Otoplasty in Switzerland: correcting prominent ears

Prominent ears have no effect on hearing, but they can weigh heavily on the lives of those who have them. Teasing at school, hairstyles chosen to hide them, discomfort in photos or when swimming: many patients describe years of small constraints. Otoplasty is the surgery that pins back and reshapes the outer ear. It is a short procedure, usually performed under local anaesthesia in adolescents and adults, with a scar hidden behind the ear. This page explains why ears stick out, how the surgeon analyses them, which techniques exist, at what age to operate on a child, how the procedure and recovery go, what the risks are, what Swiss insurance covers and where to consult in the 26 cantons.

Otoplasty corrects prominent ears by recreating the natural fold of the cartilage, reducing an overly deep concha or repositioning the earlobe. The incision is placed in the groove behind the ear. The procedure takes one to two hours for both ears, under local anaesthesia in adults and adolescents, often under general anaesthesia in young children. A bandage is worn for a few days, then a headband at night for several weeks. It can be performed from the age of five or six, when the ear has almost reached its adult size. In children, insurance coverage may be considered on prior request; in adults, the procedure is generally at the patient's expense. Budget guidelines in percentage terms on our page on otoplasty prices in Switzerland.

People rarely look at someone's ears, except when they stand out. This is the paradox of this part of the face: when well positioned, it goes unnoticed; when it sticks out too much, it catches the eye before anything else. From the front, the ears frame the face and contribute to its apparent width. When they stand out markedly from the head, they widen the silhouette, draw attention away from the eyes and smile, and sometimes give the face a youthful look that some adults find hard to live with.

The front view

On a front-view photo, you normally see the outer rim of the ear, the helix, slightly behind the inner fold, the antihelix. When the antihelix is flattened, the whole shell of the ear faces forwards, like a satellite dish, and the ear looks bigger than it is.

The profile view

In profile, the ear tilts backwards, roughly parallel to the bridge of the nose. Its height roughly corresponds to the space between the eyebrow and the base of the nose. An ear that is too high, too low or too tilted is noticeable, but these anomalies are much rarer than prominence.

The back view

Seen from behind, the ear forms a regular curve that stands only slightly away from the skull. It is often in this view — other people's, not your own — that prominence is most visible, for example in a group photo or when your hair is tied back.

Symmetry

No pair of ears is perfectly symmetrical. A difference of a few millimetres between the two sides is normal. However, one ear that is clearly more prominent than the other is more noticeable than symmetrical prominence, because the eye spontaneously compares the two sides.

Beyond prominence, the surgeon observes the position of the ear on the head and its proportions. These reference points are not absolute rules, but they help identify what catches the eye and avoid creating a new imbalance.

These measurements vary between individuals and heritages, and an ear outside these values can be perfectly harmonious. They mainly serve to objectify an impression and compare the two sides.

The outer ear consists of a thin sheet of elastic cartilage, covered by skin that is very adherent at the front and more mobile at the back. This cartilage is not flat: it is folded into several contours that give it its shape and strength. Understanding these contours helps you follow the surgeon's explanations, as they name them precisely.

Ear cartilage contains no blood vessels: it is nourished by the thin membrane covering it, the perichondrium. This detail explains two important things. First, a haematoma that lifts this membrane deprives the cartilage of its nourishment, hence the urgency of treating it. Second, an infection of the cartilage, called chondritis, heals slowly and must be treated quickly. These complications are rare, but the surgeon will talk to you about them.

The ear is also richly supplied with nerves. Several small sensory nerves from the neck and face provide sensation to the skin of the outer ear. They are sometimes stretched during the procedure, which explains the temporary numbness most patients describe. Finally, the external ear has nothing to do with hearing itself, which takes place in the canal and the middle and inner ear: otoplasty does not touch these structures.

The ear grows very quickly in the first years of life. At around three, it has already reached about 85% of its adult size; at around five or six, it is within a few millimetres of it. It then continues to lengthen very slowly throughout life, especially at the earlobe, which explains why ears look bigger in older people.

This timeline has two practical consequences. First, otoplasty performed from the age of five or six does not interfere with ear growth: the outer ear is almost at its final size. Second, a child's cartilage is flexible and easy to shape, whereas an adult's is more rigid, sometimes even partly calcified after fifty. The surgeon adapts the technique to this difference in consistency.

In newborns, the cartilage is particularly malleable in the first few weeks, under the effect of hormones passed on by the mother. This is what allows certain deformities to be corrected by simple moulding, without surgery, during this short period. We come back to this below.

The first corrections of prominent ears date back to the late nineteenth century. Surgeons then removed a strip of skin behind the ear to bring it closer to the skull. The result was disappointing: the skin stretched, the prominence reappeared and the fold of the ear remained absent. It was gradually understood that the problem lay in the cartilage, not the skin.

In the twentieth century, several schools developed. Some weakened the cartilage with incisions or abrasion so that it would fold on its own, others shaped it with permanent sutures, and others reduced the concha or fixed it backwards. Current techniques often combine these principles, favouring gentle steps that respect the natural shape of the ear. More recently, less invasive methods have appeared, using threads passed through the skin or small implants, reserved for selected situations.

At the same time, moulding of newborns' ears, long known empirically, has been formalised with suitable devices. It offers a non-surgical solution during a very short window after birth.

Prominent ears are a benign physical trait, but their impact can be real. Nicknames heard at school often leave lasting memories. Adults describe always choosing their haircut according to their ears, avoiding swimming pools, caps or profile photos, or instinctively positioning themselves to be seen from the front. These avoidance strategies, often unconscious, end up weighing on spontaneity.

Studies of operated patients generally show an improvement in self-confidence and social well-being after the procedure, in children as in adults. This benefit is all the clearer when the request came from the person themselves. Conversely, a procedure imposed by those around a child who was not bothered does not bring this benefit and may even be badly received.

There is no obligation to correct prominent ears. Many people accept them completely and even make them a distinctive trait. Otoplasty is an option offered to those who are bothered by them, not a standard to be achieved.

Prominent ears are the most common shape abnormality of the face: they affect a few per cent of the population, boys and girls roughly equally. They are present from birth, even if they become more visible with growth. A family component is common; many parents who seek advice for their child have experienced the same thing themselves.

A fold that did not form

In most cases, the antihelical fold did not form sufficiently during foetal life. The cartilage remains flat instead of folding backwards, and the whole upper part of the ear opens forwards.

An overdeveloped concha

In other cases, it is the central hollow of the ear, the concha, that is too high or too deep. It acts as a wedge between the skull and the outer ear and pushes the ear outwards, especially in its middle part.

A prominent earlobe

More rarely, the cartilage is well formed but the earlobe stands away from the cheek. This situation often goes unnoticed at the consultation if only the upper part of the ear is examined.

Mixed forms

Very often, several causes combine: a flattened antihelix and a deep concha, with a slightly prominent earlobe. A successful correction treats each of these components; otherwise the result looks incomplete or unbalanced.

Prominent ears are not caused by the way a child sleeps, by wearing a hat or by a habit. Parents sometimes wrongly blame themselves. Conversely, taping the ears of a child several years old does not pin them back lastingly: after the first few weeks of life, the cartilage has lost its flexibility.

Prominence is not the only feature that otoplasty can correct. Several other, rarer shapes also lead people to seek advice, and some require specific techniques.

Microtia calls for major reconstructive surgery in several stages, performed by specialist teams, often in university hospitals. It is frequently accompanied by an abnormality of the ear canal and requires follow-up by an ENT specialist for hearing. It is not cosmetic otoplasty in the usual sense, and this page only mentions it to guide families.

A precise examination is the key to good otoplasty. The surgeon observes your ears from the front, back and in profile, standing, with your hair clear of them. They look for the component responsible for the prominence, as the technique differs depending on whether a fold is missing, the concha is too deep or the earlobe stands out.

The fold test

They gently press the rim of the ear backwards. If a harmonious antihelical fold appears and the ear moves closer to the head, the fold was missing: recreating it will largely suffice. If the ear remains prominent despite the pressure, the concha is involved.

Measurements

They measure the distance between the edge of the helix and the skull at several heights: at the top, in the middle and at the earlobe. As a guide, in adults, this distance is about ten to twelve millimetres at the top, fifteen to twenty in the middle and around twenty at the earlobe. The measurements also serve to compare the two sides and judge the result.

The angle

They assess the angle the ear forms with the skull. Normally fairly closed, it opens markedly when the ear is prominent. The aim is not to reach an ideal figure, but a position in harmony with the face.

Cartilage consistency

By palpating the ear, they assess the flexibility of the cartilage. Flexible cartilage folds easily with sutures; thick, rigid cartilage will often require thinning or fine incisions to be shaped without springing back.

