Prominent ears – surgery for protruding ears (otoplasty)
Prominent ears can be corrected with surgery in which the ear cartilage is reshaped through an incision behind the ear. At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, the procedure is performed by specialists in ear, nose and throat conditions on children from the age of 10 and adults.
What are prominent ears and why do they occur?
Prominent ears are caused by a variation in the shape of the ear cartilage. This is present from birth and often occurs in several members of the same family.
In most cases, the soft fold in the middle of the ear, called the antihelix, is partly or completely absent, which means the ear does not naturally fold back towards the head. In others, the concha is too deep, while some people have a combination of both features.
The ears grow rapidly during the first years of life and have almost reached their final size by school age. This is why surgery can be performed during childhood.
Prominent ears do not cause symptoms and do not affect hearing. The decision to have surgery is usually related to appearance and a wish to avoid comments or teasing.
In a Finnish study of 180 patients, cosmetic concerns and bullying were the most common reasons for choosing surgery, and most patients underwent surgery on both ears (Kajosaari et al., Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2017).
When can prominent ears be operated on?
At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, children from the age of 10 and adults can undergo surgery. There is no upper age limit.
For children, it is important that the child personally wants the operation and understands that there will be a period after surgery when a dressing and headband must be worn.
During the initial consultation with a specialist in ear, nose and throat conditions, the shape of the ears is assessed and the most appropriate surgical approach is discussed.
Both ears are always operated on during the same procedure to achieve as balanced a result as possible.
How is the operation performed?
The operation is performed using the Stenström technique.
Through an incision in the skin fold behind the ear, the cartilage is exposed. The front surface of the cartilage is then carefully scored so that it naturally folds back towards the head and forms the missing crease. Where necessary, internal sutures are also used to maintain the new shape.
The incision is hidden behind the ear, and over time the scar usually becomes a thin, pale line.
Surgery on both ears takes approximately 1½–2 hours.
The technique is based on the principle that cartilage naturally bends away from the side that has been scored. This principle has been described in the plastic surgery literature since the 1960s and remains one of the main techniques used in otoplasty.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
Children are usually operated on under general anaesthesia, typically up to and including the age of 13.
Older children and adults can choose between general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia, where the ear is numbed with an injection. The most suitable option is agreed during the initial consultation.
The operation is performed as a day procedure, and you can return home the same day with a soft dressing around your head.
What happens after surgery?
The dressing remains in place for approximately 10 days and protects the ears while the cartilage settles into its new shape.
After this, a soft headband is worn at night for 2–3 months to prevent the ears from being bent while sleeping on your side.
The ears may be swollen, tender and slightly bruised during the first few weeks. Sensation in the ears may also be altered for several months.
Sport and swimming should be avoided for 3 weeks after surgery. Contact sports, where the ear may be hit or pulled, should be avoided for 3 months.
Children can usually return to school and adults to sedentary work once the dressing has been removed, or earlier if agreed with the specialist.
What are the risks?
Otoplasty is a relatively minor procedure with few complications.
The main risks are bleeding under the skin, infection and the ear gradually becoming more prominent again over time.
In a systematic review from 2026 involving 2,854 patients, recurrent prominence occurred in 3–8% of cases depending on the surgical technique, bleeding under the skin occurred in fewer than 1%, and infection occurred in approximately 1%.
The ears will never be completely symmetrical – and they are not naturally completely symmetrical either.
If there are signs of infection or increasing pain, contact the hospital.
Surgery for prominent ears at Charlottenlund Private Hospital
The initial consultation and surgery take place at the main department on Jægersborg Allé in Charlottenlund.
The procedure is performed by specialists in ear, nose and throat conditions, while anaesthesia is provided by the hospital’s specialist anaesthetists.
After surgery, you will be followed by the same specialist until the dressing has been removed and the result has been assessed.
Referral and payment
Prominent ears are considered a cosmetic condition, so the operation is normally paid for by the patient.
As a self-paying patient, no referral is required. Prices are available in the price list.
An initial consultation can be booked online or by telephone on 44 98 19 21.
Frequently asked questions
What are prominent ears?
Prominent ears are ears that protrude further from the head than usual – typically because the fold in the middle of the ear is absent or because the concha is deep. It is a congenital variation that does not affect hearing.
From what age can prominent ears be operated on?
At Charlottenlund Privathospital, children aged 10 and over and adults of all ages are treated. The child must want the operation themselves.
How are prominent ears corrected surgically?
Through an incision behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped using the Stenström technique so the ear lies closer to the head. Both ears are operated on during the same procedure, which takes 1½–2 hours. You go home the same day.
How long do you need to wear a dressing and headband?
The dressing stays on for about 10 days. After that, a headband is worn at night for 2–3 months.
What type of anaesthesia is used for prominent ear surgery?
Children are typically given general anaesthesia up to and including age 13. Older children and adults can choose between general and local anaesthesia.
When can I return to sports?
Avoid sports and swimming for 3 weeks. Avoid contact sports for 3 months after surgery.