Otoplasty: Surgery to correct protruding ears

Are you thinking about having otoplasty?

Otoplasty corrects prominent or protruding ears by repositioning the cartilage, and is performed as an outpatient procedure. We operate on both adults and children from the age at which the ear has finished developing.

From: 2.500 €

otoplastia
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Surgery duration:

Between 1 and 2 hours

Recovery time:

7 days

Synapta® protocol:

Included in Barcelona

Minimum age:

From 4 to 6 years old

Anesthesia:

Local and sedation

Social life:

Between 5 and 7 days

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a procedure intended to correct the shape, position or size of the ears when they stick out, are asymmetrical or cause aesthetic discomfort. It involves reshaping the cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head and achieve a more natural, balanced result in harmony with the face, always respecting each patient's own features. Local anesthesia is used.

Types of otoplasty

Otoplasty for prominent ears (protruding ears)

This is the most common type. It is indicated when the ears stick out too far from the head. It allows the ears to be repositioned in a more natural, harmonious position.

Otoplastia para orejas prominentes (orejas en soplillo)

Ear reduction otoplasty

Indicated when the ears are excessively large or out of proportion. It reduces their size and improves their proportion with the face.

Otoplastia reductora

Reconstructive or corrective otoplasty

Indicated to correct congenital malformations, acquired deformities or the after-effects of injuries or previous surgeries. It is a more personalized and technically demanding surgery.

Otoplastia reconstructiva o correctiva

What is the otoplasty surgery process like at IdB?

Otoplasty begins with small incisions, usually made behind the ear, in the natural crease where it joins the head, so that the scars are barely visible. Through these incisions, the surgeon accesses the ear cartilage to reshape or reposition it as needed.

Once the cartilage is exposed, specific techniques are used to reduce the prominence of the ears, improve their symmetry or redefine the natural folds, bringing them closer to the head when they stick out a lot. In some cases a small amount of cartilage is removed or internal sutures are used to hold the new shape.

Finally, the skin is put back in place, the incisions are closed with fine sutures and a dressing or compression band is placed around the head, which helps protect the ears and keep them in their new position during the first days of healing.

The aim is not just to "pin back" the ears, but to achieve a natural proportion with the rest of the face.
01

Personalized medical assessment

Personalized medical assessment

The consultation is held directly with the surgeon who will perform your procedure, who assesses the shape, position and proportion of the ears and decides on the most suitable technique for your case. To book the appointment, a payment of €80 is required in advance. If you cannot travel, the first visit can also be done by video call with the surgeon who would operate on you: it costs €50, which is deducted if you decide to have surgery.

02

Preparing for the surgery

Valoración personalizada

Before surgery, you are given all the pre-operative medical guidelines (medication, habits, care) so that the procedure is performed under optimal conditions and in complete safety.

03

The surgery

preparacion intervencion

The procedure takes place in approved operating rooms and is performed by a surgeon with more than 40 years of experience in facial surgery.

During surgery, the shape, position and/or size of the ears is corrected to achieve a natural, balanced result in harmony with the face.

04

Start seeing yourself the way you want to feel.

verte como quieres sentirte

Once the recovery process is complete, you will notice a clear improvement in the harmony of your face and in your confidence, with a natural result that is stable over time.

Preparation and recovery in ear surgery

Before surgery

Before surgery, a consultation is held to assess the shape of the ears, how far they stick out and the patient's expectations. In this consultation we explain how the correction will be carried out, where the incisions will be and what result can be expected, always aiming for a natural, proportionate look.

The necessary pre-operative tests are also requested and basic instructions are given, such as avoiding certain medications and following the pre-surgery recommendations so the procedure can be performed safely.

Before surgery

After surgery

After surgery it is common to notice mild swelling, tenderness or minor discomfort during the first few days. A band or dressing is applied to protect the ears and help keep them in their new position.

During recovery it is recommended to avoid knocks or pressure on the area and to follow the specialist's instructions. Progress is usually gradual, and as the swelling goes down the ears take on a more natural look, subtly improving facial harmony.