The skin

They examine the skin behind the ear and look for a tendency to thick scarring, particularly keloids that have already appeared after a piercing. This changes the precautions taken.

The surgeon takes standardised photos from several angles. They are used to plan the procedure, measure the result and discuss it with you in concrete terms. They will also ask you exactly what bothers you: one ear more visible than the other, only the top, the earlobe, or the whole ear.

Forgetting the concha

Recreating the antihelical fold without treating an overly deep concha leaves the middle of the ear prominent while the top is corrected. The result looks incomplete.

Neglecting the earlobe

The earlobe does not always follow the correction of the cartilage. If it is not checked at the end of the procedure, it can remain prominent and catch the eye.

Confusing a large ear with a prominent ear

An ear that is genuinely too large will not be made smaller by simply pinning it back. A specific reduction is then necessary.

Overcorrecting

Aiming for an ear flattened against the head gives an artificial look, particularly from the front, where the edge of the helix disappears behind the fold.

Ignoring asymmetry of position

An ear positioned higher or further forward than the other can give the impression of uneven prominence. Careful comparison of the two sides avoids an inappropriate correction.

Otoplasty is for children, adolescents and adults bothered by prominent or unusually shaped ears. There is no upper age limit: patients of sixty and over are operated on, provided their health allows it. The good candidate is someone who wants this correction for themselves, is in good health, has no skin infection in the area, and understands what the procedure can and cannot change.

• Prominent ears on both sides, or on one side only.
• Flattened antihelical fold, overly deep concha, prominent earlobe.
• Marked asymmetry between the two ears.
• Cup ear, Stahl's ear or another particular shape.
• Recurrence or insufficient result after a first otoplasty.

Few situations really prevent otoplasty, but some require waiting or particular precautions.

Sometimes concern about the appearance of the ears bears no relation to what others see: normally shaped ears, or minimal asymmetry, occupy the mind for hours and prevent the person from going out or working. This distress has a name, body dysmorphic disorder, and it is generally not resolved by surgery, which may even shift the concern to another detail.

An attentive surgeon recognises these situations and may suggest discussing them with a specialist before deciding. This is not a refusal to help you, but a way of really helping you. If you recognise yourself in this description, talking to your family doctor is a good first step.

A large proportion of otoplasties are performed in children, most often between five and twelve. The age of five or six is often cited, as the ear has then almost reached its adult size and the cartilage is still flexible. It is also the age at which compulsory schooling begins, when other children's remarks often start.

The child's opinion counts

The deciding factor is not age, but the child's experience. Some children are not bothered at all by their ears and have no reason to be operated on to reassure their parents. Others genuinely suffer. Experienced surgeons prefer to wait until the child expresses the wish to be operated on themselves and is able to understand what is going to happen.

Cooperation

After the procedure, the child will have to keep a bandage on for a few days, then wear a headband at night and avoid pulling on their ears. A child who supports the project tolerates these constraints much better than a child on whom a decision is imposed.

Anaesthesia

In young children, the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, often as day surgery. Paediatric teams know how to prepare the child, with suitable explanations and, in many facilities, a parent present until the child falls asleep.

School

One to two weeks' absence is generally enough. PE, school swimming and ball games wait a few more weeks. It is useful to inform the teacher so that they keep an eye on playground games during the fragile period.

The question of teasing is delicate. Parents often want to protect their child; otoplasty helps when the remarks concern the ears and genuinely affect the child. But if a child is the target of bullying, the problem often goes beyond the shape of their ears, and the school must also be involved. The procedure is not the answer to everything.

In the first few weeks of life, ear cartilage is exceptionally malleable. Many deformities, including some cases of prominence, Stahl's ears or folded ears, can be corrected with a small moulding device stuck around the ear and worn continuously for a few weeks.

If you notice an unusual ear shape in your baby, talk to the paediatrician or midwife quickly, without waiting for the check-up in the first months. After a few months of age, moulding loses most of its effectiveness and correction can only be done by surgery later on. Some ears straighten on their own in the first few weeks; the doctor will help you judge whether action is needed.

Many requests arise between twelve and eighteen. Adolescents are more conscious of their image, often wear their hair shorter or tied back for sport, and experience group photos and social media more intensely. Otoplasty at this age gives excellent results, as the cartilage is still fairly flexible.

Adolescents can often be operated on under local anaesthesia, with light sedation if they are anxious. For a minor, the consent of the legal representatives is required, but the young person's own opinion is central: an adolescent capable of judgement must understand the procedure and consent to it. The surgeon talks to them directly, sometimes alone for part of the consultation, to make sure that the request really comes from them.

The timing is chosen according to school and activities: school holidays, no ski camp or sports competition in the following weeks, a period without important exams. The autumn or end-of-year holidays are often popular, as a winter hat hides the headband.

It is never too late. Many adults seek advice after years of living with ears that bothered them, sometimes always wearing their hair the same way. Some did not dare to talk about it as children, others could not afford it, and others only recently discovered that the procedure was possible.

In adults, the cartilage is thicker and more rigid. The surgeon is more likely to combine thinning with shaping sutures, so that the fold holds without excessive tension. The procedure is almost always performed under local anaesthesia and you go home the same day. Time off work is short, often a few days to a week for office work, longer for a physical job or one exposed to impacts.

After fifty, the cartilage may be partly calcified and brittle. Shaping with sutures alone is then less reliable, and cartilage incision techniques are sometimes preferred. The skin is also thinner. These features do not contraindicate the procedure, but they justify discussing it with a surgeon experienced in adult otoplasty.

The ear changes discreetly with age. The earlobe lengthens and thins, especially in people who have worn heavy earrings for decades; the cartilage thickens and becomes more rigid, sometimes partly calcified; the skin loses elasticity. These changes explain why ears look bigger in older people, without having actually grown in their cartilaginous part.

For an ear operated on in childhood, these changes do not undo the fold created, but years later the earlobe may seem a little long or a little prominent. A small earlobe reduction under local anaesthesia is then enough. In older people seeking advice for the first time, the surgeon favours techniques suited to firm cartilage and takes account of the thinness of the skin. Age in itself is never a contraindication: what counts is general health and motivation.

During a facelift, many patients discover that it is also possible to rejuvenate the appearance of the earlobes. It is a detail, but it contributes to the harmony of a rejuvenated face, as a very elongated earlobe betrays age even when the features have been tightened.

People who wear a behind-the-ear hearing aid often wonder whether otoplasty is compatible. It is, but it requires particular organisation. The device sits precisely in the groove where the scar lies, and an outer ear brought closer to the head leaves less room for the casing.

Mention your hearing aid at the consultation. The surgeon will take it into account in the degree of correction, and it is useful to discuss it with your hearing aid specialist too. During healing, the device generally cannot be worn on the operated side; plan for this period, especially if you need it for work. A temporary in-the-ear model or adjustment of the device after the procedure can be considered. Children with hearing implants require consultation between the surgeon and the ENT team following them.

Men often seek advice because short hair, early hair loss or wearing a cap make their ears stand out. Their aim is generally a slightly less visible ear, without a spectacular change. Women, who can hide their ears under their hair, often seek advice because they cannot tie their hair back freely or wear certain hairstyles or earrings. They pay more attention to the earlobe and fine symmetry.

In both cases, the request is rarely for flattened ears, simply for ears that are no longer noticed. This message guides the surgeon towards a natural correction. Our page on hair transplants for men in Switzerland is for those who face the question of their ears along with a receding hairline.

Hair is the first way of camouflaging prominent ears, and often the first thing that changes after the procedure. Patients who wore their hair mid-length to cover their ears discover short haircuts, fades at the sides or a shaved head. Female patients dare to wear ponytails, buns and short cuts.

In men, the question often arises when the hair starts to thin. A receding hairline and hair cut shorter to come to terms with hair loss make the ears stand out, and an old discomfort resurfaces. Otoplasty and a possible hair transplant respond to two different requests, but it is useful to think about the project as a whole: corrected ears make a very short haircut easier to wear.

After the procedure, wait a few weeks before a visit to the barber with clippers around the ears, and tell them so that they do not fold the outer ear when clearing the nape. Colouring and bleaching wait until the scar has closed.

Otoplasty has a high satisfaction rate, provided you know what it offers. It brings the ears closer to the head, recreates natural contours and improves symmetry. It does not make two ears strictly identical, does not reduce the size of an ear without a specific step, and leaves a fine scar behind each ear.

In the first few weeks, the ears may look too flat or slightly irregular because of the swelling. The result is judged at around three months and stabilises at six. It is normal for the two ears not to progress at exactly the same pace. If a defect persists at six months, that is the time to discuss it.

