Cleveland Clinic doctor feeling the ear of a patient.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

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Ohio: 216.444.5725 Florida: 877.463.2010 London: +44 20 3423 7500

You can’t stop thinking about your ears. Maybe you feel they stick out too much. Or they seem too big. And you’re pretty sure everyone else notices, too.

Whether you were born with a condition that causes unusually shaped ears, you injured them or just don’t like how they look, otoplasty might be right for you. This cosmetic ear surgery can improve their shape, position or proportion.

At Cleveland Clinic, we understand that worrying about your appearance can affect how you feel about yourself. We’ll show you how otoplasty can reshape your ears with natural balance and symmetry so you can look and feel your best.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Cosmetic Ear Surgery?

Skilled collaborative providers:

At Cleveland Clinic, you’ll have a dedicated care team of providers from different specialties. This team works together to create a personalized cosmetic ear surgery plan so you can get the best results.

Caring approach:

We know that cosmetic ear surgery can come with a lot of emotions. Our team approaches each part of your care with compassion. We’re there for you — answering questions and supporting you however we can. Meet our team.

Virtual visits:

Life can get hectic. That’s why we make it easy to get the care you need — when you need it. Virtual visits let you and your provider meet one-on-one from the comfort and privacy of your home. All you need is an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet or computer.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Cosmetic Ear Surgery Consultation at Cleveland Clinic

There are many reasons why you might want cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty). Maybe you were born with misshapen ears or ear lobes, or ears that are missing cartilage. Maybe your ears are small or they stick out. Or maybe your ears were injured from an animal bite, in car wreck or from playing sports (like cauliflower ear in boxers or wrestlers).

No matter the reason, we can look at your ears and find the right type of surgery for you. Feel free to ask us questions or share any concerns. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident about your decision to have cosmetic ear surgery. Depending on your needs, you may have:

Ear pinning: A common fix for protruding ears.
Ear reduction: Makes large ears smaller and more proportional.
Ear augmentation: Repairs small or misshapen ears or ears that haven’t fully developed (microtia).

What to expect at your consultation

Your provider will begin by asking why you want cosmetic ear surgery. Then, they’ll look at the size, shape and stiffness of your ears and take pictures of your ears, face and head from different angles. They’ll also use a lighted tool (otoscope) to look into your ear canal at your eardrum.

Your provider may also order a few tests, like:

When we can, we try to schedule your preoperative (before surgery) consultation and tests during this same visit.

Meet Our Cosmetic Ear Surgery Team

An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will lead your care team, which may include other skilled providers, like:

Providers Who Perform Otoplasty

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.

Having Cosmetic Ear Surgery at Cleveland Clinic

Using what we learn from your consultation, your care team will recommend the type of surgery they think is best for you. And we’ll let you know what to expect before, during and after it.

Getting ready for cosmetic ear surgery

Before surgery, you’ll have a list of things to do to get ready. You’ll need to:

Stop taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Avoid smoking.
Line up a friend or family member to drive you to and from your surgery.

What to expect on the day of surgery

Cosmetic ear surgery is usually a same-day surgery, which means you’ll likely go home after it. You’ll be asleep from general anesthesia, or you’ll feel sleepy but will be able to respond to questions (local anesthesia with sedation). That’s why you’ll need someone to drive you home. After your surgery, you’ll go to recovery. Once you wake up from the anesthesia, you can leave.

Recovering from cosmetic ear surgery

After surgery, you’ll have a dressing (bandage) on your ears. You’ll need to keep this bandage clean and dry and change it regularly. You may feel some soreness, itching and tingling around your ears. And you might notice redness, swelling or bruising. All of this will improve with time — usually two to three weeks. Full recovery will take about six to eight weeks.

As you recover, you’ll have follow-up visits with your provider. They’ll make sure your ears are healing. The first follow-up visit is usually a week after surgery. Your provider will take off your bandages at that time. You may have one or two other visits after this.

Taking the Next Step

When your ears are affecting your self-esteem, cosmetic ear surgery (otoplasty) may be able to help. Cleveland Clinic’s expert healthcare providers are here to share options for cosmetic ear surgery and what you can expect. We’ll guide and support you in taking the next step so you can look and feel your best.