Will Ears Grow in Size After Otoplasty?

An otoplasty, if properly performed, should give you permanent results.  Your ears will not grow back.  There is a very small chance of recurrence (1-2%)

You will see the results very quickly once the obvious swelling goes down.  By about the second week after surgery, you will look fine.  You can even look good enough at one week to return to work or school.  There is not that much visible bruising with this procedure after the first week.

Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can explain the procedure and the recovery in great detail to you.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno

Changes after an otoplasty should be permanent.  Key steps that make otoplasty more predictable and lasting in some surgeons than others:


Permanent sutures-  Permanent sutures are best used in otoplasty.  Absorbable sutures do not create lasting changes in the ears.

Structural changes to the ears-  Suture techniques alone do not create a lasting change to the ear.  In some cases, a fundamental change to the anatomic shape is necessary.

Postoperative care- Proper care can help protect ears immediately postoperative results.


Seek care from a surgeon whose practice focuses on face and with experience in ear reshaping.