• It does not change hearing.
• It does not make two ears strictly identical.
• It does not reduce the size of an ear without a specific reduction step.
• It does not change the height or tilt of the ear on the head, except in very particular cases.
• It does not erase the marks of a cartilage piercing.
• It does not on its own resolve distress linked to bullying or self-image.

Knowing these limitations allows you to approach the procedure with the right expectations, an essential condition for a satisfying result.

"Otoplasty can damage hearing"

False. The procedure only involves the outer ear, the visible part of the ear. The ear canal, eardrum and inner ear are not touched.

"You have to wait until growth has finished"

False. The ear has almost reached its adult size at around five or six, and the procedure does not slow its growth.

"After twenty-five, it is too late"

False. Adults of all ages are operated on; the technique is simply adapted to more rigid cartilage.

"Taping the ears is enough"

False after the first few weeks of life. Moulding is only effective in newborns.

"The ears will be stuck to the skull"

False, if the procedure is properly performed. The aim is a natural ear, slightly away from the head, that is no longer noticed.

"The result is never permanent"

Mostly false. The result is lasting in the vast majority of cases; partial recurrence remains possible and can be corrected.

Lina, 7

Her classmates give her nicknames because of her ears; she asks to be operated on herself. The antihelical fold is missing on both sides and the cartilage is flexible. Otoplasty with shaping sutures, under general anaesthesia, during the autumn holidays, allows her to return to school after ten days.

Marc, 16

An ice hockey player, he wears his hair very short. The concha is deep and the antihelix poorly defined. The procedure, under local anaesthesia with sedation, combines fixation of the concha and shaping sutures. His return to the ice waits two months, with suitable protection.

Sofia, 28

She has never tied her hair back in public. Her ears are moderately prominent, especially at the top. The surgeon proposes classic otoplasty rather than an incisionless technique, as her cartilage is fairly firm.

Thomas, 41

Only one ear is prominent; the other is normal. The procedure involves one side only, using the healthy ear as a model.

Claire, 55

She is considering a facelift and wants to take the opportunity to reduce her elongated, slightly prominent earlobes. The step is integrated into the facelift, under the same anaesthetic.

Yann, 33

Operated on as a child, he has an overly marked fold on one side and recurrence on the other. A secondary otoplasty softens the cartilage on one side and strengthens the fold on the other, after detailed analysis of both ears.

1. Identify what bothers you

The top of the ear, the earlobe, asymmetry, the whole ear? Look at photos of yourself from the front and back, taken by someone else.

2. Find out

Understanding the techniques, recovery and risks allows you to ask the right questions.

3. Consult

One or two experienced surgeons, with your photos and written questions.

4. Reflect

Take your time, talk to those close to you or, for a child, as a family, and check that the request really comes from the person concerned.

5. Organise

Choose the timing, plan time off work or school, prepare for the return home and the headband.

• How long have my ears bothered me, and in which situations?
• Is it me who wants this procedure, or someone else?
• What exactly do I expect: to tie my hair back, to stop being noticed, to regain symmetry?
• Am I prepared to wear a headband at night for several weeks?
• Do I have a few days to a week for recovery?
• Have I understood that a touch-up is possible, and under what conditions?

If you can answer these questions clearly, you are ready for a constructive consultation. If some remain unclear, the consultation will help you clarify them.

There is not one otoplasty, but a set of steps that the surgeon combines according to the anatomy of each ear. Most procedures use an incision in the groove behind the ear, where the scar will be almost invisible.

Recreating the antihelical fold with sutures

The surgeon places a few permanent sutures in the cartilage, at the back of the ear, to fold it and create the missing fold. This is the most widely used technique in children, whose cartilage is flexible. The resulting fold is rounded and natural.

Weakening the front surface of the cartilage

On more rigid cartilage, they may very slightly thin or score the front surface of the cartilage, through a small access, so that it curves naturally backwards. This step reduces the tension on the sutures and the risk of recurrence.

Incising the cartilage

In some cases, fine full-thickness incisions in the cartilage allow it to be folded. This approach gives a crisper fold; it requires great precision to avoid visible edges.

Setting back or reducing the concha

If the concha is too deep, the surgeon fixes it backwards to the bone behind the ear, or removes a crescent of cartilage to reduce it. This step is often combined with the previous one.

Repositioning the earlobe

For a prominent earlobe, they remove a small triangle of skin at the back or place a stitch that brings the earlobe closer to the cheek.

Removing a strip of skin

A small strip of skin is often removed in the groove, but it is not this that holds the result: it is the work on the cartilage.

Some techniques aim to correct prominence without opening the skin. Threads are passed through the skin with a needle, buried beneath it and tightened to fold the cartilage. Other methods rely on small flexible metal implants, inserted through a tiny incision at the front of the ear, which hold the antihelical fold.

These approaches are appealing because they are minimally invasive and recovery is shorter. They do, however, have clear limitations. They are suitable for moderate prominence due to the absence of a fold, on flexible cartilage; they do not correct an overly deep concha and give less predictable results on thick cartilage. The risk of recurrence or a palpable thread is higher than with classic otoplasty in some series. The surgeon will tell you whether your ear is suitable, and what solution would be available if the result were insufficient.

Most surgeons combine several of these steps. What matters is not the name of the technique, but how well it is adapted to your ears: an experienced surgeon chooses after the examination, not before.

The earlobe is the only part of the ear without cartilage. It is also the part that is subjected to the most strain: heavy earrings, piercings, flesh tunnels, injuries. Several short procedures under local anaesthesia can correct it.

The torn earlobe

An earring that is torn out or worn too heavy for years can split the earlobe partially or completely. Repair involves freshening the edges of the split and suturing them, often with a small offset to avoid a notch. The piercing can be redone a few months later, next to the scar.

The earlobe stretched by a flesh tunnel

Tunnels and stretchers leave a wide opening that does not always close on its own. The surgeon removes the excess skin and reconstructs a normally shaped earlobe. This request is common among young adults who want a more conventional look, for example for their working life.

The earlobe that is too large

With age, the earlobe lengthens. A reduction removes a wedge- or crescent-shaped piece of skin to give the earlobe harmonious proportions, often as part of a facelift.

The prominent earlobe

When it stands away from the cheek while the rest of the ear is well positioned, a small skin excision at the back brings it closer.

These steps can be performed alone or at the same time as otoplasty. The earlobe heals quickly; a light dressing is generally enough and normal life resumes the next day.

A keloid is a scar that continues to grow beyond the original wound. The ear, and the earlobe in particular after a piercing, is one of its most frequent locations. People with dark skin and those with a family history are more susceptible.

Removing a keloid by surgery alone carries a high risk of recurrence, sometimes larger. Treatment therefore generally combines excision with other measures: corticosteroid injections into the scar, compressive dressings or pressure earrings worn for several months, and sometimes superficial radiotherapy in specialist centres. Follow-up extends over a year or more.

If you have already had a keloid, mention it before any otoplasty: the surgeon will adapt the closure, schedule more frequent check-ups and may suggest preventive treatment. Our page on scar treatment in Switzerland describes the options available.

Sometimes only one ear is prominent, or clearly more so than the other. The temptation is to operate on that ear alone, which is often the right decision. The surgeon must then use the other ear as a model and reproduce its shape as closely as possible, which is more demanding than correcting both sides at the same time, when they can adjust one to the other.

In some cases, a small correction of the less prominent ear improves the final symmetry. This is a discussion to have at the consultation, using photos. A single operated ear is constantly compared with its neighbour, and a difference of a few millimetres will be more noticeable than after a bilateral correction.

Some otoplasties concern patients who have already been operated on. The reasons vary: recurrence of prominence, asymmetry, an ear pinned back too far, an overly marked fold giving a broken look, the edge of the helix hidden behind the antihelix from the front, or sutures that have become visible. These corrections are more delicate than a first procedure, because the cartilage has already been altered and the scar tissue is less supple.

It is advisable to wait at least six months after the first procedure before revision, except in an emergency such as an infection or exposed suture. Bring your operative report if you have it: knowing which techniques were used helps the surgeon a great deal.

Cauliflower ear has nothing to do with prominent ears, but athletes should know about it. It results from repeated haematomas of the outer ear, caused by friction or impacts, common in wrestling, judo, rugby, boxing or jiu-jitsu. The blood lifts the membrane that nourishes the cartilage; if the haematoma is not drained, the cartilage thickens and becomes deformed, giving a lumpy, hardened appearance.

A recent haematoma of the ear must be drained quickly by a doctor, then compressed for a few days to prevent it re-forming. This is the best way to prevent deformity. An established cauliflower ear can be improved by surgery that thins the thickened cartilage, but the result is more limited. Prevention involves wearing ear guards in training, recommended in all wrestling clubs.

