Prominent or Bat Ears
Ears that protrude from the head—on one side (unilateral) or both (bilateral)—are a common deformity that otoplasty corrects.
Ear Aesthetic Surgery
Otoplasty — Cosmetic Ear Surgery
Otoplasty is a procedure to change the shape, position or size of the ears. You might consider it if you are bothered by how far your ears stick out from your head (prominent or bat ears), after an injury to the ear, or for a birth defect such as microtia.
Incision Hidden Behind the EarLocal or General AnaesthesiaPossible From Age 9–10Near-Permanent Results
Ear ReshapingProcedure at a Glance
Otoplasty
- Corrects prominent (bat) ears on one or both sides
- Cartilage reshaped with sutures through an incision behind the ear
- Result shown to you before dressing when done under local
- Skin sutures removed after 10–14 days
Ear Aesthetic Surgery
Otoplasty Before & After
Drag the slider to compare ear position and shape before and after otoplasty.
- Prominent ears are set back to sit in natural proportion
- Incisions are usually placed in the crease behind the ear
- A protective headband is worn during the early recovery period
Sample image for illustration. Clinic patient results will be added here.
Who It Helps
When to Consider Otoplasty
Prominent ears do not affect hearing; the concern is cosmetic and becomes more noticeable as a child grows. Ears reach about 90% of their growth by age 9–10, so correction can be done any time after that.
Ear Injury
Otoplasty can reshape an ear that has been damaged by injury.
Birth Defects (Microtia)
Otoplasty is also indicated for congenital ear defects such as microtia.
The Procedure
How Otoplasty Is Performed
The aim is ear correction with as much symmetry as possible, using an incision that is not visible from the front.
- 01
Consultation
Your surgeon assesses your ears and agrees the anaesthesia approach based on your age and preference.
Symmetry Planned - 02
Anaesthesia
General anaesthesia is usually preferred for children up to 16, and local above that. In adults, one ear is usually done under local and both ears under general anaesthesia.
Local or General - 03
Reshaping the Cartilage
The incision is placed behind the ear and the cartilage is shaped with sutures. Under local anaesthesia, Dr. Sukhbir Singh usually shows you the result before the dressing.
Hidden Incision - 04
Dressing & Discharge
A contour dressing is placed around your head. You can go home right away after local anaesthesia, or after 4–6 hours after general. First review is usually at 5 days.
Sutures Out at 10–14 Days
Post-Operative Care
Recovery Instructions
Follow these instructions to protect your result while the wounds heal. Contact the clinic sooner than your 5-day review if you have more pain or any other concern.
Don't Sleep on the Operated Side
The most important instruction during early healing.
No Exercise for 3 Weeks
Avoid any trauma or physical exercise until the wound heals and sutures are removed.
Head Bath After 5–7 Days
Sauna is restricted for 4–6 weeks after surgery.
Swimming & Running After 6 Weeks
Activities such as swimming and running can resume after 6 weeks.
No Wrestling for 6 Months
Contact sports like wrestling carry a high risk of damage for around 6 months.
Ear Piercing
Get piercings done before surgery or at least 3–4 weeks after, once wounds have healed and sutures are out.
Common Questions
FAQs on Ear Surgery
Prominent ear, also called bat ear deformity, is a common condition named for the protrusion of the ear, on one side (unilateral) or both (bilateral). It is mainly cosmetic, becomes more noticeable as a child grows, and does not affect hearing. It can be corrected any time after age 9–10, when the ears have reached about 90% of their growth.
Otoplasty can be done under local or general anaesthesia depending on age and preference. For children up to 16 we usually prefer general anaesthesia, and local above that. In adults, one ear is usually done under local and both ears under general anaesthesia. The incision is placed behind the ear so it is not visible from the front, and the cartilage is shaped with sutures. Under local anaesthesia, Dr. Sukhbir Singh usually shows you the result before the dressing is applied.
An ear contour dressing is placed around your head. After local anaesthesia you can go home once medications are prescribed; after general anaesthesia, after 4–6 hours. Do not sleep on the operated side, and avoid any trauma or physical exercise for 3 weeks until the wound heals and sutures are removed. Swimming and running can resume after 6 weeks, but avoid wrestling for at least 6 months. Head baths can resume in 5–7 days, and sauna is restricted for 4–6 weeks. The first review is usually after 5 days, or earlier if you have more pain or any other issue.
Skin sutures are normally removed 10–14 days after surgery, when all dressings are also removed. A headband may or may not be needed at night if you follow all instructions—an overly tight headband can itself damage the ear.
No two sides of the body are 100% symmetric, but we aim to make the ears as close to perfect as possible. Dr. Sukhbir Singh usually shows you both sides before the final dressing.
Results are nearly permanent, as the sutures reshape the ears over time. In fewer than 5–7% of cases, the cartilage's 'memory' can cause it to shift position; this is rare and can be corrected later.
We suggest getting piercings done before surgery or at least 3–4 weeks after, as there is a risk of infection or of sutures cutting through the pierced ear. Once the wounds have healed and the sutures are removed, piercing can be done easily.
Ear Aesthetics • Greater Kailash Part 1
Discuss Ear Reshaping With Our Surgeons
Book a consultation for prominent ear correction or ear reshaping at R-9, Basement, Greater Kailash Part 1, New Delhi - 110048.