1. What exactly is Otoplasty?
It is a corrective plastic surgery for prominent ears (bat ears), aiming to bring them closer to the head, reshape the cartilage, and create natural folds that may be absent.
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1. Indications and Ideal Age
2. What is the minimum recommended age for the surgery?
Generally at 6 or 7 years of age. At this stage, the ear cartilage has reached about 90% of its adult size, and the child is in the pre-school phase, which helps prevent bullying.
3. Can adults have ear surgery?
Yes, perfectly. The result is equally satisfactory at any age. Adult cartilage is slightly more rigid, but modern techniques ensure excellent results.
4. Is there a maximum age for otoplasty?
No. As long as the adult or elderly patient is in good clinical health and has normal pre-operative exams, the surgery can be performed safely.
5. Can the surgery be done on just one ear?
Yes, in cases of severe asymmetry where only one ear is prominent. However, both ears are frequently operated on to ensure perfect symmetry in relation to the head.
6. Does the surgery correct very large ears (Macrotia)?
Yes. In addition to correcting prominent ears, there are ear reduction techniques that remove excess skin and cartilage to decrease the overall size of the ear.
7. Does otoplasty treat folded or malformed ears?
Yes, otoplasty can treat various congenital anatomical variations, such as constricted ears, cup ears, or Stahl's ear (elf ear).
8. Does the surgery alter or improve hearing?
No. The procedure acts exclusively on the external part (auricle) for aesthetic reasons and does not interfere with the ear canal or hearing.
9. Can smokers undergo otoplasty?
Yes, but they must stop smoking at least 30 days before and 30 days after the procedure to avoid skin necrosis and ensure safe healing.
10. What pre-operative exams are required?
We generally request a complete blood count, coagulogram, fasting glucose, and cardiological evaluation (surgical risk) to ensure total safety during anesthesia.
2. The Surgery and Techniques
11. Where is the otoplasty scar located?
The incision is made in the retroauricular fold (exactly in the crease behind the ear), making the scar practically imperceptible after complete healing.
12. What type of anesthesia is used?
In adolescents and adults, we use local anesthesia accompanied by mild sedation. In small children (6 to 10 years old), general anesthesia is preferred for greater comfort and safety.
13. How long does the surgical procedure last?
Bilateral surgery (on both ears) lasts on average 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the complexity of the cartilage reshaping.
14. Is it necessary to sleep in the hospital?
No. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure. The patient is usually discharged a few hours after the surgery ends, once they are fully awake.
15. What is Ear Pinning without surgery (Suture technique)?
It is a minimally invasive technique where the ear is shaped using only internal sutures, without the need for a scalpel or skin removal. It is ideal for mild cases and flexible cartilage.
16. Does the non-surgical technique work for all cases?
No. Ears with very thick, rigid cartilage or a large excess of the concha bowl require classic otoplasty (with an incision) for a permanent and natural result.
17. What are internal sutures?
They are high-strength non-absorbable surgical threads (like Nylon or Prolene) that remain permanently under the skin, holding the cartilage in its new position.
18. Does the surgery hurt?
During the procedure, there is no pain at all. Post-operatively, there is mild to moderate throbbing pain in the first 48 hours, which is perfectly controlled with prescribed painkillers.
19. Do I need to wear a headband after the surgery?
Yes, wearing an elastic headband (like a tennis or dancer's headband) is mandatory for 30 days. It protects the ears against accidental folding, especially during sleep.
20. Can I choose the "degree" to which the ear is pinned back?
The doctor will look for the ideal facial proportion. Ears that are pinned back too flat ("telephone ear" deformity) look aesthetically artificial. The goal is a natural angle of about 15 to 20 degrees relative to the head.
3. Post-Operative and Recovery
21. How much absolute rest is necessary?
We recommend 3 to 5 days of relative rest at home. After this period, office activities and studies can be resumed.
22. When can I wash my hair after the surgery?
Usually after the removal of the "helmet-style" dressing (about 48h). Washing should be done with baby shampoo, without rubbing behind the ear, drying the area very well with a clean towel or a cool hair dryer.
23. Do I need to have the external stitches removed?
It depends on the thread used. Absorbable threads fall out on their own, but if we use regular threads on the skin, they are removed in the office between the 10th and 14th post-operative day.
24. How should I sleep in the first few weeks?
It is crucial to sleep on your back (supine position) for the first 3 to 4 weeks. Sleeping on your side can fold the ear and break the internal stitches.
25. When can I start wearing glasses again?
Avoid resting the arms of the glasses directly on the incision for the first 15 to 20 days. You can tape the arms to your temples or wear contact lenses.
26. When does the ear sensitivity return to normal?
It is very common for the ears to feel numb ("anesthetized") after the surgery. Sensation returns gradually over 3 to 6 months.
27. Can I use headphones?
In-ear headphones (earbuds) are permitted after 15 days. Over-ear headphones that press on the ear should only be used after 45 to 60 days.
28. When does the swelling disappear completely?
About 70% of the swelling and bruising disappear in 15 days. However, total refinement of the cartilage and the final result are seen between 3 and 6 months.
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29. When can I return to the gym and sports?
