Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping)

Procedure Overview

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty corrects protruding, asymmetric, or abnormally shaped ears. Dr. Matwa reshapes the cartilage through small incisions hidden behind the ear, setting the ears closer to the head or correcting the antihelical fold to achieve a natural, balanced appearance.

The procedure is suitable for both children (from age 5-6 when ear development is largely complete) and adults. In children, the cartilage is more pliable, which can make reshaping more straightforward. In adults, the technique is adapted to account for firmer cartilage, but the outcome is equally excellent.

Both ears are typically addressed simultaneously to ensure symmetry, even when only one ear is the primary concern. Dr. Matwa plans the degree of setback and antihelical reshaping carefully for each patient to achieve a natural, symmetrical result that does not look over-corrected or operated.

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Otoplasty procedure - Truffel Healthcare Kilimani

Why Patients Choose This Procedure

Key Benefits

✨

Natural Appearance

The goal is ears that sit naturally against the head without looking pinned or artificial. Dr. Matwa preserves the natural contours of the ear while correcting the degree of protrusion.

◈

Discreet Incisions

All incisions are placed in the natural crease behind the ear, making them essentially invisible once healed. There is no visible scarring on the front of the ear.

⬡

Corrects Asymmetry

Differences in ear projection, shape, or size between the two sides are addressed in the same procedure to restore symmetry and balance to the face.

◉

Long-Lasting

Otoplasty results are permanent. The reshaped cartilage retains its new position over the long term, with no need for revision in the vast majority of cases.

♦

Boosts Confidence

Prominent ears can be a source of self-consciousness, particularly in children. Otoplasty provides a definitive, long-term solution that significantly improves confidence and quality of life.

✿

Quick Recovery

Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Children can return to school within 7-10 days. A protective headband is worn at night for 6 weeks to protect the result.

How It Works

The Surgical Process

Consultation & Assessment

Dr. Matwa evaluates the ears, assessing the degree of protrusion, cartilage structure, antihelical fold development, and symmetry. The optimal technique and degree of correction are planned during this detailed consultation.

Incision Behind the Ear

A small incision is made in the natural crease behind each ear, providing full access to the ear cartilage while ensuring no visible external scarring.

Cartilage Reshaping

The cartilage is reshaped, scored, or sutured as required to create or deepen the antihelical fold and reduce the overall protrusion. The technique is tailored to the anatomy of each individual ear.

Closure & Dressing

Incisions are closed with fine sutures and a protective head dressing is applied. The dressing is replaced with a soft headband after the first week, worn at night for six weeks.

Otoplasty surgical steps - Truffel Healthcare Kilimani

Dr. Matwa Christopher

Founder & Lead Plastic Surgeon · KMPDC Licensed

What to Expect

Recovery Timeline

Day
1-7

Head Dressing

Protective bandage covers both ears. Some discomfort and tightness are normal, managed with prescribed analgesia. Rest at home with the head elevated.

Wk
1-2

Back to Light Activity

Dressing is replaced with a soft headband. Sutures are checked. Most patients return to desk work and non-strenuous activities. Children can return to school.

Wk
2-6

Headband at Night

Daily activities resume fully. Headband worn at night only to protect the result during sleep. Avoid contact sports and activities that could impact the ears.

Mo
3

Final Result

Swelling has fully resolved and the final ear position is stable. Scars behind the ear fade significantly. Normal sporting and social activities can be fully resumed.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Otoplasty is generally recommended from age 5-6 in children, by which time ear development is largely complete. The procedure is equally suitable for teenagers and adults, with no upper age limit. Treating prominent ears early in childhood can prevent the social difficulties that often arise when children start school.

Yes, otoplasty results are permanent. The cartilage is reshaped and held in its new position by deep internal sutures. Once healing is complete, the ears remain in their corrected position. Re-protrusion is rare when the procedure is performed correctly.

All incisions are placed in the natural crease behind the ear, making them very difficult to see even when the hair is up. By three to six months post-operatively, scars are faint and well-concealed within the natural anatomy of the ear.