Aesthetic Surgery
Ear Correction
Otoplasty to pin back prominent ears
At a Glance
In Brief
Pinning prominent ears closer to the head
Treatment Duration
Approx. 1–2 hours
Anaesthesia
Usually local anaesthesia, twilight sedation if needed
Downtime
Usually back at work after approx. 1 week
Results
Visible after bandage removal, final after 2–3 months
Duration of Effect
Usually long-lasting
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
Ear correction to pin back the ears, known medically as otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is a surgical procedure for prominent ears. The correction brings the ears closer to the head.
The procedure may suit women and men who are bothered by ears that stick out or sit unevenly. The aim is an ear shape that blends unobtrusively with the face. In the consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei explains which technique and incision suit your ears and where the scars will lie.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
Which parts are corrected depends on what makes the ear stick out.
Prominent Ears
Where the ears stand out noticeably from the head, they are corrected so that the outer ear lies flatter.
Outer Ear Shape
The protrusion can stem from the inner fold of the outer ear, from the bowl of the ear or from both. The examination shows what is corrected in your case.
Asymmetry
If the ears protrude to different degrees, the correction is matched to each side separately. The goal is as balanced a picture of both sides as possible.
What is an ear correction?
Prominent ears are usually present from birth and stem from the shape of the outer ear. Ear correction changes its position and, where needed, its shape so that the ear stands out less. The procedure has no effect on hearing. Both ears or only one side may be affected.
The operation is carried out on an outpatient basis and mostly under local anaesthesia, supplemented by twilight sedation if needed. Afterwards, a bandage around the head shields the ears at first, followed by a headband for the night. Like any operation, this procedure leaves scars, which fade over time.
- Pinning back prominent ears
- Outpatient, usually under local anaesthesia
- Takes about 1–2 hours
- Head bandage for about 1 week
- Headband at night for about 6 weeks
Why an ear correction at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
Ear correction is performed by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
Planning Around Your Ears
Before the procedure, we assess what makes the ears protrude and how pronounced the finding is. The planning of the correction is based on this.
Outpatient Procedure
Ear correction is carried out on an outpatient basis, so in most cases you can go home again the same day.
Anaesthesia as Needed
Local anaesthesia is sufficient in most cases. If needed, twilight sedation is added, given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre.
Protection While Healing
A bandage and, later, a headband keep the ears in their new position while they heal. We explain exactly how to wear both.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
Everything starts with a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich. During this appointment, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei assesses the shape and position of your ears and discusses the appearance you would like. You then decide in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
Ahead of the operation, you receive clear instructions on medication and nicotine. Blood-thinning medication is paused only after consulting the doctor.
Anaesthesia
The ears are numbed with a local anaesthetic, and twilight sedation can be added if needed. During the operation, you may notice pressure or a pulling sensation at the ears.
Procedure
The surgeon brings the ears into their new, closer-lying position. The procedure takes about 1–2 hours, after which a head bandage is applied.
Aftercare
The head bandage stays in place for around 1 week and is taken off at the check-up. After that, a soft headband protects the ears at night for about 6 weeks.
| Ear correction to pin back the ears | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out transparently after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
Ear correction brings prominent ears closer to the head. The outpatient procedure generally takes 1–2 hours. Technique and incision depend on your findings and are discussed with you beforehand. At the end, you are given a head bandage that protects the ears in their new position.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
Local anaesthesia is used for most ear corrections. If needed, it can be combined with twilight sedation, a light form of sedation, and general anaesthesia is also possible. Twilight sedation and general anaesthesia are given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre. We decide together in the preliminary consultation which option suits you.
What risks and side effects are possible?
After the procedure, swelling, slight bruising, a feeling of tightness and numbness or tingling in the ears are common and subside over the following weeks. As with any operation, bleeding, inflammation, wound-healing problems, conspicuous scars or slight asymmetry are also possible. We discuss the risks that apply to you in detail beforehand.
What should I consider before the procedure?
To support circulation and wound healing, you should avoid nicotine before the procedure. Blood-thinning medication is paused only after consulting the doctor. We give you the exact instructions on medication, smoking and sun in good time before your appointment.
What should I consider after the procedure?
The head bandage should be left untouched until the check-up. After that, you wear a soft headband at night for about 6 weeks so that the ears do not bend over while you sleep. Take care when washing your hair during this period, and avoid sport, sauna and swimming pools for the same length of time.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Most patients are ready for work and social life again after roughly 1 week, once the bandage has been removed. Slight bruising can remain visible for up to about 2 weeks. Sport is possible again after around 6 weeks, and contact sports after about 8 weeks.
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When do results become visible?
The new position of the ears is visible as soon as the bandage is taken off. Residual swelling continues to subside afterwards, so the final ear shape is reached after about 2–3 months. The scars that every operation leaves fade over time.
How long do the results last?
The correction of the ear position is usually long-lasting. In individual cases, the position of an ear may change slightly again during healing or later. The position of the ears is checked at the follow-up appointments.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is normally all that is planned for pinning back the ears. Occasionally, a small follow-up correction is advisable later if an ear has changed during healing. Should this apply to you, we discuss the next steps at your follow-up.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
Ear correction is suitable for women and men who are bothered by ears that stick out or sit unevenly. Good general health and clear, realistic ideas about the appearance afterwards are required. Conditions that impair wound healing should be clarified beforehand. In the consultation, we check whether the procedure is right for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is given on request because the cost depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique chosen. You receive a transparent breakdown of costs after the consultation.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.