Ear reconstruction is plastic surgery that creates or repairs the outer ear so it resembles a natural ear. It includes otoplasty to correct ear shape or position, microtia repair for ears that did not form fully, and repair of ears damaged by injury or cancer surgery, using rib cartilage or an implant framework.
- AnaesthesiaLocal or general (otoplasty); general (reconstruction)
- DurationAbout 1 to 2 hours (otoplasty); longer for reconstruction
- Hospital stayDay care (otoplasty); a few days for reconstruction
- Back to routineUsually about 1 week; longer for staged reconstruction
What is ear reconstruction and otoplasty?
Ear reconstruction is among the more demanding procedures in plastic surgery. Otoplasty corrects the shape or position of the ears, including changes after injury. Microtia repair treats a congenitally underdeveloped ear, and ear defect repair restores ears partly or fully lost through trauma or cancer surgery.
Most microtia reconstructions use the patient's own rib cartilage, typically in two to four stages between about 10 and 16 years of age. A Medpor (porous polyethylene) framework is an alternative that avoids rib harvest and causes minimal scarring at a donor site.
Prior scarring or a low hairline around the ear can make reconstruction more challenging, so these patients should be assessed carefully by a specialist.
Who is ear reconstruction and otoplasty for?
- People born with an underdeveloped ear (microtia)
- People who have lost all or part of an ear through trauma, disease or accident
- People with prominent or misshapen ears wanting otoplasty
- Those with prior scarring or a low hairline may be less suitable and need specialist assessment
How is it done?
- Avoid aspirin and certain herbal supplements; fast for a few hours before surgery; shower and wash hair the night before
- Otoplasty: under local or general anaesthesia, an incision behind the ear allows skin and cartilage to be reshaped, and stitches hold the ear in position
- Rib cartilage reconstruction: a framework carved from rib cartilage is placed under the skin, then lifted and refined over two to four stages
- Medpor framework: an implant framework is covered with a tissue flap and skin graft
- Arrange someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few days
What is recovery like?
- Soft dressings and mild discomfort for a few days; swelling usually fades within days
- A headband may be recommended for about two weeks, including at night
- Clean the ear gently with a cotton bud and wear front-button clothing
- Avoid swimming and contact sports for several weeks and limit direct sunlight for months
- The scar behind the ear sits in a natural crease and is usually barely visible
What are the risks?
- Discomfort and disturbed sleep in the first days
- Infection, with redness, swelling or discharge
- Exposure of cartilage or implant framework
- Scarring that may be thin or wider behind the ear
- Asymmetry or need for further refinement; seek prompt help for chest pain after rib harvest
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between otoplasty and ear reconstruction?
Otoplasty reshapes or repositions an existing ear, for example prominent ears or changes after injury. Ear reconstruction builds a new ear framework, usually from rib cartilage or an implant, when the ear is underdeveloped or missing.
At what age is microtia reconstruction done with rib cartilage?
Rib cartilage reconstruction is typically performed between about 10 and 16 years of age, when enough cartilage is available, and is done in two to four stages. Implant-based methods may be considered at a younger age.
Will there be a visible scar?
Otoplasty scars sit behind the ear in a natural crease and are usually barely visible once healed. Reconstruction involves additional scars at the rib donor site or graft sites, which typically fade over time.
What should I avoid after ear surgery?
Avoid swimming and contact sports for several weeks, limit direct sunlight for months, and wear front-button clothing so nothing is pulled over the ear. A headband is often advised for about two weeks.
When should I contact the doctor after surgery?
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice increasing redness, swelling or discharge, exposed cartilage or framework, or chest pain after rib cartilage harvest. Mild discomfort and swelling in the first few days are expected.