Light walking after 15 days. Weightlifting after 30 days. Contact sports (soccer, jiu-jitsu, volleyball) are strictly prohibited for 90 days due to the high risk of trauma.
30. Does the ear turn purple in the first few days?
Yes, slight bruising (ecchymosis) and swelling (edema) are normal body reactions to surgical manipulation and disappear naturally in one to two weeks.
4. Keloids, Torn Earlobes, and Risks
31. Can otoplasty cause a keloid?
The retroauricular region is prone to keloids in patients with a genetic predisposition. The doctor will evaluate your history and may prescribe silicone tape or preventative corticosteroid injections into the scar.
32. What is Earlobe Repair (Lobuloplasty)?
It is a corrective surgery for an earlobe that has been torn, split, or excessively stretched due to heavy earrings or ear gauges.
33. How is a torn earlobe corrected?
Performed under local anesthesia in the office, the technique removes the healed edges of the tear and sutures the lobe to restore its original rounded shape. It takes about 30 minutes.
34. How soon after an earlobe repair can I pierce my ear again?
We recommend waiting a minimum of 60 days for a new piercing, which should never be done exactly on top of the old scar, but slightly to the side.
35. I have an old piercing keloid, can it be removed?
Yes. Surgical removal of ear keloids is common, but it requires adjuvant treatment (such as corticosteroid infiltration or beta therapy) to prevent the keloid from growing back.
36. Can the ear "spring back" (relapse) after otoplasty?
Relapse is rare (occurs in less than 5% of cases). It is usually associated with accidental post-operative trauma or failure to wear the headband, breaking the internal stitches before the cartilage heals.
37. Can the internal stitches "pop" or appear through the skin?
In rare cases, the body may reject the non-absorbable thread, forming a small granuloma (a little red bump) behind the ear. Removing this specific thread in the office resolves the problem without losing the aesthetic result.
38. What is the "Earfold" technique?
Earfold is a metallic alloy implant inserted under the skin to fold the cartilage. Although fast, classic otoplasty surgery allows for much greater control and more personalized, natural results.
39. Is it dangerous to operate on children in the hospital?
Quite the opposite. Surgery performed in a hospital setting equipped with an anesthesiologist is extremely safe and controlled. The surgical risk for children is very low.
40. Can otoplasty change the shape of the ear canal cartilage?
No. Manipulation is done only on the "concha" and "antihelix," the external parts of the ear, with no alteration whatsoever to the internal structure of the ear.
5. Myths, Costs, and Daily Life
41. Do tapes and adhesives work to correct prominent ears in babies?
The use of molds and tapes can have a permanent effect ONLY in the first 4 to 6 weeks of life when the cartilage is softened by maternal hormones. After that, adhesives have a purely temporary effect (lasting a few hours).
42. Does the surgery change my voice?
Total myth. The ear has no anatomical connection to the vocal cords. The surgery does not alter voice, hearing, or balance.
43. Do girls need to cut their hair for the surgery?
No. The hair is simply tied back and isolated during the procedure. It even helps to hide the headband and swelling in the first few days.
44. How can I hide the headband at work?
Many patients use thinner, more discreet headbands (like sports sweatbands) or wear their hair down over the headband starting from the second week.
45. Once healed, does the ear feel hard?
In the first few months, it will feel stiffer and sensitive to the touch. After 6 months to 1 year, it regains a flexibility very close to natural, although you may feel small nodules which are the internal stitches.
46. When can I travel by plane after the surgery?
Usually after 5 to 7 days, when the risk of bleeding and the initial follow-up appointments have passed. Cabin pressurization does not affect the external ear.
47. Can I wear a motorcycle helmet?
Tight helmets must be avoided for 30 to 45 days, as the friction of putting it on and taking it off can fold the ear and strain the stitches.
48. When can I go in the ocean or pool?
To avoid infections and healing problems, swimming in the ocean, pools, or lakes is only permitted after 30 to 45 days, when the incisions are completely sealed.
49. Does Otoplasty improve bullying and self-esteem?
Absolutely. It is considered one of the plastic surgeries with the greatest positive impact on a patient's psychology, freeing them to tie their hair back and socialize without phobia.
50. Does health insurance or public health cover Otoplasty?
The surgery is classified as aesthetic. Very few health insurance plans offer coverage, and public health systems have long lines and strict criteria focused on trauma, not aesthetics.
51. How much does Otoplasty surgery cost?
The value includes medical fees, the anesthesiologist, and hospital costs. By medical council rules, quotes can only be provided after an in-person medical evaluation.
52. Is it possible to pay for the treatment in installments?
Yes. In our clinic, we offer facilitated conditions and credit card installments to make your dream accessible.
53. Can residents of other cities operate with Dr. Caroline?
Yes! We frequently receive patients from all over the region and abroad. The evaluation is done at the clinic and follow-ups are optimized.
54. Do I need a companion on the day of the surgery?
Yes. Due to sedation, it is mandatory to have a responsible adult to accompany you at hospital discharge and help with transportation home.
55. How do I schedule my evaluation consultation?
Evaluations and treatments are performed in person at our clinic in Brazil. Please contact our team to schedule the best time for your clinical assessment.