If you practise a combat sport and are considering otoplasty, tell the surgeon: the cartilage of an ear that has already had haematomas is often thickened and irregular, which changes the technique. After the procedure, return to training waits at least two to three months, and wearing ear guards then becomes essential to preserve the result.

Otoplasty and rhinoplasty

The two procedures can be performed under the same general anaesthetic, which reduces the total time off work. See our page on rhinoplasty in Switzerland.

Otoplasty and facelift

During a facelift, the incision runs around the ear; it is easy to reduce an elongated earlobe or correct slight prominence. See our page on neck and face lift.

Otoplasty and genioplasty

In an adolescent or young adult who wants to harmonise their profile, the two procedures can be combined. See our page on genioplasty in Switzerland.

Otoplasty and eye surgery

A less common but possible combination with blepharoplasty, depending on age and the request.

Your request

The surgeon asks what bothers you, since when, and in which situations. For a child, they first address the child, then the parents.

Medical history

Healing problems, keloids, clotting disorders, allergies, current treatments, previous ear surgery.

The examination

Observation from the front, in profile and from behind, fold test, palpation of the cartilage, measurement of distances to the skull.

Photos

Standardised photos, with the hair clear of the ears, which will serve as a reference.

The proposal

The planned technique, type of anaesthesia, duration, recovery, risks, expected result, and what would happen in the event of recurrence.

The quote and reflection

A detailed quote is given to you. A period of reflection is standard before setting a date; for a child, it also allows the family to discuss it again.

To obtain a useful first opinion remotely, a few well-taken photos are better than many approximate ones. Ask someone to take them, at head height, from about one and a half metres away, in front of a light-coloured wall and in daylight.

• A front photo, head straight, gaze horizontal.
• A back photo, with your hair tied back or held clear behind your ears.
• A profile photo of each side.
• A close-up photo of each ear, from the front, with your hair pulled back.
• No jewellery, hat or glasses, no filters.

For a child, a photo taken from behind while playing is often easier to get and very telling. Add a few lines about what bothers you and your questions.

• What is your specialist title, and how many otoplasties do you perform per year?
• Which component of my ears is involved: fold, concha, earlobe?
• Which technique do you propose, and why not another?
• Local or general anaesthesia, and where does the procedure take place?
• How long must I wear the bandage, then the headband?
• What is your touch-up rate, and under what conditions is a touch-up performed?
• Can you show me otoplasty results at six months or more?
• Whom should I call in the event of severe pain the night after the procedure?

A good surgeon answers clearly, does not minimise the risks and does not promise perfectly symmetrical ears. They will also tell you, where appropriate, that they do not think the procedure is necessary.

A second opinion is particularly useful if you are offered an incisionless technique when your ears are clearly prominent, if you are told that secondary otoplasty is simple when the first procedure left after-effects, or if you are unsure about the right age for your child's surgery. Bring your photos and, where applicable, the report of the first procedure. Two concurring opinions are reassuring; two differing opinions deserve an explanation of each surgeon's reasoning.

Before the procedure, you will sign a document confirming that you have been informed of the technique, alternatives, risks and recovery. For otoplasty, it usually mentions haematoma, cartilage infection, recurrence, asymmetry, palpable sutures, thick scars and changes in sensation, as well as the instructions for wearing the headband. Read it at home and ask your questions before signing.

For a child, the legal representatives sign the consent form, but the child must also be informed in suitable words and their agreement sought. An adolescent capable of judgement takes full part in the decision. Signing does not commit you definitively: you can withdraw up to the last moment.

Adult otoplasty under local anaesthesia can take place in a surgical practice equipped with a procedure room meeting the standards, or in a clinic as day surgery. When general anaesthesia is necessary, and particularly for a child, the procedure takes place in a clinic or hospital with a recovery room and, for the youngest, a paediatric anaesthesia team.

• Check that the facility has a cantonal operating licence.
• Ask who provides anaesthesia and monitoring after the procedure.
• Find out what to do and which number to call the following night.
• For a child, ask whether a parent can accompany them until they fall asleep and when they wake up.

Otoplasty is performed by plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, and by ENT surgeons specialising in facial surgery. For a child, it is preferable to choose a team used to operating on young children, in a facility with paediatric anaesthesia. Complex malformations such as microtia are treated in specialist centres, often university hospitals, which bring together surgeons and hearing specialists.

Check the practitioner's specialist title in the federal register of medical professions, MedReg, available online. Ask how many otoplasties they perform per year, whether they operate on children and which techniques they use. A surgeon who regularly performs this procedure will be able to explain why they choose a particular approach for your ears.

Medicines

Mention any blood-thinning treatment, as well as food supplements. Your doctor will tell you which to suspend and when; do not stop anything yourself.

Smoking

Smoking slows healing. Stopping a few weeks before and after is recommended.

Hair

Clean hair on the day of the procedure is enough. Long hair can be tied in a low plait to keep the ears clear. Shaving is not necessary.

Jewellery

Remove earrings and piercings from the outer ear before the procedure.

Clothing

Bring a top that opens at the front, so that you do not have to pull a jumper over your head and the bandage.

Organisation

Someone to take you home, painkillers at home, an extra pillow and a soft sports headband if the surgeon allows you to buy one.

• Quote signed and postponement or cancellation conditions known.
• Informed consent read and signed.
• Prescription for painkillers and any antibiotics collected from the pharmacy.
• Return home arranged, no driving on the day.
• Care team's number saved.
• Button-up or zip-up top ready.
• Jewellery removed, hair clean.
• For a child: comfort toy, book or tablet for the recovery room, explanations given in advance.

Otoplasty can be performed in any season, but each has its advantages. Autumn and winter are often preferred: a hat hides the headband, water activities are not on the agenda and the skin is not exposed to the sun. On the other hand, ears with reduced sensation must be carefully protected from the cold, particularly on trips to the mountains.

Spring is a good time, outside exam periods. Summer allows a child to make use of the school holidays, but means giving up swimming for several weeks and protecting the scar from the sun. For athletes, the off-season is ideal: an ice hockey player will choose spring, a skier the end of summer.

In adolescents and adults, otoplasty is usually performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes supplemented by light sedation that relaxes without putting you to sleep. The injection of the anaesthetic around the ear is the only slightly unpleasant moment; after that, the patient only feels pressure and hears the surgeon working, which sometimes comes as a surprise. In young children, who cannot stay still for an hour on the table, general anaesthesia is the rule, in a facility that accepts children.

For otoplasty under local anaesthesia, you generally arrive an hour beforehand. The surgeon redraws the areas to be corrected, then settles you lying down with your head to one side. The local anaesthetic is injected around each ear; a few minutes later, the ear is numb. You hear the instruments, which can be unsettling, but you feel no pain. Many patients listen to music in one ear, as long as it is not the one being operated on.

After the bandage has been applied, you remain under observation for a while, then go home accompanied. For a child under general anaesthesia, monitoring in the recovery room lasts longer; the return home often takes place the same day, sometimes the next. Parents receive written instructions and the number to call.

The markings

Standing or sitting, the surgeon marks the future antihelical fold and the area of skin to be removed with a marker pen, comparing the two sides.

The incision

They incise the skin in the groove behind the ear and lift it to expose the back of the cartilage.

Shaping

They carry out the planned steps on the cartilage: shaping sutures, thinning, fixation or reduction of the concha. They check the position of the ear and adjust the tension of the sutures.

Comparison

They operate on the second ear, then compare the two sides, measure the distances and make adjustments if necessary, to achieve the best possible symmetry.

Closure

They close the skin with fine stitches, often absorbable, then shape the contours of the ear with compresses or moistened cotton, which hold the shape.

The bandage

A bandage around the head protects the ears and limits swelling. The procedure generally takes between one and two hours for both ears.

Pain is generally moderate and well relieved by usual painkillers. Pain that becomes intense and one-sided, especially in the first forty-eight hours, is not normal: it may indicate a haematoma and requires an immediate call to the team. The ears often remain slightly red, swollen and sensitive to cold for several weeks; this is the usual course.

The night-time headband is the most important instruction after the dressing has been removed. During sleep, you rub your ear on the pillow without realising, which can fold it forwards and make a suture give way. The headband, worn at night for four to six weeks depending on the surgeon, protects the result during this fragile period.

The dressing shapes the contours of the ear during the first few days and protects it. It must not be removed or lifted without the team's agreement. If it slips, loosens or becomes so tight that it causes pain, call.

The ideal headband covers the ears completely without folding them forwards, stays in place without slipping and does not press too hard. A ski or running headband in technical fabric is often suitable; your surgeon will tell you which model they prefer. Ideally you need two, so that you can wash one while wearing the other.

