Otoplasty (Ear Pinning Surgery) for Prominent Ears in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
Otoplasty (ear pinning surgery) sets prominent or "bat" ears closer to the head and gives them a natural fold. Prominent ears are the most common ear shape difference, affecting about 5% of people. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, Dr Sreekar Harinatha performs otoplasty in 30–45 minutes under local anaesthesia, through a cut hidden behind the ear. Most people return to work in about 2 days.
Otoplasty at a glance
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Surgery time | 30–45 minutes |
| Time at the clinic | About 1 hour after surgery |
| Scar | Behind the ear, in the natural crease |
| Back to work | About 2 days |
| Headband | 2 weeks |
| Age | Minimum age for children is 13 years |
| Cost | ₹35,000 for one or both ears |
What causes prominent ears?
Ears stick out when the inner bowl of the ear (concha) is too deep, the natural fold of the ear (antihelix) is underdeveloped, or the cartilage has an unusual shape. Prominent ears often run in families, and they can affect one or both ears.
How is otoplasty done?
- The area is numbed with local anaesthesia.
- A small oval of skin is removed from behind the ear.
- The cartilage is reshaped by one or more of these:
- stitches that create or strengthen the ear's natural fold
- stitches that bring the bowl of the ear closer to the head
- trimming or softening some cartilage
- The cut is closed. The scar sits in the crease behind the ear.
In some cases, the correction is made from the front of the ear.
Recovery after otoplasty
- You go home about an hour after surgery.
- Most people return to work or study in about 2 days.
- Wear the headband day and night for the first week, then at night for 4–6 weeks. Simple painkillers control any discomfort. Avoid contact sports for 4–6 weeks, and swimming for about 2 weeks until the wounds have healed.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can otoplasty be done?
At Contura Clinic, otoplasty is done in children from 13 years, and at any age in adults.
Is otoplasty painful?
The surgery is done under local anaesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during it. Mild soreness afterwards is controlled with painkillers.
Will otoplasty leave a visible scar?
No. The scar is behind the ear, in the crease where the ear meets the head, so it is hidden.
Can otoplasty be done on one ear only?
Yes. If only one ear sticks out, only that ear is corrected, to match the other.
Related pages: Ear lobe surgery · Face lift
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.
