Shape correctionOtoplasty

Otoplasty

Ear reshaping

Portrait of a woman touching her ear

Before & after

Before and after otoplasty, female patient, side view
Before and after otoplasty, male patient, side view
Before and after otoplasty, profile and close-up views

Notice: To protect patient privacy, the images shown are based on photographs of actual patients; however, identifying features have been modified using AI retouching technology. These images are provided solely to aid understanding of surgical outcomes and may differ from actual photographs. Individual results may vary.

Overview

Otoplasty is a refined surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions or reduces the ears to create a more balanced and natural appearance. It is most often performed to correct prominent ears, but it also addresses asymmetry, congenital deformity, cartilage defects and injury.

How it works

Through a small, discreet incision hidden in the natural crease behind the ear, the surgeon sculpts the cartilage to create a natural antihelical fold and reduce the depth of the conchal bowl. The ear is then repositioned closer to the head and secured in its new shape.

Key facts

Parameter
Details
Duration
1–2 hours
Anaesthesia
Local or general, by patient preference
Sutures
Dissolvable, or removed at 7–10 days
Dressing
Worn for 1–2 weeks
Result
Long-lasting — visible right away, settles at around 1–2 months
Scars
Hidden in the natural crease behind the ear

Who otoplasty is for

Otoplasty suits anyone who wants to improve the appearance, position or symmetry of the ears. Candidates usually fall into one of these groups:

Profile
Description
Prominent ears
Ears that stand out noticeably from the head — the most common reason for otoplasty. The aim is to bring them closer for a more balanced profile.
Cartilage deformity
Ears that are folded, crumpled or missing structural definition due to congenital conditions such as Stahl's ear, constricted ear or cryptotia, or due to trauma. Otoplasty restores shape and structure.
Asymmetry
One ear sits differently from the other, which unbalances facial harmony. Otoplasty corrects the discrepancy.
Trauma or injury
Ears damaged by injury or sport — reconstruction restores a natural appearance.
The Japanese "cute ears" aesthetic
In Japan and parts of Asia, slightly protruding ears are seen as youthful and endearing. Some patients ask for a gentle outward projection rather than complete flattening — a playful look that frames the face softly. Otoplasty can be tailored to this goal too.
Dissatisfaction with ear shape
Any adult or child, usually from around age five, who feels self-conscious about their ears and wants a lasting, natural-looking improvement.

A note on aesthetic philosophy

Otoplasty is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Some patients want ears that lie flat against the head; others, particularly in Japan, prefer a subtle prominence that adds character and youthfulness. What matters is understanding your aesthetic vision and sculpting accordingly — beauty is personal, and the right result is the one that makes you feel most like yourself.

Summary

Goal
Approach
Reduce prominence
Bring the ears closer to the head and define the antihelix
Restore cartilage
Reconstruct folded or missing structure
Create symmetry
Match one ear to the other
Achieve a "cute" prominence
Gently emphasise the upper helix and keep a soft projection
Natural results
Tailored to your anatomy and your aesthetic preference
Ears that frame your face — naturally and elegantly, whether you want them close, symmetrical or beautifully prominent.

Why choose this approach

  • Natural, long-lasting results — typically a single procedure
  • Customisable — from full correction to a subtle, deliberate prominence
  • Minimal visible scarring — incisions are hidden behind the ear
  • Quick recovery — back to normal activity within days
  • Suitable for adults and for children from around age five
Daeyoung Kim, M.D., PhD.
Ears rarely ask for attention, yet they frame every angle of a face. My work there is precision without noise.

Daeyoung Kim, M.D., PhD.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sangwon Lee, M.D., PhD.
An ear should sit as if it were never operated on. When my work goes unnoticed, it has succeeded.

Sangwon Lee, M.D., PhD.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Get in touch

5F, 4 Sangmu-jungang-ro 28beon-gil, Seo-gu, GwangjuDirections & map apps
Booking & consultation062-227-3777
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