Otoplasty (Ear Pinning) in Dubai

Otoplasty - commonly known as ear pinning or ear reshaping surgery - is a procedure that corrects prominent, protruding, or disproportionately sized ears by reshaping and repositioning the ear cartilage closer to the head. It is one of the most impactful procedures available relative to its complexity: a one to two hour operation with a short recovery that permanently resolves a concern that for many patients has affected their confidence since childhood.

At Vilafortuny, otoplasty is performed by Dr. Mario Trelles - a board-certified plastic and laser surgeon with decades of international experience. The procedure is performed for both children and adults. For children, timing is an important consideration - and for adults who have lived with prominent ears for years, the result is consistently described as transformative. The incision is placed behind the ear in the natural crease, leaving a scar that is completely hidden from view.

1-2 hrs typical procedure duration for both ears
Permanent the repositioned cartilage stays in place - results do not reverse
Since 2006 plastic surgery trusted by Dubai patients and international visitors
Otoplasty for Children and Adults

Otoplasty is one of the few cosmetic surgical procedures routinely performed in childhood - because the psychological benefit of addressing prominent ears before school age significantly outweighs the small additional consideration of performing surgery in a younger patient. It is equally effective in adults, and the considerations for each group differ in important ways.

Children and teenagers Paediatric Otoplasty

The ear cartilage reaches approximately 75% of its adult development between the ages of five and eight - at which point surgery can be performed safely without affecting further ear growth. Many families choose to address prominent ears before the child begins primary school, eliminating the window when self-consciousness and teasing most commonly begin.

Younger children typically tolerate recovery well. General anaesthesia is used for children, while older teenagers may be suitable for local anaesthesia with sedation. Recovery is straightforward and most children return to school within one to two weeks. Protecting the ears during the initial healing phase is important - particularly during sleep.

Adults of any age Adult Otoplasty

There is no upper age limit for otoplasty. Many adults who have lived with prominent ears for decades - avoiding certain hairstyles, photographs, or social situations as a result - choose to address the concern later in life. The procedure is identical in approach, with local anaesthesia and sedation typically used rather than general anaesthesia.

Adult cartilage is generally firmer than in children, which can slightly influence the technique used to achieve the reshaping - but the outcome is equally effective and equally permanent. Most adult patients return to work within one week and to full activity within four to six weeks.

What Otoplasty Can Correct

Otoplasty addresses a range of ear appearance concerns - not just ears that protrude. The specific technique used depends on the underlying structural cause of the concern.

Protruding ears

Ears that protrude more than 2cm from the side of the head, or that form an angle greater than 35 degrees with the scalp. The most common indication for otoplasty - caused by underdevelopment of the antihelical fold or excess conchal cartilage.

Overly large ears

Macrotia - ears that are disproportionately large relative to the face and head. Reduction otoplasty reduces the overall ear size by removing a portion of cartilage and skin, reshaping the ear to a more proportionate size.

Ear asymmetry

Where one ear differs significantly from the other in position, angle, or size. Otoplasty can address the more prominent or differently positioned ear to achieve greater symmetry between the two sides.

Cupped or constricted ear

A structural deformity where the ear rim is folded forward and downward, making the ear appear small and cup-shaped. Cartilage scoring and reshaping techniques are used to unfurl and reconstruct the natural ear contour.

Prominent earlobe

A disproportionately large or protruding earlobe that affects the overall appearance of the ear. Earlobe reduction can be performed as part of a broader otoplasty or as a standalone procedure.

Post-trauma or surgical correction

Correction of ear deformity caused by injury, burns, or previous surgery. Reconstructive techniques vary depending on the extent of the damage and the structural changes present.

The Procedure - What to Expect
01
Consultation and Planning

The surgeon examines both ears, assesses the specific structural characteristics causing the prominence or asymmetry, and explains the techniques that will be used to achieve the desired result. For children, a full discussion with the parents about timing, anaesthesia, and what the child should expect is an important part of this appointment. The goal - and what is realistically achievable - is established clearly before any procedure is agreed.

02
Anaesthesia

General anaesthesia is used for young children - they should not be awake during the procedure. Older teenagers and adults are typically treated under local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation - comfortable and relaxed throughout without being fully unconscious. The most appropriate option is discussed and agreed at consultation.

03
Surgery

An incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear - entirely hidden from view from the front or side. Through this incision, the cartilage is accessed and reshaped using a combination of scoring (creating controlled flexibility in the cartilage), suturing (holding the new position), and where necessary, removing a small portion of cartilage or skin. The ear is repositioned at the desired angle and distance from the head and the incision closed with fine sutures. Both ears are typically treated in the same session, with the second ear matched carefully to the first. Total procedure time is one to two hours.

