natural and balanced, with high patient satisfaction reported.

Can otoplasty correct asymmetrical ears or disproportionate size?

Otoplasty can correct ear asymmetry by reshaping the cartilage and repositioning ears so they match more closely. Surgeons use precise techniques to adjust differences in ear placement, size, or contour caused by genetics or injury. While perfect mirror‑image symmetry is rare, otoplasty can achieve a much more balanced look between the ears.

Is there a difference in otoplasty results between adults and children in Dubai?

Both adults and children achieve long‑lasting results, but younger patients often benefit from softer and more pliable cartilage. This flexibility allows easier shaping and may reduce recovery stiffness. Children also adapt more quickly to the new ear position. Adults may have firmer cartilage that requires more precise shaping, but results remain permanent and effective when performed by a skilled surgeon.