The first few nights are spent on your back, with your head slightly raised on a second pillow, which limits swelling. Sleeping on your side presses on the operated ear and can fold it. People who turn over a lot appreciate a U-shaped travel pillow, which stops the head from tilting. A satin pillowcase reduces friction. In children, the main thing is to make sure the headband stays in place all night; a well-fitting headband and a bedtime routine that includes it help a great deal.

Showering and hair

While the bandage is in place, wash your hair at the basin with your head tilted back, or wait. Once the bandage has been removed, showering is generally allowed, with a mild shampoo, without rubbing the ears. Dry in the air or with a hairdryer on lukewarm, held at a distance.

Hair styling

For several weeks, avoid brushes that catch the ear and pulled-back hairstyles. Long hair should be styled in front of the mirror, carefully around the ears.

Dressing

Narrow-necked jumpers are the enemy of otoplasty: pulling them over your head folds the ears. Choose clothes that open at the front for a month.

Glasses

The arms of glasses press into the groove where the scar lies. Light glasses can often be worn from the first few days; if they press, slip a compress under the arm or wear contact lenses.

The telephone

Holding a phone against the ear is not advised in the first few weeks; use the speaker or earphones that do not rest on the outer ear.

Cold

Operated ears are more sensitive to cold for several months, and reduced sensation exposes them to frostbite without your noticing. In winter, a soft hat that does not fold the ear is essential, particularly in the mountains.

The scar behind the ear is one of the most discreet in cosmetic surgery, but it deserves some care. Until it has closed, keep it clean and dry according to the instructions received. Once the stitches have dissolved or been removed and the skin has closed, a light massage with a neutral cream for a few minutes a day softens it. The surgeon may recommend a silicone gel if you tend to form thick scars.

Protect it from the sun for several months, as an exposed scar can darken permanently, especially if you wear your hair short or tied back. If it becomes thick and red and itches beyond a few weeks, report it: early treatment is more effective than late correction.

Contact sports expose the ear to friction and direct impacts, which can make a suture give way or cause a haematoma. In wrestling and judo, wearing ear guards is advisable anyway, to avoid cauliflower ear, a deformity caused by repeated haematomas.

For office work, a few days off are often enough: you can go back as soon as the full bandage has been replaced by a headband, which can be worn discreetly or hidden under the hair. Physical jobs, those exposed to impacts or requiring a helmet, need two to three weeks, sometimes longer. Jobs involving contact with the public can wait until swelling and bruising have gone, about ten days. For a child, one to two weeks' absence followed by exemption from sport for a few weeks is usual; a medical certificate will be given to you.

Otoplasty is one of the easiest procedures to keep to yourself. The bandage of the first few days is hard to hide, but it can coincide with a few days' leave or working from home. The headband that follows passes for a sports accessory or can be hidden under a hat or long hair, and after a few days it is only worn at night. After that, nothing gives the procedure away, as the scar is hidden behind the ear.

Many patients nevertheless choose to talk about it, and find that those close to them react kindly, sometimes with surprise: many had never noticed any discomfort. For a child, talking about it simply with close friends avoids awkward questions at school.

A well-prepared child experiences the procedure much more calmly. Explain in simple words what is going to happen: they will sleep while the doctor fixes their ears, they will wake up with a big bandage, it may hurt a little and they will be given medicine. Avoid impossible promises, such as no pain at all.

Many children's hospitals offer visits or illustrated documents for children. Let the child choose a familiar object to take with them. After the procedure, praise them for their courage and involve them in wearing the headband, for example by letting them choose its colour. Brothers and sisters also need to know that they must not touch or pull the operated ears for a few weeks.

In the first few days, help is welcome for some everyday tasks: washing hair without wetting the bandage, putting on clothes without pulling them over the head, preparing meals. Explain to those around you that they must not touch, pull or fold the ears, even in play, for several weeks, and that sudden, intense pain on one side justifies calling the team immediately. Children in the household need to know this too, particularly for cuddles and rough play.

Day 0

Procedure under local anaesthesia in the morning, home at midday. My ears feel hot and tight under the bandage. Painkillers at fixed times, evening on the sofa, night on my back with two pillows.

Day 2

The tightness is easing. The bandage is a little tight but bearable. Working from home possible at the end of the day, avoiding headphones.

Day 5

First check-up: the dressing is removed; my ears are swollen and slightly purple, but well positioned. The surgeon fits a headband. First careful shower in the evening.

Day 8

Back at the office with the headband in my pocket for the evening. Colleagues mainly notice my hair tied back for the first time.

Week 3

Ears still sensitive to touch and cold. The headband is only worn at night. I start running again.

Week 6

Night-time headband stopped after the check-up. The shape looks final; the scar is pink.

Month 4

No more discomfort. The numbness at the top of the ear has almost gone.

The day of the procedure

Arrival at hospital having fasted; Mum stays until he falls asleep. A bit grumpy on waking with the bandage; an ice lolly allowed in the recovery room. Home in the afternoon.

The first three days

Minor pain well controlled by the prescribed syrup. The bandage is mainly a nuisance for sleeping. Cartoons and quiet games.

The first check-up

The bandage is replaced by a blue headband chosen by the child. He proudly shows his ears to his big brother.

Back to school

After ten days, with a month's exemption from PE. The teacher explained to the class that no one should touch his ears.

The following weeks

The headband goes on every evening with the bedtime story. One night it slips; the parents put it back without waking him.

Six months later

The child no longer talks about his ears. His parents notice that he now wears his hair short.

The paediatrician is often the first to notice an unusual ear shape in a newborn, and can refer for early moulding. Later, they know the child, their health and their experience, and can help parents judge whether a surgical consultation is appropriate. The family doctor plays the same role for adults: they know your history and treatments, and can carry out a first examination if there is a problem during recovery, especially if the clinic is far away. Give them a copy of the operative report.

After the first month, life has returned to normal, but the ear continues to change. Residual swelling, mainly visible in the fine contours, gradually disappears. The scar behind the ear turns from pink to white over a few months. Numbness of the outer ear recedes, often from bottom to top, and a cardboard-like or stiff feeling to the touch fades.

At around three months, the ear has taken on a shape close to the final result. This is when symmetry can be properly judged, provided you compare photos taken under the same conditions as those before the procedure. At six months, the result has stabilised and a final check-up is usual.

• Are the swelling and shape progressing normally at this stage?
• How much longer must I wear the headband, and when can I stop wearing it during the day?
• When can I resume a particular sport or wear a helmet?
• Is the scar healing well; should I massage or protect it?
• Will the slight difference between my two ears fade?
• When is the next check-up, and can it be done using photos?

One year on, most patients no longer think about their ears, which is precisely the aim. They tie their hair back, wear the haircuts they used to avoid and no longer choose where to stand in group photos. Parents of operated children often say their child has simply forgotten that they had surgery.

If partial recurrence occurs, it generally appears in the first year. A touch-up is then possible, usually short and under local anaesthesia. Keep your photos from before the procedure: within a few months, you forget your initial appearance and tend to judge the result more harshly than it deserves.

After otoplasty, you scrutinise your ears in the mirror as never before, and notice details that already existed or are of no importance. To judge objectively, compare photos taken under the same conditions, from behind and from the front, before the procedure and at six months. Look at the distance between the ear and the head, the presence of a harmonious fold, the position of the earlobe and overall symmetry, rather than differences of a few millimetres. Also ask the opinion of a trusted person who sees you every day: they often sum up the change best.

Otoplasty is a well-established procedure whose serious complications are rare. It is nevertheless important to know them in order to recognise them and react in time.

Haematoma

A collection of blood under the skin, generally in the first hours or days. It shows as sharp pain on one side, swelling, sometimes bleeding through the dressing. It must be drained quickly to protect the cartilage.

Infection and chondritis

A skin infection is treated with antibiotics. Infection of the cartilage, which is rarer, is more serious: it causes a red, hot, very painful ear and requires prompt treatment.

Recurrence

Partial prominence can reappear, usually in the first few months, when a suture gives way or the cartilage returns to its shape. A small touch-up is then possible. The risk varies according to the technique and the rigidity of the cartilage.

Asymmetry

A slight difference between the two sides is common and usually unimportant. Clear asymmetry may justify a touch-up once the shape has stabilised.

Overcorrection

An ear pinned too flat against the head, or an overly marked fold, looks artificial. Surgeons now prefer a measured correction to avoid this appearance.

Visible or palpable sutures

A permanent suture can be felt under the skin, become visible or work its way out months later. It then simply needs to be removed, often under local anaesthesia; the result generally holds thanks to healing.

Thick scars and keloids

The scar behind the ear is normally discreet. In predisposed people, it can thicken. Keloids, more common on dark skin, require specific treatment.

Changes in sensation

Numbness of the ear is usual and subsides over several weeks to a few months. Sensitivity to cold may persist longer.

