Prominent Ears — sometimes called bat ears — stick out from the head because the fold of the ear (the antihelix) did not form fully or the bowl of the ear is deep. The ears usually hear perfectly well, but children can be teased and adults may avoid short hair or tying their hair back.
Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage to create the missing fold and set the ear closer to the head. The same approach corrects Stahl ear and other shape deformities, and split or stretched ear lobes can be repaired as a small separate procedure.
What Otoplasty Corrects
- Prominent or 'bat' ears on one or both sides
- A missing or weak antihelical fold
- A deep conchal bowl pushing the ear outward
- Stahl ear and other cartilage shape deformities
- Split, torn or stretched ear lobes (lobe repair)
How the Surgery Is Done
Through an incision hidden in the groove behind the ear, the cartilage is scored and shaped with permanent stitches to recreate the fold and, where needed, to set the bowl of the ear back toward the head. The two ears are matched so they sit symmetrically. The scar lies behind the ear and is not visible from the front.
Otoplasty is a day-care procedure. Children are treated under general anaesthesia; adults can usually have the procedure under local anaesthesia with sedation.
Recovery
A padded head bandage protects the ears for a few days, after which a soft headband is worn at night for several weeks to keep the ears in position while they heal. Discomfort is mild and controlled with simple painkillers. Children can return to school within a week; contact sports and swimming are avoided for about six weeks.
Timing for Children
The ear reaches almost adult size by about 5–6 years, so Otoplasty is commonly offered from that age — before the start of school, when teasing tends to begin — provided the child is also keen on the surgery. There is no upper age limit; adults are treated in the same way.
Risks and Limitations
Bleeding under the skin, infection, a stitch working its way to the surface, minor asymmetry and, rarely, partial recurrence of the prominence are the main risks. Otoplasty changes the position and fold of the ear; it does not change ear size, and it is a different operation from Ear Reconstruction for Microtia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can Prominent Ears be corrected?
From about 5–6 years, once the ear is close to adult size and the child wants the surgery — often before starting school. Adults can have Otoplasty at any age.
Is Otoplasty a day-care procedure?
Yes. Children are treated under general anaesthesia and adults usually under local anaesthesia with sedation, going home the same day.
Where is the scar after Otoplasty?
In the groove behind the ear, so it is not visible from the front.
How long is the bandage worn after ear surgery?
A padded head bandage for the first few days, then a soft headband at night for several weeks while the cartilage sets in its new position.
Can a split ear lobe be repaired?
Yes. Split, torn or stretched ear lobes are repaired as a small procedure under local anaesthesia; the lobe can usually be re-pierced after it has healed.
Is a consultation a commitment to surgery?
No. Use the consultation to understand your options, alternatives, limitations and recovery, then take the time you need to decide.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.