Otoplasty in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear correction surgery, is an operation that changes the shape and position of the outer ear, most often to set prominent ears closer to the side of the head. The work is done on the cartilage, the firm, flexible framework that gives the ear its folds, and the incision sits in the crease behind the ear where it is well hidden.
Ears usually look prominent for one of two reasons, and many people have both. The first is a missing or shallow fold in the upper part of the ear, the curved ridge called the antihelix, so the rim stands out. The second is a deep bowl of cartilage next to the ear canal, called the concha, which pushes the whole ear forward. Otoplasty is planned around whichever cause is present, which is why two people with similar-looking ears can have different operations.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, otoplasty is performed within the Plastic Surgery department by Dr. Hamid Esmaeil, Specialist General & Cosmetic Surgeon.
Who needs it
Otoplasty suits children and adults who are bothered by the shape or position of their ears. The ear reaches most of its adult size in early childhood, so surgery is possible from the early school years, and many families choose it before or during primary school. Adults and teenagers can have it at any age.
For a child, the most important sign is the child's own wish. A child who talks about their ears, avoids haircuts or is teased at school usually copes best with surgery and aftercare. For newborns, ear moulding with a small splint in the first weeks of life is sometimes an alternative, while the cartilage is still soft.
At the first appointment the surgeon examines both ears, explains which parts of the cartilage need reshaping, and discusses the options, including leaving the ears as they are. Ear correction can be done on one ear or both, and an ear that is folded, cupped or uneven in size can also be reshaped. A cosmetic consultation covers the plan and costs for adults.
What happens
Children usually have otoplasty under general anaesthesia, with care from the paediatric anaesthesia team, so they are asleep throughout. Adults and older teenagers can often choose local anaesthesia, with the ear numbed and the patient awake and relaxed.
The surgeon makes an incision in the crease behind the ear and, where needed, removes a narrow strip of skin. To create or deepen the missing fold, the cartilage is shaped and held with permanent stitches placed on its back surface. To reduce a deep bowl, the cartilage is set back toward the head with further stitches, and a small piece may be trimmed. The surgeon checks both ears from the front and above to match them, then closes the skin with fine stitches.
A soft padded dressing is wrapped around the head to protect the new shape. Most people go home on the same day once they are comfortable and, for children, eating and drinking.
Preparing for it
For a child, talk honestly about the operation in words they understand, and let them ask questions at the pre-operative visit. Keeping the hair slightly longer before surgery helps to cover the ears while they heal.
A health check confirms the patient is well on the day. A cold or fever may mean a new date. Adults should share a full list of medicines, including blood thinners and herbal supplements, and stop smoking in advance, as smoking slows healing. You receive fasting instructions for the day. Bring a loose button-up or zip-up top that opens at the front, and plan quiet activities for the first days. For school-age children, the summer holiday is a popular time, and adults often plan around the Ramadan or Eid breaks.
Afterwards
The ears feel sore, warm and tight for a few days, and pain is managed with simple painkillers. The head dressing stays on for the first period after surgery, and then a soft headband is worn, usually full time at first and later only at night, to protect the ears from being bent forward during sleep and play.
Keep the ears clean and dry until the surgeon says you can wash your hair. In the Sharjah heat, a headband can feel warm, so keep cool indoors and have a spare to change into. Children can usually return to school once the dressing is off and they feel well. Contact sports, swimming and rough play wait until the surgeon agrees.
Contact the hospital urgently if pain in one ear becomes much worse or throbs, the ear becomes very swollen or hot, the dressing becomes soaked with blood, or you or your child develop a fever. Sudden, severe pain on one side can be a sign of bleeding under the skin and needs to be checked the same day.
Cost and insurance
Otoplasty for prominent ears is classed as cosmetic by most UAE insurance plans and is usually self-pay for adults. Some plans consider cover for children, or where the ear shape follows an injury or a congenital difference, and these cases always need pre-approval supported by the surgeon's report. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah explains the costs at your consultation and can help you check your policy on 06 599 7777.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of otoplasty?
Otoplasty carries the risks of any operation, including bleeding under the skin, infection, a reaction to the anaesthetic and changes in skin sensation. Some people have a thickened scar, a small difference between the two ears, or a stitch that can be felt or works its way through the skin. An ear can drift partly forward again over time. The surgeon explains these before you decide.
What is the best age for ear pinning surgery in children?
Ear pinning is usually offered once a child's ears have grown close to adult size, from the early school years onward. The child's own wish to have it matters as much as age, because a child who wants the operation copes better with the headband and aftercare. The surgeon assesses each child individually.
Is otoplasty painful?
Otoplasty causes soreness and tightness around the ears for the first days, which usually responds well to simple painkillers. Pain that suddenly becomes severe on one side is unusual and should be checked by the hospital straight away.
Will the scar from otoplasty show?
The otoplasty scar sits in the crease behind the ear, where it is hidden from the front and usually fades over time. Occasionally a scar thickens and needs treatment.
How long do I need to wear a headband after otoplasty?
The headband is worn after the dressing is removed, full time at first and then at night, for the period your surgeon advises. It stops the ears being folded forward while they heal, so wearing it as instructed protects the result.
Can adults have ear correction surgery?
Adults can have ear correction surgery at any age. Adult cartilage is firmer than a child's, so the surgeon may shape it differently, and the operation is often done under local anaesthesia as a day case.
Is otoplasty covered by insurance in the UAE?
Otoplasty for prominent ears is usually treated as cosmetic and paid for by the patient. Some plans consider cover for children or for ear shape affected by injury, subject to pre-approval. Contact the hospital to check your policy before booking.
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