Fever, spreading redness, discharge, increasing pain or bleeding through the dressing require prompt contact with the surgical team. In an emergency, call 144.

If the clinic is far from your home, identify the nearest emergency department in advance and keep a copy of the operative report with you. Your family doctor can also carry out a first examination and contact the surgeon.

• Removing or lifting the bandage to look at the result before the first check-up.
• Forgetting the headband at night, even once, in the first few weeks.
• Pulling jumpers over your head and folding the ears.
• Resuming a contact or combat sport too soon.
• Exposing a numb ear to severe cold without protection.
• Judging the result at two weeks, when swelling is still distorting it.
• Choosing an incisionless technique for thick cartilage or a deep concha, solely on the promise of a short recovery.

Otoplasty photos are often taken from the front and from behind. For a fair comparison, the head must be in the same position, straight, without tilting, and the hair held back in the same way. A slightly turned head greatly changes how prominence is perceived. Photos taken from behind are the most telling: they show the actual gap between the ear and the skull. Be wary of post-operative photos taken too early, when the ear looks pinned back due to swelling, and ask to see results at six months or more.

Otoplasty results published online are often impressive, because the change is clear and quick. Keep a few reflexes: head position and camera angle greatly change how prominence is perceived; a photo taken a few days after the procedure shows ears still pressed back by swelling; a technique presented as having no risk or recurrence does not exist. Ask to see results at six months or more, from behind, in patients whose ears looked like yours.

In Switzerland, the question of coverage depends mainly on age and the situation. In adults, otoplasty for prominent ears is generally considered cosmetic and remains at the patient's expense. In children, coverage by compulsory health insurance may be considered according to specific criteria, on a prior request from the doctor. Significant congenital malformations, such as some forms of microtia, may fall under disability insurance (AI/IV) up to the age of twenty as congenital disorders, according to the official list.

The rules change and their application varies according to the situation: always ask your insurer or the relevant office for a written answer before the procedure. Supplementary insurance sometimes covers part of the hospital costs, rarely the cosmetic procedure itself; read your general terms and conditions carefully.

Not all cantons have equivalent provision. Adult otoplasty is available in most medium-sized towns; for children, it is more concentrated in facilities with paediatric anaesthesia. The table below gives general trends.

Geneva

Very wide provision, in the city and in clinics, with university paediatric surgery. The reference city for prices in our comparisons. Convenient for residents of the Nyon area and the Vaud part of the Pays de Gex.

Vaud

Lausanne concentrates most of the provision, with a university paediatric centre, but practitioners also consult in Morges, Vevey, Montreux and Yverdon-les-Bains. Prices there are often slightly lower than in Geneva.

Neuchâtel and Jura

A few practitioners in Neuchâtel and La Chaux-de-Fonds; families from Jura readily turn to Basel, Bern or Neuchâtel, particularly for children.

Fribourg

Bilingual provision in Fribourg, ideal for families near the language border. Bulle and the Gruyère region look to Fribourg or Lausanne.

Valais

Sion brings together provision for French-speaking Valais; Monthey and the Chablais also look to Lausanne. Upper Valais tends to turn to Bern. Think about the cold in winter for freshly operated ears.

Bern and Solothurn

Bern has a university centre and many practitioners. Biel/Bienne offers bilingual consultations. Solothurn and Olten are divided between Bern, Basel and Zurich.

Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft

University and paediatric provision in Basel, easily accessible from Liestal and Jura. Consultations in French possible with some practitioners.

Zurich, Aargau and Schaffhausen

Zurich has the largest number of practitioners in German-speaking Switzerland, with a leading children's hospital. Aargau has regional provision in Aarau and Baden. Schaffhausen turns to Zurich or Winterthur.

Central Switzerland

Lucerne is the regional hub, with a children's hospital, for Zug, Schwyz, Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden. Zug also has established practitioners.

Eastern Switzerland

St. Gallen, with its children's hospital, serves Appenzell, Thurgau and part of Glarus. Prices there are often among the most moderate.

Graubünden

Chur brings together provision for the canton; remote valleys often work with Zurich for particular cases. The distances argue for grouping check-ups together.

Ticino

Lugano and Bellinzona receive patients in Italian. French-speaking families can ask for practitioners who speak French.

These trends indicate the general level of provision; they do not replace comparing detailed quotes between practitioners.

Patients from Alpine valleys, the Jura Arc or outlying regions sometimes choose to have surgery in a major city, one or two hours away by train. For otoplasty, this is quite feasible, provided the stay is organised. On the day itself, you do not drive; someone accompanying you, or public transport with someone by your side, is suitable. As haematomas mainly occur in the first forty-eight hours, a night nearby is reassuring for those who live far away, and sometimes allows a check-up the next day.

Then group the first dressing change and the following check-up together, and ask whether the intermediate check-ups can be done using photos. Identify the emergency department nearest your home, and take a copy of the operative report with you. With this organisation, distance is no longer an obstacle.

For families, one last point matters: a tired child copes badly with a long journey on the evening of the procedure. A night nearby, with a parent, often turns the day into a little adventure rather than an ordeal, and allows you to set off the next day more calmly, after checking that all is well.

In French-speaking Switzerland, from Geneva to Porrentruy, consultations take place in French. In German-speaking cities such as Zurich, Basel, Bern or Lucerne, many practitioners see patients in French, but it is worth checking when booking, especially for a child who needs to understand what is being explained. Biel/Bienne and Fribourg, both bilingual, are a natural solution for families near the language border. In Ticino, consultations are held in Italian. Also ask in which language the consent form and written instructions will be written.

For 44 cities, this comparison shows the centre where people most often consult for otoplasty, the indicative travel time, how easy follow-up is (including a dressing change and two or three check-ups), and the price difference usually observed compared with Geneva, used as the reference.

These differences are trends: a much sought-after practitioner in Lausanne may be more expensive than a colleague in Geneva, and the content of the quote matters more than the location. For otoplasty, the organisation of follow-up also counts: the first dressing is often changed after a few days, which argues for an easily accessible clinic.

Otoplasty is one of the most affordable cosmetic facial procedures, because it is short and usually performed under local anaesthesia as day surgery. The price varies mainly according to the type of anaesthesia, the number of ears and the complexity of the procedure.

City-by-city details and how to read a quote are set out on our page on otoplasty prices in Switzerland.

A complete quote allows two offers to be compared by taking account of what is included, not just the total. Percentage guidelines by city appear on our page on otoplasty prices in Switzerland.

Before booking a date, find out about the financial conditions: the amount of the deposit, generally expressed as a percentage of the quote, the deadline for postponing free of charge, the conditions in the event of cancellation, and how a postponement for medical reasons is handled. For a child, a cold with fever or an ear infection the day before the procedure often means postponing: check that this is covered without penalty. Ask for these conditions to be put in writing.

A few expenses are often added to the quote: painkillers and any antibiotics, two support headbands, travel for check-ups, sometimes a night in a hotel if you live far away, and days off work. For a child, a parent also needs to be at home for a few days. These items remain modest compared with the procedure, but it is better to plan for them.

Antihelix: The Y-shaped fold inside the rim of the ear; its absence is the main cause of prominence.

Concha: The central hollow of the ear leading to the ear canal.

Helix: The rolled rim of the ear.

Perichondrium: The membrane that nourishes the cartilage.

Chondritis: Infection of the cartilage.

Keloid: A scar that overflows and continues to grow.

Microtia: A congenital malformation in which the ear is absent or very incomplete.

Cryptotia: The top of the ear buried under the scalp.

Stahl's ear: An ear with an extra fold forming a point.

Support headband: A headband worn over the ears after the procedure, especially at night.

• Prominent ears are common and have no effect on hearing, but they are often hard to live with.
• The main cause is the absence of an antihelical fold, often combined with a deep concha.
• Otoplasty reshapes the cartilage through an incision hidden behind the ear.
• It can be performed from the age of five or six, when the child wants it, and at any age in adults.
• The night-time headband for several weeks protects the result.
• Haematoma is rare but urgent: intense pain on one side means you must call.
• In newborns, moulding can avoid surgery if started very early.

Medespoir Suisse helps you prepare your project: a first opinion from photos, an explanation of the options, referral to surgeons who regularly perform otoplasty in your region and your language, and help reading quotes and preparing questions. For children, we direct you to teams experienced in paediatric surgery.

Otoplasty is a short procedure with a simple recovery, which often transforms daily life far more than appearance itself. Its success depends on a precise analysis of each ear, a technique adapted to the cartilage, a measured correction and a well-managed recovery, particularly wearing the headband. Whether you are the parent of a child bothered at school or an adult who has always hidden your ears, taking the time to discuss it with an experienced surgeon is the first step. For the budget, see our page on otoplasty prices in Switzerland.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Otoplasty: prices in Switzerland.

