What is otoplasty and what does it correct?

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct prominent, protruding, or asymmetric ears. It can reshape the ear cartilage, decrease the angle at which the ears protrude from the head, or correct structural deformities. Dr. Bharathi performs otoplasty for both adults and children over the age of six, when ear cartilage is sufficiently stable.

Where are the incisions and scars placed for otoplasty?

The surgical incisions for otoplasty are placed in the natural fold directly behind the ear, where the ear joins the head. This strategic placement ensures that the resulting thin scars are completely hidden from view. Once fully matured over twelve months, these scars fade to faint, inconspicuous lines.

How is the otoplasty procedure performed?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults or general anesthesia for young children. Dr. Bharathi accesses the ear cartilage through the posterior incision, weakens or scores the cartilage to allow bending, and places permanent internal sutures (Mustarde or Furnas techniques) to secure the ear in its new, natural position.

What is the recovery timeline after otoplasty?

Initial recovery takes about seven to ten days, after which light daily activities can be resumed. A soft, supportive headband must be worn continuously for the first two weeks, and then during sleep for an additional two weeks to protect the ears. Most swelling and bruising fade within two weeks, and full contact sports must be avoided for six weeks.

Are the results of ear pinning surgery permanent?

Yes, the structural results of otoplasty are permanent. The internal sutures placed by Dr. Bharathi secure the cartilage in its new shape while natural scar tissue forms to hold the ear permanently in its corrected position. Unless a major trauma occurs to the ear during the early healing phase, the ears will not return to their original protruding shape.

Otoplasty in Chennai (Ear Reshaping Surgery)

Otoplasty at Aesthetic Studio, Chennai, corrects prominent, protruding, or asymmetric ears by reshaping and pinning the ear cartilage. Dr. Bharathi Rajasridhar, MCh Plastic Surgery, performs otoplasty using well-concealed incisions behind the ears to create natural-looking symmetry. Recovery takes one to two weeks, and patients must wear a protective headband for four weeks.

Dr. Bharathi Rajasridhar
MCh (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery), Madras Medical College · Reviewed June 2026

Aesthetic Studio clinic interior, Perungudi, Chennai

At The Aesthetic Studio in Chennai, Dr. Bharathi R. offers safe and personalized otoplasty and earlobe repair surgery to help you feel confident in your appearance again.

What Is Ear Lobe Repair?

Ear lobe repair is a minimal surgical procedure that corrects:

Torn or split earlobes
Stretched piercing holes
Gauged ears that have not closed naturally
Uneven or asymmetrical ear lobes

This procedure restores the natural shape and structure of the earlobe, whether from trauma, aging, or fashion-related stretching (Heavy studs/earrings)

What Is Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that corrects prominent or misshapen ears. It can involve:

Pinning back protruding ears closer to the head
Reshaping the ear cartilage
Correcting congenital ear deformities (like lop ear or cup ear)

Key Benefits

Ear Lobe Repair

Repairs torn or elongated ear lobes caused by trauma or heavy jewelry
Restores the aesthetic look of the ears
Allows re-piercing after complete healing
Minimally invasive with no hospital stay
Quick recovery and excellent cosmetic outcome

Otoplasty

Restores balance and symmetry to the face
Reduces the prominence of protruding ears
Boosts self-confidence in social and professional settings
Permanent results with minimal downtime
Hidden scars behind the ears

Ear Lobe Repair Techniques

Scar Revision & Tissue Repositioning: Reconstructs the lobe with the natural contour
Punch Excision for Gauge Holes: Removes large holes or tunnels from stretched piercings
Suture Repair: Stitches are placed precisely to recreate the original lobe shape
Topical Anesthetic Used: So the procedure is virtually painless

Otoplasty Techniques

Cartilage Scoring or Suturing: To reshape and reposition the ear closer to the scalp
Incision Behind the Ear: Hidden scar technique for a clean cosmetic result
Local or General Anesthesia: Depending on the patient's age and procedure complexity
Stitching for Shape Retention: Absorbable sutures are used to hold the ear in place during healing

Who Is the Right Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if:

Your earlobe is torn, stretched, or split
You've worn heavy earrings or gauges that have damaged your ear
You are unhappy with the size or shape of your ears
You are in good health and have realistic expectations

Procedure: Step-by-Step

For Ear Lobe Repair:

Consultation – Dr. Bharathi evaluates your earlobe and discusses your concerns.
Local Anesthesia – The method is performed under local anesthesia for comfort.
Precise Suturing – Torn or stretched tissue is carefully trimmed and sutured.
Quick Recovery – Stitches are removed within 7–10 days—minimal downtime involved.

For Otoplasty:

Detailed Examination – Your ear shape, symmetry, and overall facial features are analyzed.
Surgical Plan – A customized surgical technique for pinning or reshaping the ears.
Procedure Duration – Takes about 1–2 hours under local or general anesthesia.
Healing Phase – Bandages are worn initially; most patients resume daily routines within a week.

What Otoplasty Can and Cannot Change

Otoplasty addresses structural features of the outer ear. The most common reason patients seek otoplasty is prominent ears, where the ears protrude more than 2 centimetres from the side of the head due to underdeveloped antihelix folding or excessive conchal cartilage.

Otoplasty can also address:

Asymmetry between the two ears
Ears that are unusually large
Ears with an abnormal shape from birth or injury

Important: Otoplasty does not affect hearing. It does not alter the ear canal or inner ear structures.

Written by Dr. Bharathi Rajasridhar, MS, MCh (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), Madras Medical College | Lead Surgeon, Aesthetic Studio, Chennai | Last reviewed: May 2026

FAQs – Otoplasty

What is otoplasty and what does it correct?

Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to correct prominent, protruding, or asymmetric ears. It can reshape the ear cartilage, decrease the angle at which the ears protrude from the head, or correct structural deformities. Dr. Bharathi performs otoplasty for both adults and children over the age of six, when ear cartilage is sufficiently stable.
Where are the incisions and scars placed for otoplasty?

The surgical incisions for otoplasty are placed in the natural fold directly behind the ear, where the ear joins the head. This strategic placement ensures that the resulting thin scars are completely hidden from view. Once fully matured over twelve months, these scars fade to faint, inconspicuous lines.
How is the otoplasty procedure performed?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for adults or general anesthesia for young children. Dr. Bharathi accesses the ear cartilage through the posterior incision, weakens or scores the cartilage to allow bending, and places permanent internal sutures (Mustarde or Furnas techniques) to secure the ear in its new, natural position.

What is the recovery timeline after otoplasty?

Initial recovery takes about seven to ten days, after which light daily activities can be resumed. A soft, supportive headband must be worn continuously for the first two weeks, and then during sleep for an additional two weeks to protect the ears. Most swelling and bruising fade within two weeks, and full contact sports must be avoided for six weeks.
Are the results of ear pinning surgery permanent?

Yes, the structural results of otoplasty are permanent. The internal sutures placed by Dr. Bharathi secure the cartilage in its new shape while natural scar tissue forms to hold the ear permanently in its corrected position. Unless a major trauma occurs to the ear during the early healing phase, the ears will not return to their original protruding shape.