Otoplasty (Ear Surgery)

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, improves the shape, position or proportion of the ears so they sit more naturally with the rest of the face. The aim is to restore balance rather than draw attention.

Ears rarely stand out when they sit in proportion to the rest of the face. When ears protrude, appear large or have an unusual shape, they can attract unwanted attention and affect confidence. The problem often begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood, particularly if concerns remain unaddressed.

Ms Tzafetta approaches ear surgery with care and restraint, focusing on natural contours and long-term comfort rather than dramatic change.

When ear surgery may help

You may consider ear surgery for yourself or your child if there are concerns about:

prominent ears that sit noticeably away from the head
ears that appear large or disproportionate (macrotia)
asymmetry between the ears
dissatisfaction following previous ear surgery
ear shape changes following injury

Correcting even subtle ear differences can significantly improve confidence and self-esteem, particularly in social or school settings.

A considered approach to ear correction

Ear surgery works best when it respects the delicate structure of the ear and its relationship to the head and face. Every ear has unique folds, angles and cartilage thickness, so planning is highly individual.

Ms Tzafetta assesses ear position, shape, cartilage strength and skull anatomy before recommending surgery. Her approach focuses on creating ears that look natural from all angles and feel comfortable long-term.

Ear surgery techniques

Ms Tzafetta tailors the surgical technique to the specific concern identified during assessment.

The most common procedure involves repositioning prominent ears, bringing them closer to the head while preserving natural ear folds. This technique has a strong safety record and high satisfaction rates.

For constricted or misshapen ears, surgery may involve reshaping cartilage and supporting ear structure using more advanced techniques. These cases sometimes require staged procedures to achieve the best result.

Ms Tzafetta also performs revision ear surgery for adults who feel unhappy with the outcome of previous treatment, including over-correction, visible irregularities or unnatural ear positioning.

Your ear surgery consultation

Your consultation with Kalliroi Tzafetta provides the foundation for safe and effective ear surgery.

During this appointment, you can discuss your concerns openly, whether they relate to appearance, confidence or previous surgery. For children, Ms Tzafetta ensures discussions remain age-appropriate and supportive.

Ms Tzafetta will:

assess ear shape, position and symmetry
review medical history and any previous ear surgery
explain natural asymmetry and realistic outcomes
discuss suitable techniques and scar placement
outline risks, recovery and long-term expectations

While surgery can improve asymmetry, no face or ear structure becomes perfectly symmetrical. Ms Tzafetta will explain what improvement realistically looks like in your case.

Recovery and expectations

Recovery depends on the technique used and whether one or both ears are treated.

Most people experience swelling, tenderness and mild bruising for the first 7 to 10 days. A supportive head bandage usually protects the ears initially, followed by a lighter headband worn at night for several weeks.

Children and adults often return to school or desk-based work within 1 week, provided they avoid contact sports or activities that risk ear trauma. Strenuous exercise and sports usually resume after 4 to 6 weeks.

Ms Tzafetta will give clear, personalised guidance throughout recovery to help protect results and ensure comfort.

Ear surgery aims to create a natural appearance that does not draw attention. Results remain long-lasting once healing is complete.

Understanding limitations

Ear surgery improves shape, position and proportion, but it does not create identical ears or change hearing. Minor asymmetry should be expected.

Ms Tzafetta will discuss limitations honestly during consultation so expectations are realistic.

A specialist, measured approach

Under the care of Ms Tzafetta, ear surgery centres on anatomical precision, natural contour and long-term stability.

Her background in reconstructive and facial surgery supports careful planning, particularly for children and revision cases, where confidence and trust matter deeply.

Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) FAQs

How long does ear surgery take?

Ear surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the correction and whether one or both ears are treated. Ms Tzafetta will explain the expected duration during the consultation.

Will ear surgery leave visible scars?

Ms Tzafetta places incisions behind the ear, where they heal discreetly. Scar appearance depends on healing and skin type, which Ms Tzafetta will discuss with you in advance.

How long does recovery take?

Most people return to school or desk-based work within 7 days. Swelling and tenderness continue to improve over several weeks. Contact sports and strenuous activities usually resume after 4 to 6 weeks.

Is ear surgery painful?

Most people describe recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful. Pain-relief medication helps manage early discomfort, which usually settles quickly.

Can children have ear surgery?

Yes. Ear surgery is often performed in childhood, once ear growth has completed, usually between 5 to 6 years of age. Ms Tzafetta ensures discussions remain supportive and appropriate for children and parents.

Can ear surgery be performed on adults?

Yes. Many adults choose ear surgery later in life. Age alone does not prevent surgery, provided overall health supports safe treatment.

Can ear surgery correct previous surgery?

Yes. Revision ear surgery can address concerns such as over-correction, visible irregularities or dissatisfaction with previous results. Ms Tzafetta will assess whether revision surgery could improve appearance and comfort.

Who performs ear surgery?

Kalliroi Tzafetta performs ear surgery with a focus on natural shape, symmetry and long-term comfort. Her experience in reconstructive and facial surgery supports careful, anatomy-led outcomes.

When should I consider ear surgery?

You may consider ear surgery if the shape or position of your or your child’s ears affects confidence or causes self-consciousness. Surgery works best when decisions feel calm and well-informed. A consultation with Ms Tzafetta can help clarify whether otoplasty suits your goals.

Patient Experiences

Many people find it helpful to hear from others who have been through a similar experience. The reflections below share individual patient perspectives, offered to help you understand what care and recovery can feel like in practice.

Otoplasty Procedure a complete success – very pleased indeed.

Ms Tzafetta has recently performed an otoplasty procedure (ear pinning) on one of my ears. Not only am i over the moon with the outstanding results, i am very impressed with the service from start to finish. Nothing has ever been too much trouble . . . . . even when i missed an appointment by mistake. I would recommend Ms Tzafetta whole heartedly.

★★★★★

tzafetta.com