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Answers to the most frequent questions about otoplasty in Switzerland.

Understanding otoplasty

What is otoplasty? It is a surgical procedure that changes the shape or position of the outer ear. In the vast majority of cases, it is used to bring prominent ears closer to the head by recreating the natural fold of the cartilage, reducing an overly deep concha or repositioning the earlobe. It can also correct other shape abnormalities.

What is the difference between otoplasty and otopexy? The two terms are often used as synonyms. Strictly speaking, otopexy refers to pinning the ear back, while otoplasty covers all procedures that reshape the outer ear, including reducing a large ear or correcting a folded ear. In practice, your surgeon will use one or the other without any notable difference.

Why do ears stick out? Most often, the cartilage fold called the antihelix did not form during pregnancy, so the top of the ear remains open towards the front. An overly deep concha can also push the ear outwards. These features are present from birth and often run in families; they are not caused by a poor sleeping position.

Are prominent ears common? Yes, it is the most common shape abnormality of the face. It affects a few per cent of the population, boys and girls roughly equally. Many people live with it very well; others are bothered enough to want a correction. It is this feeling, not measurements alone, that justifies seeking advice.

Do prominent ears affect hearing? No. Prominence only concerns the outer ear, the visible part of the ear, and has no consequence for hearing. Otoplasty has no effect on hearing either, positive or negative, as it touches neither the ear canal nor the eardrum. If you have any doubts about your hearing, you should see an ENT specialist.

Can a single ear be corrected? Yes. When only one ear is prominent, the surgeon can operate on that ear alone, using the other as a model. This is slightly more demanding than correcting both sides, as the operated ear must look like an unmodified ear. Sometimes a small touch-up on the other side improves symmetry; this is discussed at the consultation.

Which other ear shapes can be corrected? In addition to prominent ears, otoplasty can correct a folded or cup ear, a Stahl's ear with a point, cryptotia where the top of the ear is buried, an ear that is too large, and an earlobe that is too long, torn or stretched by a flesh tunnel. Microtia, a more significant malformation, calls for specialist reconstructive surgery.

Does otoplasty change the size of the ears? Classic otoplasty does not reduce the size of the ear, but by bringing it closer to the head, it makes it much less visible, which often gives the impression that it is smaller. When an ear is genuinely too large, a specific reduction of the helix, scapha or earlobe can be combined.

Does otoplasty leave a visible scar? The scar lies in the groove behind the ear, where the ear joins the head. It is almost invisible, even with hair tied back. It remains pink for a few months, then fades to white. In people who form thick scars or keloids, it may be more noticeable and require specific treatment.

Is the result permanent? In the vast majority of cases, yes. The reshaped cartilage keeps its new shape and healing fixes the result. Partial recurrence remains possible, usually in the first few months, particularly with very rigid cartilage or if the ear has been folded during recovery. It can then be corrected with a touch-up.

Children and adolescents

From what age can a child have surgery? Surgery is generally performed from the age of five or six, when the ear has almost reached its adult size. The procedure does not interfere with growth. But age is not the only criterion: it is preferable for the child to be bothered by their ears and to want the procedure, and to be able to understand what it involves.

Should surgery be performed before starting school? It is not an obligation. Some parents want surgery before teasing starts; others prefer to wait until the child expresses discomfort themselves. Surgeons often recommend the second approach, so that the child takes part in the decision. A child who is not bothered by their ears does not need surgery.

My baby has prominent ears: what should I do? Talk to the paediatrician or midwife quickly. In the first few weeks of life, the cartilage is very malleable, and a moulding device worn continuously can correct many deformities without surgery. This window closes within a few months; the earlier moulding starts, the more effective it is.

Is tape or a headband enough in an older child? No. After the first few weeks of life, the cartilage has lost its flexibility, and holding it with tape or a headband does not lastingly change the shape of the ear. These methods can even irritate the skin. Only surgery can correct prominent ears in an older child.

Is a child operated on under general anaesthesia? In young children, yes, as it is difficult to stay still for an hour or more on the operating table. Anaesthesia is provided by a team used to children, often as day surgery. In a calm adolescent, local anaesthesia with light sedation is often possible.

How long does a child miss school? One to two weeks in general, until the full bandage has been removed and the swelling has gone down. School sport, swimming and ball games wait a few more weeks. A medical certificate is given to the parents, and it is useful to inform the teacher.

How should I prepare my child for the procedure? Explain simply what is going to happen, without dramatising or promising that there will be no pain at all. Let them ask the surgeon questions. Many children's hospitals offer illustrated documents or visits. A familiar object, a book or a tablet for the recovery room help a great deal.

Can an adolescent decide alone? For a minor, the consent of the legal representatives is required. But the opinion of an adolescent capable of judgement is central: they must understand the procedure and consent to it. The surgeon talks to them directly to make sure the request really comes from them and not only from those around them.

What is the best time for a child? School holidays are ideal, avoiding those when a ski camp, holiday camp or sports competition is planned in the following weeks. The autumn and end-of-year holidays are popular, as a winter hat hides the headband. Summer is possible, but swimming will have to wait.

Does otoplasty solve bullying at school? It can stop teasing focused on the ears and restore confidence to a child who suffers from it. But if a child is being bullied, the bullying often goes beyond this one pretext. The school, the parents and sometimes a psychologist should be involved. The procedure should not be the only response.

Adults

Is it too late to have surgery as an adult? No. Adults of all ages are operated on, including after sixty, provided their health allows it. Many adults seek advice after years of discomfort. The cartilage is more rigid than in childhood, which leads the surgeon to adapt the technique, but results are very good.

Is adult otoplasty more difficult? It requires slightly different steps. Adult cartilage is thicker and firmer; it is more likely to return to its original shape if only sutures are used. The surgeon therefore often combines thinning or fine incisions of the cartilage so that the new fold holds without excessive tension.

Can it be performed under local anaesthesia? Yes, this is the rule in adults and often in adolescents. After the anaesthetic is injected around the ear, you no longer feel pain, only pressure. Light sedation can be added if you are anxious. You go home the same day, accompanied.

How many days off work should I plan for? For office work, a few days to a week are often enough. Physical jobs or those exposed to impacts, as well as those requiring a helmet, need two to three weeks, sometimes more. Working from home often allows a quick return, once the first dressing has been changed.

Can otoplasty be combined with a facelift? Yes. During a facelift, the incisions run around the ear, which makes it easy to reduce an elongated earlobe or correct slight prominence. Combining them avoids a second procedure and a second recovery. The surgeon assesses whether it is worthwhile at the consultation.

Do men have particular requests? Men often seek advice because a short haircut, early hair loss or wearing a cap make their ears stand out. They generally want a discreet correction that makes their ears less visible without transformation. An attentive surgeon adapts the extent of the correction to this expectation.

Techniques

How does the surgeon recreate the fold of the ear? Working from behind the ear, they place a few permanent sutures in the cartilage to fold it and create the missing antihelical fold. On rigid cartilage, they may also slightly thin the front surface of the cartilage so that it bends more easily. The resulting fold is rounded and natural.

What is done if the concha is too deep? The surgeon can fix the concha backwards to the bone behind the ear with deep sutures, or remove a crescent of cartilage to reduce it. This step is often combined with creating the antihelical fold, as the two causes frequently coexist.

What if the earlobe is still prominent? The earlobe has no cartilage and does not always follow the correction of the rest of the ear. The surgeon checks it at the end of the procedure and, if necessary, removes a small triangle of skin at the back or places a stitch to bring it closer to the cheek. Forgetting the earlobe gives an incomplete result.

What is incisionless otoplasty? These are techniques that fold the cartilage without opening the skin widely, either with threads passed through the skin with a needle, or with small flexible implants inserted through a tiny incision. They are suitable for moderate prominence due to the absence of a fold, on flexible cartilage, but do not correct a deep concha.

Are incisionless techniques as reliable? They offer a shorter recovery, but their indications are more limited and the risk of recurrence or a palpable thread is higher in some situations. For thick cartilage or significant prominence, classic otoplasty generally remains more reliable. The surgeon will tell you whether your ear is suitable.

Do the sutures stay for life? The sutures that shape the cartilage are often permanent, as they hold the fold while healing fixes it. Most patients never feel them. Sometimes a suture becomes palpable or works its way out months later; it simply needs to be removed, generally without losing the result.

How long does the procedure take? Between one and two hours for both ears, depending on the steps needed and the anaesthesia. Correction of one side or of the earlobe alone is shorter. Preparation and monitoring time must be added, so you generally spend half a day at the facility.

Does the surgeon remove cartilage? Not necessarily. Most often, they fold and shape it without removing any. When the concha is very deep, they may remove a small strip. The skin removed behind the ear is generally minimal: it is not the skin that holds the result, but the work on the cartilage.

