Otoplasty
ear surgery
Otoplasty corrects prominent or protruding ears by reshaping the cartilage through small hidden incisions. Natural, permanent results in harmony with the rest of the face — available from age 8.
Harmonious ears,
renewed confidence
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery, is the gold-standard procedure for correcting prominent or protruding ears — one of the most common aesthetic concerns in both adults and adolescents. Through a precise, minimally invasive technique, Dr. Vricella modifies the shape, position and proportion of the auricle, achieving a more harmonious result that looks entirely natural alongside the rest of the face.
It is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can be performed on children, from age 8, once auricular cartilage development is complete and the procedure does not interfere with growth. This is particularly significant, as prominent ears can generate considerable self-consciousness during childhood and adolescence — affecting confidence and social life at a sensitive stage of development.
Otoplasty goes beyond aesthetics: it removes a source of insecurity that in many cases dictates hairstyle choices, clothing and everyday confidence. The result is permanent, discreet and, in the vast majority of cases, deeply meaningful on a personal level.
Meet the DoctorThe right
technique for you
The choice of technique depends on the type of auricular deformity, the patient’s age and the degree of correction required. Dr. Vricella assesses each case during the consultation and determines the most appropriate approach.
Standard Otoplasty
The primary technique for correcting prominent ears. Through a small incision behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped using permanent sutures and the depth of the auricular concha is reduced. Scars remain completely hidden in the retroauricular fold.
Prominent earsReduction Otoplasty
Indicated when the overall size of the auricle or earlobe is disproportionately large. Cartilage repositioning is combined with controlled tissue removal to achieve a proportionate ear size and a natural-looking result.
Macrotia / oversized earsEarlobe Correction
Addresses isolated earlobe deformities: torn or stretched lobes from heavy earrings, enlarged or asymmetric lobes. A very quick procedure under local anaesthesia, with excellent healing and immediate return to normal activities.
Torn / asymmetric earlobe
Benefits
Discreet correction,
profound change
Otoplasty is one of the procedures with the greatest positive impact on a patient’s self-perception relative to its technical complexity. A subtle structural change — just a few millimetres in cartilage position — completely transforms the harmony of the face and the patient’s day-to-day confidence.
- Permanent correction of prominent or protruding ears
- Scars hidden at the back of the ear — virtually invisible
- Symmetrical, proportionate results in harmony with the face
- Available from age 8 — prevents self-consciousness in childhood
- Fast recovery: normal activities resumed within days
- No restrictions on hairstyle, clothing or activities after recovery
The procedure
Posterior incision,
invisible result
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation — or general anaesthesia for younger patients — as day surgery. Dr. Vricella accesses the cartilage through a small incision at the back of the auricle, reshapes it using permanent suture techniques and reduces the depth of the auricular concha to the ideal position. The incision is perfectly hidden within the retroauricular fold.
- Local anaesthesia with sedation; day-surgery procedure
- Duration: 1–2 hours depending on case complexity
- Compression bandage removed after 24 hours
- Protective headband worn day and night for 4 weeks
- Normal activities resumed within a few days
- Definitive and permanent results
Otoplasty
is right for you if…
Ideal profile for the procedure
- Prominent or protruding ears that cause self-consciousness or dissatisfaction
- Notable asymmetry between both ears
- Torn, stretched or deformed earlobes from earring use
- Children aged 8 and over with complete auricular development
- Adults of any age in good general health
- Realistic expectations: harmony and naturalness, not geometric perfection
Situations requiring additional assessment
- Children under 8 with auricular cartilage still developing
- Active infections in the area to be treated
- Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant medication that cannot be suspended
- Uncontrolled systemic conditions
- Expectation of correcting complex congenital deformities (microtia)
- Active smoking without willingness to stop before surgery
Your journey to
the ideal result
Personalised assessment
Dr. Vricella analyses the morphology of the ears, the degree of prominence and the symmetry between them. He determines the most appropriate technique and explains the expected result with complete clarity, answering all questions without pressure.
Precise surgical design
The final ear position, the type of cartilage to be reshaped and the suture technique are planned in detail. You will receive detailed pre-operative instructions — what to avoid, how to prepare and what to expect on the day of surgery.
Day-surgery procedure
The procedure is performed as day surgery at one of our clinics in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar. Under local anaesthesia with sedation, it takes 1 to 2 hours and the patient goes home the same day.
Close follow-up
The compression bandage is removed after 24 hours and a protective headband is prescribed for 4 weeks. Dr. Vricella’s team carries out scheduled check-ups until optimal healing and the definitive result are confirmed.
Everything you need
to know
We answer the most common questions about otoplasty. If you have further questions, we are happy to address them during your consultation.
Discuss your case
with Dr. Vricella
Book your personalised consultation in Madrid, Marbella or Gibraltar. Dr. Vricella will assess your ears, recommend the most suitable technique and answer all your questions with complete clarity and without pressure.
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