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Otoplasty for Adults: Ear Pinning Before and After, Pain, Scar and Recovery
Quick answer: Adult otoplasty (otoplasty for adults) corrects prominent ears by reshaping the ear cartilage and setting the ears closer to the head. It is usually done under local anaesthesia in about one hour, and you go home the same day. The scar is hidden behind the ear. Adult cartilage is firmer than in children, so the technique must reshape it reliably; Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas uses a flap technique he published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery.
Key takeaways
There is no upper age limit for ear pinning.
The operation is usually done under local anaesthesia and takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
The incision is behind the ear, where the scar is hidden.
Pain is usually mild and controlled with tablets.
You wear a headband for a few weeks, mainly at night.
Why do adults choose otoplasty?
Many adults have lived with prominent ears since childhood. Some hid them under long hair for years; others were teased at school and still feel self-conscious in photos or at work. Ear surgery in adulthood is common, and the satisfaction rate is high, because the change is clear and long-lasting.
What causes prominent ears?
Two cartilage features are usually responsible, alone or together:
A missing fold (antihelix): the curved fold of the upper ear did not form, so the ear stands out.
A deep bowl (concha): the central bowl of the ear pushes the whole ear forward.
Earlobes that stick out can also be corrected in the same operation.
Otoplasty (ear pinning) before and after Otoplasty (ear pinning) before and after Otoplasty (ear pinning) before and after Otoplasty (ear pinning) before and after
The photos above, shared with patient consent, show adult ears before and after surgery. Measuring the distance between the ear and the head before and after helps the patient see the change objectively.
How the operation is done
Local anaesthesia: the ears are numbed; you stay awake and comfortable.
Incision behind the ear: a thin strip of skin is removed in the groove behind the ear.
Reshaping the cartilage: in Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas's flap technique, the cartilage is reshaped using the ear's own tissue to recreate the natural fold, aiming for a soft, flexible ear.
Setting back the bowl: if needed, the concha is set back closer to the head.
Dressing: a soft bandage is applied for the first days.
"Adults often tell me they wish they had done it twenty years earlier. The operation is short, but its effect on how people see themselves can be very long." — Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas
Pain and recovery
Days 1 to 3: a soft bandage; mild ache controlled with tablets.
Day 5 to 7: the bandage is removed and the stitches are checked.
Weeks 2 to 4: a headband at night protects the ears while you sleep.
Week 6: sport and helmets are usually allowed.
Most adults return to work after 5 to 7 days. Read more in ear surgery from A to Z and on our otoplasty page.
Adult otoplasty vs children's otoplasty
In children, ear cartilage is soft and the operation is usually done from about age 6, often under general anaesthesia. In adults, the cartilage is firmer and sometimes partly calcified, so it must be reshaped with a technique that holds its new form. Local anaesthesia is usually enough, and most adults go home within an hour or two after surgery. Read about prominent ear surgery in children for the paediatric side.
Risks
Possible risks include asymmetry, a small return of the prominence, a sensitive or thickened scar behind the ear and, rarely, infection or a collection of blood under the skin. Wearing the headband as advised and avoiding pressure on the ears in the first weeks reduce these risks.
Travelling for otoplasty
Because the operation is short and done under local anaesthesia, many adults travel to Istanbul for 5 to 7 days. The bandage is checked and removed before you fly home, and follow-up can continue by photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old for otoplasty?
No. Ear pinning can be done at any adult age, as long as your general health allows a short operation under local anaesthesia.
Is adult otoplasty painful?
Most patients describe a mild ache for a few days, controlled with simple painkillers.
Will the scar be visible?
The scar lies in the groove behind the ear and is usually not visible in daily life.
Are the results permanent?
Yes. Once healed, the new ear shape is permanent in most patients. A small relapse can occur, and can be corrected if needed.
Can both ears be done in one session?
Yes. Both ears are usually corrected in the same operation, which takes about an hour.
About the Author
This article was written and medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas, a plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon in Istanbul with over 20 years of experience. He is the author of Rhinoplasty in Practice (CRC Press, 2020), has more than 40 peer-reviewed scientific publications and five patents, and teaches facelift and rhinoplasty techniques to surgeons at international courses. Read more about Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas.
Individual results vary. Before and after photos and videos are shared with patient consent. This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
See More Before and After Results
Would You Like a Similar Result?
You can send your photos for an online assessment or book an appointment at the Prof. Dr. Suleyman Tas Clinic, Terrace Fulya, Şişli, Istanbul. Book an online consultation.
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