Después de la cirugía de otopalstia

How much does otoplasty cost and what does it involve?

2.500 €

Otoplasty at Instituto de Benito starts from €2,500, varying according to the technique used, the type of anesthesia, the length of the procedure and the tests and follow-up included, and is tailored to each patient.

What the treatment plan includes:

  • Specialist physician's fees
  • Fees for the rest of the medical team
  • Materials specified in the quote
  • Operating room
  • Anesthesia
  • Private room stay if required
  • Medication during your stay at the center
  • Wound care with the nursing team
  • Stitch removal
  • Follow-up visits with the specialist
  • Preoperative tests (blood work, ECG, X-ray, etc.)

What is not included:

  • Assessments or clearances from other specialists, if needed
  • Medication after discharge
  • Post-surgical garments (ear compression band, etc.), unless otherwise specified
  • Complementary recovery treatments (lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy, laser, etc.)
  • Scar care treatments (silicone dressings, laser, etc.), unless otherwise specified
  • Costs arising from medical complications not attributable to the surgical procedure
  • Reoperations or touch-up surgeries not initially planned
  • Unplanned additional stays
  • Travel, accommodation or meals for the patient and companions
  • Time off work or school, certificates or additional administrative procedures
  • Any material or procedure not expressly specified in the quote

You can finance this procedure at 0% interest. See the options on our financing page.

*Prices valid in 2026. The exact price is given after the visit, once the surgeon has assessed your case.

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Are you the ideal candidate for otoplasty surgery?

Otoplasty is indicated for people who want to correct the shape, size or position of their ears to achieve a more harmonious, natural result that is balanced with the face, especially when these features cannot be corrected with non-surgical treatments.

It is especially suitable if:

  • 01

    Prominent or “protruding” ears

    When the ears stick out too far from the head, otoplasty allows them to be repositioned in a more natural, aesthetically pleasing position.

  • 02

    Asymmetry between the two ears

    If there is a visible difference in shape or position between one ear and the other, surgery can bring them into harmony and balance the face as a whole.

  • 03

    Large or disproportionate ears

    When the size of the ears disrupts facial proportion, ear reduction otoplasty can improve overall harmony.

  • 04

    Congenital malformations or after-effects of injuries

    In cases of birth deformities or following knocks or previous surgeries, otoplasty allows for a personalized reconstructive correction.

  • 05

    Self-consciousness or insecurity about appearance

    If your ears make you feel insecure or affect your confidence, otoplasty can bring a very positive change to your personal well-being.

  • 06

    Wanting a permanent, natural solution

    If you are looking for a stable, discreet and long-lasting result that respects your features and improves facial harmony, otoplasty is an excellent option.

Otoplasty before and after photos

Foto Antes Cirugóa Orejas Otoplastia en una mujer
Foto Después Cirugóa Orejas Otoplastia en una mujer

Olga, patient from Barcelona

Otoplasty, images 4 months after the procedure ✨

Live outside Barcelona or Madrid?

You can also have your otoplasty with us

Start with a video consultation with our surgeons. The surgeon who will operate on you assesses your case, answers your questions and gives you an exact, personalised quote. No travel needed for the first visit.

50 €

video consultation with your surgeon

Dr. David Neagu

Dr. David Neagu

Facial and maxillofacial surgery

Dr. Álvaro Sada

Dr. Álvaro Sada

Facial and maxillofacial surgery

Who is not a candidate: contraindications for otoplasty

Patient safety comes before any aesthetic result. Otoplasty should not be performed, or should be postponed, in the following cases:

ContraindicationReason
Active infection of the outer ear or earPostponed until it has fully resolved.
Clotting disorder or anticoagulant treatmentIncreases the risk of bruising; it is assessed with the prescribing doctor.
Conditions that impair healingPoorly controlled diabetes or active-phase immunosuppression require assessment.
Known tendency to keloidsThe scar behind the ear may heal less well; this is explained before surgery.
Cartilage still developingIn children, we wait until the ear has finished growing.
Active smokingStopping before surgery is recommended because of its effect on healing.

