Ear Correction Surgery

About Ear Correction Surgery

Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, addresses the external ear cartilage and skin without affecting hearing. The most common reasons for surgery are protruding ears, an under-folded antihelix, an overly deep concha, asymmetric ears, lop-ear deformity, and shape changes after injury or piercing-related complications. Children from around six years of age are good candidates, since ear growth is largely complete by that point, and adults often present after years of self-consciousness.

Surgery aims for a natural-looking ear that sits closer to the head with smooth, rounded folds and a balanced relationship to the head and face. We avoid the over-pinned look that has been associated with poorly planned otoplasty in the past. During consultation, Dr. Agarwal examines both ears, measures the auriculo-cephalic angle, and discusses what each ear individually needs rather than treating both sides identically.

Most ear correction surgery in Lucknow is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation in adults, and under brief general anaesthesia in children. A discreet incision is placed behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped using fine permanent sutures, and the antihelix is folded to bring the ear closer to the head. Excess skin, when present, is removed conservatively. The procedure typically takes around ninety minutes for both sides.

After surgery, a soft head bandage is worn for the first few days to support the new shape. Sutures behind the ear are absorbable in most cases. Children return to school within a week, and adults to office work within five to seven days. Contact sports, swimming, and heavy gym training are deferred for around six weeks to protect the cartilage repair.

Final result becomes apparent over six to eight weeks as bruising and swelling resolve and the ear settles into its new position. Scars are placed in the natural crease behind the ear and typically become very difficult to see. Long-term outcomes are stable when post-operative instructions and night-time headband use are followed in the early weeks.

What to expect

• Detailed examination of both ears with measurements
• Discussion of what each ear needs individually
• Local anaesthesia with sedation for adults; brief GA for children
• Discreet incision behind the ear
• Cartilage reshaping with permanent sutures
• Soft head bandage for the first few days
• Same-day discharge in most cases

Recovery

• Soft head bandage for 3 to 5 days
• Night-time headband for 4 to 6 weeks
• Return to school or desk work in 5 to 7 days
• Avoid contact sports and swimming for 6 weeks
• Bruising and swelling settle in 2 to 3 weeks
• Final ear position visible at 6 to 8 weeks