Otoplasty procedure
If your ears have always felt a little too noticeable, you may simply want to understand what can be done and what the operation actually involves.
Otoplasty surgery Brisbane & Gold Coast
Understanding otoplasty and ear reshaping surgery
Otoplasty before and after photos
These images show examples of otoplasty surgery performed by Dr Andrew Hadj. Every patient’s ear shape, cartilage, skin and healing process is different, so your own outcome may vary.
Before and after images are shown with patient consent. They are intended as general examples only and do not guarantee a specific result.
Otoplasty procedure Brisbane & Gold coast
Otoplasty surgery: what happens during the procedure?
Otoplasty is usually performed to bring prominent ears closer to the head, improve the shape of the ear, or create better balance between both ears. The surgery is planned around your own ear shape, because no two ears are exactly the same.
*Disclaimer – All patients have consented to their images being published. These images are no guarantee of any individual surgical outcome, individual results may vary. Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks. This surgery has been performed by Dr Andrew Hadj registered Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon (MED0001205402)
For most patients, the incision is placed behind the ear. This allows me to reach the cartilage without placing the scar on the front of the ear. The cartilage is then adjusted, folded or secured with sutures, depending on your ear shape and what needs to be corrected.
Plastic Surgeon Brisbane & Gold Coast, BSc, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)
Both ears are usually treated at the same time. Even when one ear bothers you more, I assess both ears carefully so we can plan the surgery in a balanced way.
Once the ears are in position, the incisions are closed and a protective dressing or head garment is applied. This helps support the ears while the early healing begins.
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Otoplasty procedure | Gold Coast & Brisbane plastic surgeon Andrew Hadj
Ear surgery: step by step
Anaesthetic
Before your otoplasty, you will meet the theatre team and anaesthetist if you are having a general anaesthetic.
Some ear surgery can be done under local anaesthetic. Other patients, especially children, usually have a general anaesthetic so they are asleep and comfortable during the operation.
Incisions
The incision is usually made behind the ear.
This gives access to the cartilage without placing the scar on the front of the ear. I will show you where the incision is likely to sit during your consultation, so you know what to expect.
Reshaping the ear
The cartilage is carefully reshaped and secured with sutures.
This may involve bringing the ear closer to the head, improving the natural fold of the ear, or adjusting the shape so the ear sits in a more balanced position.
Dressing and support
Once the incisions are closed, a dressing or head garment is applied.
This protects the ears and helps support their position in the early healing stage. You will be given clear instructions on how long to wear it and how to look after the area at home.
Otoplasty surgery is usually performed through an incision behind the ear. Through this incision, I can reshape the cartilage and use sutures to help the ear sit closer to the head or in a more balanced position.
For patients considering otoplasty in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, the exact technique depends on your ear shape, your cartilage and what you would like to improve.
Yes, otoplasty surgery usually treats both ears during the same procedure. Even if one ear bothers you more, I will assess both ears carefully so we can plan the surgery in a balanced way.
Each ear may need a slightly different adjustment, because ears are rarely exactly the same.
The scar from otoplasty surgery is usually placed behind the ear. This helps keep the incision away from the front of the ear, where it would be more visible.
All surgery leaves scars, and I will show you where the incision is likely to sit during your consultation.
Otoplasty surgery can improve the position and balance of your ears, but it cannot make both ears perfectly identical.
Most people naturally have small differences between their ears. The aim is to help the ears sit in a more natural and balanced position, while keeping the result realistic for you.
Otoplasty can sometimes reduce the size of the ears if they feel too large. This is called reduction otoplasty.
Not every patient needs this. Some patients only need the ears brought closer to the head, while others may need reshaping or size reduction. We will talk about this during your consultation.
After otoplasty surgery, your ears will be supported with dressings or a head garment. This helps protect the ears and support their new position while healing begins.
You will be given clear instructions about sleeping, showering, activity, follow-up appointments and when you can return to work, school or exercise.
You can read more on the otoplasty recovery page. This explains what to expect after ear surgery, including head garment use, swelling, sleeping position, showering, time off work or school, and return to exercise.
This is helpful for patients planning otoplasty in Brisbane or the Gold Coast who want to understand the recovery before booking surgery.
Otoplasty surgery usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on what needs to be corrected.
Some patients need the ears brought closer to the head. Others may need cartilage reshaping, more definition in the natural fold of the ear, or reduction otoplasty if the ears feel too large. I will explain what your procedure is likely to involve during your consultation.
This is helpful for patients planning otoplasty in Brisbane or the Gold Coast who want to understand the recovery before booking surgery.
If your ears still look prominent after otoplasty, there can be a few reasons. Sometimes swelling can make the ears appear more forward in the early stages of healing. In other cases, the cartilage may relax over time, or the original ear shape may need further correction.
This can feel disappointing, especially if you have waited a long time to have ear surgery. The best next step is to have your ears assessed properly so we can understand what is happening and whether revision otoplasty may be appropriate.
Learn more about this topic in our detailed blog post:
Why do my ears still protrude after otoplasty?
Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms: Shop 9/109 West Burleigh Rd, Burleigh Waters. I operate at
