- MOH License No. 1539/2/5/14/5/15 · 351 Al Wasl Rd, Al Bada'a, Jumeirah, Dubai

Prominent, asymmetrical, or unusually large or small ears can affect confidence at any age — and unlike many cosmetic concerns, ear shape is something children often become self-conscious about as early as school age. Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) in Dubai & Abu Dhabi, part of our Cosmetic Surgery offering, corrects ear position, size, and symmetry for both children and adults, performed by Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour, who brings over 15 years of surgical experience to every case.
Quick Facts:
- Cost: AED 8,000 – 20,000
- Procedure duration: ~2 hours
- Anesthesia: Local (adults) or general (commonly used for children)
- Downtime: 2–3 days
- Incision location: Behind the ear — not visible from the front
- Suitable from: Around age 5–6, once ear cartilage is fully developed, through adulthood
- Results: Permanent
- Lead surgeon: Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour, 15+ years’ experience
What Is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, is a surgical procedure that adjusts the position, size, or shape of the ears to achieve better facial balance and symmetry. It’s one of the few cosmetic procedures regularly performed on both children and adults — children are often brought in by parents to address teasing over protruding ears before starting school, while adults may seek the same correction later in life, or address asymmetry, earlobe repair, or the results of a previous procedure.
Results of Ear Reshaping Surgery:
- Immediate, visible improvement in ear position or size is noticeable as soon as the bandage is removed, typically within the first week.
- Final, settled shape becomes clear over 4 to 6 weeks, once swelling has fully resolved and the cartilage has healed into its new position.
- Results are considered permanent — once the cartilage has healed, ears do not revert to their previous shape or position.
- For children, the psychological benefit is often immediate: most parents report a noticeable boost in confidence once visible healing is complete and any teasing concerns are resolved.

Ear Reshaping Techniques:
- Ear Pinning (Otopexy): repositions ears that stick out too far from the head, bringing them closer to a natural position without removing cartilage in most cases.
- Ear Reduction: reduces the overall size of ears that appear disproportionately large relative to the face.
- Ear Augmentation: builds up or reshapes underdeveloped ear structure, often using cartilage grafts.
- Earlobe Repair: corrects torn, stretched, or elongated earlobes caused by heavy earrings, gauges, or trauma.
- Ear Reconstruction: addresses more complex congenital deformities or significant structural irregularities.
Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour will determine the right technique for your specific concern during your consultation — most patients need only one of these approaches, though revision or reconstruction cases may combine more than one.
Am I (or My Child) a Good Candidate?
Good candidates typically include:
- Children aged 5–6 and older, once ear cartilage has reached adult firmness, particularly if teasing or self-consciousness is affecting confidence
- Adults dissatisfied with ear prominence, size, or asymmetry at any age
- Patients with torn or stretched earlobes from jewelry or trauma
- Patients in good general health with realistic expectations about the degree of correction possible
Otoplasty may not be appropriate if:
- A child’s ear cartilage hasn’t yet fully developed (typically assessed around age 5–6)
- There’s an active ear infection or skin condition in the treatment area
- Expectations involve a dramatic change beyond what the individual’s ear cartilage and skin can safely accommodate
Recommended Sessions by Procedure Type:
| Type of Ear Surgery | Number of Sessions |
| Ear Pinning (Otopexy) | 1–2 sessions |
| Ear Reconstruction | 2–3 sessions |
| Earlobe Repair | 1 session |
| Revision Surgery | 1–2 sessions |
The Procedure, Step by Step:
- Consultation – your (or your child’s) ear structure, concerns, and goals are assessed to determine the right technique.
- Anesthesia – local anesthesia is typically used for adults; general anesthesia is more commonly used for children to ensure comfort and stillness during the procedure.
- Incision – made behind the ear, in the natural crease, so no scarring is visible from the front.
- Reshaping – cartilage is reshaped, repositioned, or supported with sutures depending on the technique, without removing healthy cartilage unless necessary.
- Closure – the incision is closed with dissolvable sutures, and a supportive dressing is applied.
Recovery Timeline:
| Time Frame | What to Expect |
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and mild discomfort in the treated area |
| Week 1 | Bandage removed, swelling begins to reduce |
| Weeks 2–3 | Any remaining stitches dissolve or are removed; normal daily activities resume |
| Weeks 4–6 | Final shape becomes clearly visible with long-lasting results |
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Sleep on your back and avoid pressure on the ears during initial healing
- Avoid headphones, glasses, or hats that press against the ears until cleared
- Keep the incision area clean as instructed
- Avoid touching or pulling at the ears during recovery
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Risks to Be Aware Of:
Otoplasty is generally a low-risk procedure, but as with any surgery, some risks exist:
- Bleeding or infection
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in skin sensitivity around the ear
- Asymmetry between the two ears, minimized through careful surgical planning
- Over-correction, which can look unnatural — a key reason experienced surgical judgment matters for this procedure
- Scarring, though this is typically well-hidden behind the ear
Cost of Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty) in Dubai:
Ear reshaping surgery in Dubai typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 20,000. Pricing depends on:
- The specific technique used (pinning, reduction, augmentation, or reconstruction)
- Complexity of the correction needed
- Anesthesia type (local vs. general)
- Surgeon’s experience
| Procedure Type | Estimated Price (AED) |
| Ear Pinning (Otopexy) | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Earlobe Repair | 3,500 – 6,000 |
| Ear Reduction | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Ear Reconstruction / Revision | 15,000 – 20,000 |
Your exact price is confirmed after an in-person consultation with Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour. Note that anesthesia is typically priced separately from the base procedure fee.
Frequently Asked Questions:
At What Age Can Otoplasty Be Performed?
Otoplasty can typically be performed from around age 5–6, once ear cartilage has developed enough firmness, through adulthood at any age.
Does Otoplasty Leave Visible Scars?
No — incisions are made behind the ear in the natural crease, so scarring isn't visible from the front and fades further over time.
How Long Do Otoplasty Results Last?
Results are permanent once the cartilage has healed and settled into its new position, typically over 4–6 weeks.
Is Otoplasty Painful?
Most patients, including children, experience only mild discomfort that's easily managed with prescribed pain medication during the first few days.
Is Otoplasty Painful?
Most patients, including children, experience only mild discomfort that's easily managed with prescribed pain medication during the first few days.
Can Adults Get Otoplasty, Or Is It Only For Children?
Otoplasty is performed on both children and adults — many adults seek correction for prominent ears, asymmetry, or earlobe repair later in life, and it's never too late to pursue this procedure.
Book Your Free Consultation:
Ready to correct ear shape, size, or symmetry for yourself or your child? Book a free consultation with Dr. Hamid Ali Esmaeilpour at Glam Clinic Dubai to discuss the right technique for your specific concern.
Book Your Free Consultation Now →
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