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.
Locations:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.
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:
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.
An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will lead your care team, which may include other skilled providers, like:
Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.
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.
Before surgery, you’ll have a list of things to do to get ready. You’ll need to:
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.
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.
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.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s otoplasty experts is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
Manage your Cleveland Clinic account. Find billing information and financial assistance, plus FAQs.
Securely access your personal health information at any time, day or night.
Health LibraryFind answers to your health questions from experts you can trust. It's like having a friend who's a doctor.