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Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Otoplasty — Natural, Balanced Ear Shape and Position

Children & adults • Hidden incisions behind the ear • Permanent result

Facial plastic surgeon examining a child's ears for otoplasty at THANC Hospital, Chennai
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This page explains how otoplasty is performed at THANC and what recovery looks like. For the full patient guide to the best age for surgery, microtia reconstruction, earlobe repair, and cost, read: Otoplasty in Chennai — Prominent Ear Correction & Cost →

About Otoplasty at THANC

Otoplasty reshapes and repositions prominent or misshapen ears by recreating the natural antihelical fold and setting the ear closer to the head. At THANC Hospital, our facial plastic surgery team performs prominent ear correction for children (ideally from age 5 to 6) and adults, along with auricular reconstruction for microtia and trauma, and split earlobe repair. Incisions sit hidden behind the ear, and cartilage-sparing suture techniques give a soft, natural, permanent result. Otoplasty reshapes the external ear only and does not affect hearing.

Who Needs Otoplasty?

You may be a candidate if you experience any of the following:

  • Prominent or protruding ears that stand away from the head
  • An underdeveloped antihelical fold or an overly deep conchal bowl
  • A child self-conscious about their ears before or during school years
  • An adult who has lived with prominent ears and wants correction
  • Congenital microtia or an ear deformity after trauma (reconstruction)
  • A torn, split, or stretched earlobe needing repair

What to Expect

A clear step-by-step view of your treatment journey at THANC.

  1. 1

    Consultation & Assessment

    Measurement of ear projection and symmetry, cartilage assessment, and standardised photographs. For children, a paediatric anaesthesia review is arranged and the family is guided through timing and aftercare.

  2. 2

    The Surgery

    Children are treated under general anaesthesia; adults usually under local anaesthesia with sedation. Through an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear, cartilage-sparing sutures (Mustardé/Furnas) recreate the fold and set the ear back; excess conchal cartilage is trimmed only if needed. Both ears typically take 1 to 2 hours.

  3. 3

    Recovery in Hospital

    A supportive head dressing is applied and patients are discharged the same day. Mild aching for 2 to 3 days is controlled with simple analgesics. The head must stay elevated and back-sleeping is advised.

  4. 4

    Follow-up & Healing

    The dressing is removed at 5 to 7 days and replaced by a soft headband worn at night for about 4 weeks. Most children and adults return to school or desk work within 7 to 10 days; contact sports and swimming are avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

Why Chennai Chooses THANC for Otoplasty

Ear shape is delicate work where over-correction shows. THANC's facial plastic surgery team, working under Dr. Vidhyadharan S, uses cartilage-sparing technique for a soft, natural result — with on-site paediatric anaesthesia and ENT backup for children and complex reconstruction.

  • Prominent-ear correction for both children and adults
  • Cartilage-sparing suture technique for a soft, natural contour
  • Incisions hidden entirely behind the ear
  • Auricular reconstruction for microtia and trauma, plus earlobe repair
  • On-site paediatric anaesthesia and ENT sub-specialist backup
  • Written, case-specific estimate prepared after consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age for a child to have otoplasty?
From about age 5 to 6, when the ear has reached most of its adult size but the cartilage is still soft and easy to shape. Correcting prominence before or early in school also spares children teasing and self-consciousness. There is no upper age limit — adults do equally well.
Will there be visible scars?
No. The incision is placed in the natural groove behind the ear, so once healed the scar is hidden from the front, side, and rear.
Does otoplasty affect hearing?
No. Otoplasty reshapes only the external ear cartilage. It does not touch the ear canal, eardrum, or middle ear, so hearing is completely unaffected. Hearing or infection problems are treated separately by our otology team.
Will the ears stay in position permanently?
Yes, when correction uses proper cartilage-sparing sutures and the protective night-time headband is worn during early healing. Relapse is uncommon and is usually linked to premature trauma or skipping the headband.
Do you treat microtia and torn earlobes?
Yes. Beyond prominent-ear correction, our team performs staged auricular reconstruction for congenital microtia and trauma, and in-office split earlobe repair under local anaesthesia.
Will THANC provide a personalised estimate for my case?
Yes. After consultation, our team prepares a written, case-specific estimate based on whether the case is prominent-ear correction, reconstruction, or earlobe repair, and the anaesthesia required. THANC's rates are consistently lower than prevailing market rates in Chennai while delivering world-class care.

Related Reading

Patient guides and educational articles on related topics.

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Talk to our facial plastic surgery team about ear correction for you or your child — we'll assess the ears and build a personalised, natural-looking plan.

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Meet our senior surgeons to discuss Otoplasty for your case.

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Otoplasty at THANC

  • Prominent-ear correction for both children and adults
  • Cartilage-sparing suture technique for a soft, natural contour
  • Incisions hidden entirely behind the ear
  • Auricular reconstruction for microtia and trauma, plus earlobe repair
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