Risks and possible side effects of otoplasty

Otoplasty is safe when performed by a licensed doctor in an authorized center using approved medical devices. Even so, every medical procedure has a profile of possible effects that it is only honest to share with you.

Expected, mild reactions

  • Swelling and bruising in the operated area during the first few days.
  • Discomfort or a feeling of pressure under the dressing.
  • Temporary change in sensation in the outer ear.

Less common effects

  • Residual asymmetry between the two ears.
  • Partial recurrence if the cartilage tends to return to its position.
  • Hypertrophic or keloid scarring in predisposed patients.
  • Wound infection, which requires antibiotic treatment.

Our medical team for otoplasty

Instituto de Benito is a leading name in otoplasty and advanced ear surgery, with more than 40 years of experience and thousands of satisfied patients.

The team combines surgical technique with a personal approach, aiming for a natural result in harmony with each face.

Commitment to otoplasty

We have more than 40 years of experience in plastic and cosmetic surgery, with a strong specialization in facial surgery. Over the course of our career, we have performed more than 7,000 facial surgeries, establishing a high level of precision, safety and natural results.

Our practice is backed by membership of recognized international scientific societies such as SECPRE (Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and SCCPRE (Catalan Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), which ensures ongoing training and the application of the most advanced techniques.

We place special emphasis on facial harmony and on personalizing each treatment, supporting the patient throughout the whole process with complete post-op follow-up to ensure an optimal recovery and satisfactory results.

Where to have ear surgery

Book your otoplasty consultation

The first step is not surgery: it is a consultation with the surgeon who would perform your procedure. They will assess your case, answer your questions and, after the visit, give you the exact price.

The first consultation costs €80, which is deducted from the cost of surgery if you decide to have your procedure with us. You can also call us.

Related treatments

Frequently asked questions about otoplasty

What results can I expect?

More harmonious, proportionate and natural-looking ears, in balance with the face. Full recovery comes gradually over the first few weeks, as the swelling disappears and the tissues fully settle.

Is otoplasty painful?

Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and is easily controlled with medication. Most patients return to their normal life within a few days.

Will the scars be noticeable?

No. The incisions are made behind the ear, so the scars are practically invisible once healed

What are the risks of otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a safe procedure when performed in specialized centers by accredited surgeons, but like any surgery, it involves potential risks that should be clearly understood.

At Instituto de Benito, safety is the priority, and all procedures are performed under strict medical protocols, keeping complications to a minimum.

Most common risks (and generally mild)

  • Hematoma or minor bleeding: uncommon and generally easy to resolve.
  • Temporary swelling and discomfort: normal during the first few days.
  • Temporary changes in sensation: these usually disappear over time.
  • Mild asymmetries: these may appear during the healing process.
  • Mild infection: very uncommon thanks to aseptic measures and preventive antibiotics.

Uncommon risks

  • Healing problems or stitches coming open.
  • Allergic reaction or intolerance to the anesthesia or to surgical materials.
  • Unexpected aesthetic results, which in exceptional cases may require a touch-up.

How long do the results last?

The result of otoplasty is stable and long-lasting.

When can I exercise or return to normal activities after otoplasty?

  • Normal activity: from 5–7 days.
  • Sports: after 3–4 weeks.
  • Contact activities: after 4–6 weeks.

Can otoplasty be combined with other facial surgeries?

Yes, it can be combined with procedures such as rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty, always subject to a personalized medical assessment.

How long does full recovery take?

Most patients are back to normal life within 7–14 days, but full recovery comes between 3 and 6 months.

Can you finance otoplasty?

Yes, we offer different financing options to make otoplasty more accessible. We can split the payment over up to 12 months interest-free, and also offer longer options of up to 48 months, tailored to each patient. During the consultation, we explain all the terms clearly and answer any questions, so that you can make your decision with peace of mind and proper planning.

Medical review

Dr. Victor Cabrera Mas

Dr. Víctor Cabrera Mas

N.º de colegiación 50169

Surgeon specializing in breast, facial and reconstructive surgery

Excellent

Average rating: 4.8 / 5

Based on 651 reviews
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