Face · Abu Dhabi & Dubai
Otoplasty
Medically reviewed by Dr. Paulo Michels, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon· Updated 18 July 2026
Otoplasty (ear correction surgery) reshapes protruding or misshaped ears by adjusting the cartilage through an incision hidden behind the ear. Performed by Dr. Paulo Michels in Abu Dhabi, it suits children from around age eight and adults of any age, takes about one hour, and leaves scars that are almost imperceptible.
Otoplasty — ear correction surgery — is a cosmetic procedure that corrects protruding or misshaped ears, improving harmony in their size, shape and angle. For children and adults alike, it restores confidence and facial balance, and Dr. Paulo Michels performs it in Abu Dhabi with incisions hidden in the natural fold behind the ear.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct ear deformities or aesthetic dissatisfaction. The surgery involves reshaping the ear cartilage, adjusting its angle and, when necessary, removing excess skin to achieve a natural, proportionate appearance.
Who is otoplasty for?
Otoplasty is indicated for patients who:
- Have protruding or misshaped ears
- Experience self-consciousness or social discomfort due to ear appearance
- Desire a more harmonious alignment of the ears with the face
Age considerations. The procedure is recommended from 8 years old, when ear development is complete, and can be performed at any age in adults. Early intervention can prevent social or emotional difficulties related to protruding ears — an important consideration for school-age children.
How does otoplasty work?
The procedure is typically performed in three stages.
Preparation. A preoperative evaluation and clinical analysis by Dr. Paulo Michels. Surgery is performed in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia for children or local anaesthesia with sedation for adults.
Execution. An incision is made behind the ear, following its natural fold. The cartilage is reshaped, weakened or partially removed to adjust its size and flexibility; stitches maintain the ear in its new position, and excess skin may be removed if necessary.
Recovery. Skin stitches are removed after 10–14 days or are absorbable. A compression band is worn to support the ear in its new position, and patients can resume daily activities within a week. Postoperative discomfort is generally minimal.
Anaesthesia and surgery time
- Children — usually general anaesthesia
- Adults — local anaesthesia with or without sedation
- Surgery duration — approximately 1 hour
- Hospital stay — usually a few hours, depending on anaesthesia type and patient age
What results can I expect?
- Immediate effect — visible improvement in ear shape and position after the first few days
- Swelling reduction — approximately 90 percent within the first two weeks
- Final outcome — near-final results visible around one month post-surgery
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are hidden behind the ear, within the natural groove, making scars almost imperceptible. Even in techniques involving small anterior incisions, scarring is minimal thanks to the thin skin in the area.
Pain and aftercare
Mild discomfort may occur after surgery and can be managed with standard painkillers. Wearing the compression band and following proper wound care are essential for an optimal result.
Are there contraindications?
Otoplasty is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled medical conditions such as anaemia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or other health issues that prevent safe surgery. Otherwise, most patients can safely undergo the procedure.
Questions, answered
Otoplasty in Abu Dhabi — your questions
What ear issues does otoplasty correct?+
Otoplasty changes the shape, size or position of the ears. It corrects ears that stick out too far from the head, ears that look uneven or misshapen, and birth defects affecting ear contour. It can also fix deformities caused by injury or previous ear surgery, creating a more balanced contour and improved facial harmony.
At what age can a child safely have otoplasty?+
Dr. Paulo Michels recommends otoplasty once a child's ear cartilage is almost fully formed, around age eight, so ear growth is stable and results last. Children may be treated from age five or six onward if the ear shape causes self-consciousness or social issues, but formal surgical planning often begins at age eight. Adults of any age can also have the surgery if in good health.
How is otoplasty performed?+
An incision is made behind the ear, following its natural fold. The cartilage is reshaped, weakened or partially removed to adjust size and flexibility, stitches hold the ear in its new position, and excess skin may be removed if necessary.
What anaesthesia is used, and how long does the surgery take?+
Children usually receive general anaesthesia; adults typically have local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Surgery lasts approximately one hour, and the hospital stay is usually only a few hours, depending on anaesthesia type and patient age.
What results do patients typically see after otoplasty?+
There is an immediate improvement in how the ears sit closer to the head within the first few days. Swelling reduces by approximately 90 percent within the first two weeks, near-final results are visible around one month after surgery, and the shape continues to refine with healing. Results look natural and balanced, with high patient satisfaction.
Can otoplasty correct asymmetrical ears or disproportionate size?+
Yes. By reshaping the cartilage and repositioning the ears, otoplasty corrects differences in placement, size or contour caused by genetics or injury. While perfect mirror-image symmetry is rare, the procedure achieves a much more balanced look between the ears.
Will the scars be visible?+
Incisions are hidden behind the ear, within the natural groove, making scars almost imperceptible. Even in techniques involving small anterior incisions, scarring is minimal because the skin in this area is thin.
What is the recovery like?+
Skin stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days or are absorbable. A compression band supports the ear in its new position, daily activities can resume within a week, and postoperative discomfort is generally minimal and manageable with standard painkillers.
Are otoplasty results different between adults and children?+
Both achieve long-lasting results. Younger patients benefit from softer, more pliable cartilage, which allows easier shaping and quicker adaptation to the new ear position. Adults may have firmer cartilage requiring more precise shaping, but results remain permanent and effective when performed by a skilled surgeon.
Who should not have otoplasty?+
Otoplasty is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled medical conditions such as anaemia, diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or whose health status prevents safe surgery. Otherwise, most patients can safely undergo the procedure.
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