04
Recovery

A bandage or dressing is applied over both ears immediately after surgery to protect the new position and reduce swelling. After a few days, the dressing is replaced with a softer headband worn continuously for the first two weeks, then at night for a further four weeks. This headband is important - it protects the ears from being accidentally folded forward during sleep, which could compromise the result during the early healing period. Some discomfort and tightness around the ears is normal for the first few days and managed with prescribed pain relief.

05
Follow-up and Final Result

Sutures are removed at approximately one week. The ears will appear slightly swollen and the position may look slightly overcorrected immediately after surgery - this is normal and the ears settle into their final position as swelling resolves over four to six weeks. The scar behind the ear matures and fades over three to six months, becoming virtually imperceptible.

The headband is not optional

The post-operative headband is one of the most important elements of otoplasty recovery - particularly during the first two weeks when the sutures holding the cartilage in its new position are still at their most critical. Sleeping without protection risks the ear being bent forward against the pillow, which can stretch or compromise the sutures before the cartilage has fully healed in its new position. Consistency with headband wear during the prescribed period is what protects the result.

Candidates and Considerations
Good candidates
  • Children aged five and above where ear cartilage has reached at least 75% of adult development
  • Adults of any age with prominent, protruding, asymmetric, or disproportionately large ears
  • Patients who are self-conscious about their ear appearance in any context - at rest, with certain hairstyles, or in photographs
  • Patients in good general health with realistic expectations of a natural, proportionate result
  • Adults who have delayed the procedure through adult life and are ready to address the concern permanently
Important considerations
  • Children must be old enough to cooperate with post-operative care instructions, particularly the headband - very young children may require additional parental supervision during recovery
  • Smoking must be stopped at least four weeks before surgery in adult patients
  • Blood-thinning medications and supplements should be stopped as directed before the procedure
  • Contact sports and activities with risk of ear impact must be avoided for six weeks after surgery
  • The result aims for ears that are natural and proportionate - not perfectly symmetrical. No two ears are ever identical and minor asymmetry is normal
Results
  • Ears repositioned closer to the head in a natural, proportionate position - visible immediately and permanent
  • A result that looks like the ears were always that way - not surgically altered
  • Scarring hidden entirely behind the ear in the natural crease - invisible from all normal viewing angles
  • For children - elimination of the source of self-consciousness before it affects school experience and social development
  • For adults - the freedom to wear hair up, choose any hairstyle, and appear in photographs without anxiety about ear prominence
  • Consistently high patient satisfaction - for a procedure of its brevity and recovery time, otoplasty produces one of the most meaningful quality-of-life improvements in cosmetic surgery
Before and After Your Procedure

Before Surgery

  • Stop smoking at least four weeks before surgery in adult patients
  • Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and blood-thinning supplements as directed
  • Arrange the headband in advance - the clinic will advise on the appropriate type. Prepare a comfortable one for use during the recovery period
  • Arrange transport home and support for the first 24 hours after surgery
  • For children - prepare them for what to expect in age-appropriate terms. The clinical team will also speak with the child directly at the consultation to build confidence

After Surgery

  • Wear the surgical dressing as directed for the first few days - do not remove it or get it wet
  • Transition to the protective headband as directed - typically after the first dressing change at approximately five days
  • Wear the headband continuously for the first two weeks and during sleep for a further four weeks - this is non-negotiable for protecting the result
  • Take prescribed pain relief as directed - discomfort is typically mild and short-lived
  • Keep the ears dry during the initial healing period - no swimming or submersion until cleared by the surgeon
  • Avoid contact sports and any activity with risk of impact to the ears for six weeks
  • Avoid pushing the ears forward or sleeping without the headband during the prescribed period
  • Attend suture removal at approximately one week and all follow-up appointments as scheduled

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can a child have otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be considered once the ear cartilage has reached approximately 75% of its adult development - typically between the ages of five and eight. Operating earlier than this risks interfering with the remaining ear growth. Most surgeons recommend considering surgery before a child starts school if the ears are significantly prominent, as this eliminates the period of potential teasing that coincides with early schooling. There is no upper age limit for adults - the procedure is equally effective at any age with healthy cartilage.

Are the results of otoplasty permanent?

Yes - the repositioned ear cartilage is sutured into its new position and, once fully healed, remains there permanently. The ear does not return to its original position. The cartilage is not removed, only reshaped and repositioned - so the ear retains its natural appearance, simply set closer to the head and in better proportion with the face.

Will the scarring be visible?

The incision for otoplasty is placed in the natural crease behind the ear - entirely hidden from view when looking at the patient from the front or side. The scar is tucked within the fold between the ear and the scalp and becomes virtually imperceptible as it matures over three to six months. It is one of the most inconspicuously placed scars in facial plastic surgery.

How long is recovery and when can a child return to school?

Most children can return to school within one to two weeks after surgery. A protective headband is worn over the ears for the first few weeks - initially continuously, then just at night - to protect the ears from being accidentally folded forward during sleep. Contact sports and activities that risk impact to the ears should be avoided for six weeks. For adult patients, most return to work within one week and to full activity within four to six weeks.