Otoplasty: Ear Surgery Options for Adults and Teens in Kogarah, Sydney

Quick answer: Otoplasty, also called prominent ear correction surgery, reshapes or repositions the ears to sit closer to the head or to correct asymmetry, folding, or other structural concerns. At A/Prof Damian Marucci’s Kogarah, Sydney clinic, otoplasty is performed for both teenagers, once ear cartilage has largely finished developing, and adults who have lived with self consciousness about their ears for years. Recovery generally involves a head bandage for a few days, followed by a supportive headband worn at night for several weeks while the new ear position settles permanently.

What Does Otoplasty Actually Correct?

Prominent or protruding ears happen when the cartilage fold that normally sits close to the side of the head, called the antihelical fold, is underdeveloped or absent, causing the ear to stick outward. Otoplasty can address several specific concerns, including:

• Ears that protrude noticeably from the side of the head
• Asymmetry between the two ears in size, shape, or angle
• A large or overly prominent ear bowl (concha)
• Folded, cupped, or lop ear shapes present from birth
• Overly large earlobes or lobes that have stretched over time

Every ear is different, so A/Prof Marucci assesses the specific cartilage structure during consultation to determine the surgical approach that will give the most natural, symmetrical result.

Is Otoplasty Only for Children, or Can Adults Have It Too?

While otoplasty is commonly associated with children, since ear cartilage is largely fully grown by around age five to seven, a significant number of otoplasty patients are teenagers and adults. Many adults seeking this procedure at our Kogarah clinic have lived with self consciousness about their ears since childhood and finally decide to address it later in life, while others develop asymmetry or changes to ear shape over time due to injury or aging cartilage changes.

There is no upper age limit for otoplasty. The main requirement is that the ear cartilage is healthy enough to reshape and hold its new position.

What Happens During the Otoplasty Procedure?

Otoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia or, for some adult patients, under local anaesthesia with sedation. A/Prof Marucci makes a small incision behind the ear, in the natural crease where the ear meets the head, to access the cartilage. From there, the cartilage is reshaped, and in some cases sutures are placed to fold it into a more natural position closer to the head. Because the incision sits behind the ear, resulting scars are generally well hidden within the natural fold.

The procedure usually takes between one and two hours per ear, depending on the complexity of the correction needed.

Recovery Timeline After Otoplasty

Recovery from otoplasty is generally straightforward compared with many other cosmetic surgery procedures. A typical timeline looks like this for patients treated at our Kogarah, Sydney location:

• Days 1 to 5: A firm head bandage is worn continuously to protect the new ear position and reduce swelling.
• Week 1: The bandage is removed and replaced with a lighter headband, worn especially at night to protect the ears from being bent while sleeping.
• Weeks 2 to 4: Most visible swelling and bruising resolves. Many patients, particularly teenagers, return to school or non contact activities within a week to ten days.
• Weeks 4 to 6: The night time headband is typically discontinued once cartilage has stabilized in its new position.
• Months 2 to 3: Final results become apparent as any residual swelling fully resolves.

Contact sports and activities with a risk of the ear being struck or bent should be avoided for at least four to six weeks, sometimes longer depending on individual healing.

What Are the Risks and Limitations of Otoplasty?

As with any surgery, otoplasty carries risks including infection, bleeding, asymmetry, or changes in ear sensation, though serious complications are uncommon. It is important to have realistic expectations. Otoplasty aims for improved symmetry and a more natural position, not mathematically identical ears, since some degree of natural asymmetry exists in almost everyone. A/Prof Marucci discusses these considerations in depth during your consultation, alongside a broader review found on our Risks of Cosmetic Surgery page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty

At what age can otoplasty be performed?

Otoplasty can be performed once ear cartilage is sufficiently developed, generally from around age five to seven onward. There is no upper age limit, and many patients undergo the procedure well into adulthood.

Is otoplasty painful?

Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort in the days following surgery, generally well managed with prescribed pain relief. The procedure itself is performed under anaesthesia, so no pain is felt during surgery.

Will otoplasty leave visible scars?

The incision is placed behind the ear in the natural crease where it meets the head, which typically hides the resulting scar very well once healed.

How long do otoplasty results last?

Results from otoplasty are generally permanent, since the cartilage is physically reshaped and, once healed, does not tend to revert to its original position.

Can otoplasty correct only one ear if just one is affected?

Yes. If only one ear is prominent or asymmetrical, otoplasty can be performed on that ear alone, though A/Prof Marucci will discuss whether a small adjustment to the other ear may help achieve better overall symmetry.

Book an Otoplasty Consultation in Kogarah, Sydney

If protruding, asymmetrical, or unusually shaped ears have affected your confidence, A/Prof Damian Marucci offers thorough, personalised otoplasty consultations at our Kogarah, Sydney clinic, located at 14 Kensington St, Kogarah NSW 2217. Our Miranda, Sydney clinic at 531 Kingsway, Miranda NSW 2228 is also available for consultations.

Call +02 9588 6374 to book, or reach out through our Contact Us page to arrange your consultation.