Otoplasty — surgical correction of prominent or misshapen ears — is one of the most under-discussed but high-satisfaction procedures in Korean cosmetic surgery. Korean surgeons perform the procedure on both children (typically 5+ years) and adults, with techniques that produce natural-looking results through incisions hidden behind the ear. This guide covers indications, technique, recovery, and what to expect.
The conditions otoplasty addresses
- Prominent (protruding) ears — the most common indication. The auriculo-cephalic angle is wider than typical, making ears appear to "stick out."
- Underdeveloped antihelical fold — the natural Y-shaped fold inside the ear is shallow, contributing to prominence.
- Conchal hypertrophy — the bowl-shaped portion of the ear is enlarged, projecting the entire ear outward.
- Asymmetry — one ear differs from the other in size, position, or shape.
- Lop ear, cup ear, Stahl\'s ear — congenital malformations of ear cartilage.
- Earlobe abnormalities — addressed in earlobe-specific procedures (separate from classic otoplasty).
The two main techniques
Antihelical fold creation (Mustardé technique)
For underdeveloped antihelical folds:
- Incision behind the ear.
- Cartilage is reshaped using a series of permanent sutures to create a new fold.
- Sometimes combined with cartilage scoring to weaken resistant cartilage.
- Hidden scar in the postauricular crease.
Conchal reduction (Furnas technique)
For conchal hypertrophy where the bowl portion of the ear is too deep:
- Cartilage from the conchal bowl is partially excised or repositioned.
- Sutures secure the conchal cartilage closer to the mastoid bone, reducing protrusion.
- Often combined with antihelical fold creation in moderate-to-severe cases.
Pediatric vs. adult otoplasty
Children (5–14 years)
- Ears are essentially fully developed by age 5–6, making early intervention possible.
- Korean surgeons commonly perform otoplasty on children aged 5–14.
- Reduces psychological impact of prominent ears during school years.
- Cartilage is still slightly malleable, sometimes facilitating reshaping.
- Anesthesia: typically general anesthesia for children due to cooperation needs.
Adults
- Generally a single-session surgery under local anesthesia with sedation.
- Cartilage is firmer; sometimes requires more extensive scoring.
- Recovery is similar but downtime tolerance is often higher.
- Frequently combined with other cosmetic procedures during a Korea trip.
Procedure profile
- Operative time: 1.5–2.5 hours.
- Anesthesia: general (children); local with sedation (adults).
- Incision: behind the ear, in the postauricular crease.
- Bandaging: head wrap for 3–7 days post-op.
- Outcome: 90%+ patient satisfaction with positioning and shape.
Recovery
- Day 0–3: head wrap continuous; pain typically mild and well-controlled.
- Day 4–7: head wrap removed; switch to night-time headband (worn during sleep for 4–6 weeks).
- Day 5–7: sutures removed (if non-absorbable used).
- Week 2: return to school or office work.
- Week 4–6: avoid contact sports; night-time headband continued.
- Month 2: final position stable.
- Earliest safe flight: day 5–7.
Risks specific to otoplasty
- Suture extrusion or palpability — permanent sutures can become palpable through thin skin; rarely require removal.
- Asymmetry — surgical repositioning aims for symmetry; small differences are common.
- "Telephone ear" deformity — over-correction in the middle of the ear with relative under-correction at top and bottom.
- Hematoma — early post-op; the most acute concern requiring evacuation if it occurs.
- Hypertrophic or keloid scarring — particularly in predisposed patients (those with prior keloid history).
- Infection — uncommon with appropriate care.
- Recurrence — partial loss of correction over time; revision rate around 5–10%.
Non-surgical alternatives
For very young children (newborns to 6 months), molding splints can sometimes shape the ear without surgery — useful for cup ears, lop ears, and other congenital deformities. Beyond this window, surgery is typically the only effective option.
What to ask in your consultation
- What is the dominant problem — prominence, antihelical fold, conchal hypertrophy, asymmetry?
- What technique do you propose — antihelical fold creation, conchal reduction, or combined?
- Will the suturing technique result in palpable sutures?
- What is your revision rate?
- For children: what anesthesia do you propose, and where is the case performed?
- What is the headband regimen for the first 4–6 weeks?
Cost ranges in Gangnam (2026, USD)
- Adult otoplasty (bilateral): $2,500–$5,500.
- Pediatric otoplasty: $3,000–$6,500 (slightly higher for general anesthesia).
- Earlobe repair (added): $400–$1,200.
- Combined otoplasty + minor cosmetic procedures: $3,500–$8,500.
What otoplasty cannot do
- Make ears smaller than the natural cartilage allows.
- Correct hearing or balance issues — these are functional concerns, not cosmetic.
- Create perfect symmetry — anatomic limits apply.
- Remove all prominent-ear genetic predisposition; some recurrence over years is possible.
The honest framing
Otoplasty is one of the most consistently satisfying procedures in cosmetic surgery — particularly for adults who have lived with prominent ears their whole lives. The change is meaningful, the scars are well-hidden, and the technique is well-established. Korean surgeons offer this procedure at competitive pricing with high-volume experience. Choose a surgeon with documented otoplasty case volume, follow the recovery protocol, and the result is typically permanent and satisfying.