Preparation and consultation

How does the consultation work? The surgeon listens to your request, asks about your medical history, examines your ears from several angles, tests the fold, palpates the cartilage and measures the distances to the skull. They take photos, explain the proposed technique, anaesthesia, recovery and risks, then give you a quote. A period of reflection follows.

Which questions should I ask the surgeon? Ask how many otoplasties they perform, which part of your ears is involved, which technique they propose and why, which anaesthesia, how long to wear the headband, the conditions for a touch-up, and whom to call in the event of severe pain. Also ask to see results at six months or more.

Do I need to stop certain medicines? Blood-thinning medicines and certain food supplements increase the risk of bleeding and haematoma. Mention everything you take; your doctor will tell you what to suspend and when. Never stop a prescribed treatment without their agreement, particularly an anticoagulant.

Do I need to stop smoking? It is strongly recommended. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of skin complications. Stopping for a few weeks before and after the procedure is ideal. Nicotine replacement products also affect small blood vessels; discuss this with the surgeon.

Does the hair need to be shaved? No. It is not necessary to shave the hair for otoplasty. Clean hair on the day of the procedure is enough; long hair can be tied in a low plait to keep the ears clear. The surgeon will hold it back with clips or tape.

What should I bring on the day of the procedure? A top that opens at the front, so that you do not have to pull it over your head after the procedure, your prescription and usual medicines, your documents, and someone to accompany you home. Remove jewellery and piercings from the ears. For a child, a familiar object and something to keep them occupied.

Can I get a first opinion from photos? Yes. Front, back and profile photos, with the hair clear of the ears, allow a surgeon to give a first opinion and an estimate. They do not replace the examination at the consultation, particularly testing the fold and palpating the cartilage, which guide the choice of technique.

Recovery

Is otoplasty painful? Pain is generally moderate, in the form of tightness and warmth in the ears, especially the first evening. It is well relieved by usual painkillers. Intense pain on one side in the first few days is not normal and requires a call to the team, as it may indicate a haematoma.

How long is the bandage kept on? The full bandage is generally worn for three to seven days, day and night. It is then replaced by an elastic headband, sometimes worn day and night for a few days, then only at night for four to six weeks. Instructions vary between surgeons; follow those you are given.

Why must a headband be worn at night? During sleep, you rub your ear on the pillow without realising, which can fold it forwards and make a suture give way. The headband holds the ear in its new position during the period when healing has not yet fixed the result. It is the most important instruction after the procedure.

Which headband should I choose? A soft headband that covers the ears completely without folding them, stays in place without slipping and does not press too hard. A sports headband in technical fabric is often suitable. Your surgeon may provide one or recommend their preferred model. Have two so that you can wash them.

How should I sleep after the procedure? On your back, with your head slightly raised on a second pillow, at least for the first few days. Avoid sleeping on your side until the surgeon allows it. A U-shaped travel pillow limits head rotation during the night.

When can I wash my hair? While the bandage is in place, wash your hair at the basin, head tilted back, without getting it wet, or wait until it is removed. After that, showering is generally possible with a mild shampoo, without rubbing the ears. Pat them dry, and set the hairdryer to a lukewarm temperature.

When do the ears look normal again? Swelling and any bruising decrease markedly within one to two weeks. The ears then remain slightly tender and sometimes slightly red for several weeks. The shape becomes more defined at around three months and stabilises at around six months.

Will my ears be numb? Yes, numbness of the outer ear is usual, as small sensory nerves are stretched during the procedure. Sensation gradually returns over several weeks to a few months. During this period, protect your ears from cold and heat, as you feel them less.

Can I wear glasses? Yes, in general, light glasses can be worn from the first few days, making sure the arms do not press on the scar. If they are uncomfortable, slip a compress under the arm or wear contact lenses temporarily. Heavy sunglasses can wait.

Can I use the phone normally? It is better to avoid pressing a phone against your ear for the first few weeks, as this folds the outer ear and presses on the scar. Use the speaker or in-ear earphones that do not rest on the outer ear, if the surgeon allows them.

When can I resume sport? Walking resumes from the first few days, running and non-contact fitness after two to three weeks, swimming after three to four weeks once the scar has closed, contact sports after six to eight weeks, and combat sports after two to three months. Wearing protection is recommended when returning.

Can I go to the swimming pool? You must wait until the scar has fully closed and the surgeon agrees, generally three to four weeks. Diving and rough games wait a little longer. Chlorine does not damage the result, but an open wound could become infected.

Can I ski after otoplasty? Yes, after four to six weeks in general. The helmet and goggles must not fold the ear or press on the scar. Think about the cold too: an ear that is still numb does not feel the cold well and can get frostbite without your noticing. A headband under the helmet provides effective protection.

Can I wear a bicycle helmet? Yes, once the bandage has been removed and if the helmet does not press on the ears. Slightly loosen the straps that run around the ear, and avoid falls by riding carefully for the first few weeks. For mountain biking, wait longer.

When can I wear earrings again? Light earrings can generally be worn again after a few weeks, once the swelling has gone. Heavy or dangling earrings, which pull on the earlobe, wait a little longer. If the earlobe was operated on, ask the surgeon's advice before inserting earrings again or having a new piercing.

Practical life

Can I tie my hair back after the procedure? Yes, but without pulling: a low, loose ponytail is possible as soon as the bandage is removed, provided you do not fold the ears while styling. Tight buns and styles pulled back wait a few weeks. Many patients then discover the pleasure of tying their hair back without thinking about it.

Can I wear make-up? The face is not involved in the procedure, so usual make-up is possible from the next day. Simply avoid applying products to the scar behind the ear until it has completely closed, and remove make-up without rubbing near the ears.

Can I wear a hat in winter? Yes, and it is even recommended, as operated ears are sensitive to the cold. Choose a soft, fairly loose hat that covers the ears without folding them forwards. Put it on by holding the edge apart with your hands rather than pulling it over your head.

Can I wear headphones? Headphones that cover and press on the outer ear are not advised for several weeks. Light in-ear earphones can generally be used sooner, with the surgeon's agreement, as they do not rest on the outer ear. Avoid removing them by pulling on the ear.

Can I take the train or car home? You must not drive on the day of the procedure. Someone accompanying you by car, a taxi or public transport with a companion are all suitable. The journey generally poses no difficulty, but the bandage is visible; a loose hat or a hood hides it.

Can I travel soon after the procedure? Travel within Switzerland is possible from the first few days if you feel well, but it is better to stay close to the team until the first check-up, as haematomas mainly occur in the first forty-eight hours. Long-distance holidays should wait until the bandage has been removed.

Is treatment needed after the procedure? Simple painkillers are usually prescribed for a few days, sometimes an antibiotic depending on the surgeon's practice. A healing ointment may be recommended for the scar once the skin has closed. Follow the prescription and report any side effects.

How many check-ups should I plan for? In general, a check-up in the first few days to change the dressing, another at around one to two weeks, then one at around six weeks and a final one at around six months. Some intermediate check-ups can be done using photos. The exact schedule depends on the surgeon.

Can an operated ear be pierced? An earlobe piercing is generally possible a few months after the procedure. A cartilage piercing, on the helix or antihelix, is not advised close to the reshaped areas, as it carries a risk of cartilage infection. Ask the surgeon's advice before any new piercing.

Can otoplasty be performed during pregnancy? Cosmetic procedures are generally postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, as a precaution regarding medicines and anaesthesia. As otoplasty is not urgent, it is preferable to wait a few months after childbirth.

Can ears become prominent again with age? A well-corrected ear keeps its position. Over the years, the earlobe naturally lengthens and the skin becomes slightly lax, as in everyone, but the fold of the reshaped cartilage does not come undone without a reason. Significant late recurrence is rare.

Does otoplasty change how glasses are worn? The groove behind the ear remains in place, so glasses are worn as before once healing is complete. Sometimes the position of the arms needs slight adjustment at the optician's, as the ear is closer to the head.

Should the school or employer be informed? For a child, informing the teacher is useful so that they keep an eye on playground games and excuse the child from sport for a few weeks. For an adult, nothing requires it: a sick note does not mention the nature of the procedure.

Will those close to me notice the procedure? For a few days, the bandage does not go unnoticed. After that, most people close to you notice that something has changed without knowing what, or compliment a new haircut. The natural correction of the ears blends into the face as a whole.

Can I have ID photos taken after the procedure? Wait until the swelling has gone, a few weeks, so that the photo matches your lasting appearance. A recent ID photo does not need to be retaken after the procedure, as otoplasty does not change the features used for identification.

What if my child takes off their headband at night? This is common. Adjust the headband so that it is comfortable without being loose, let the child choose its colour and make putting it on part of the bedtime routine. Check that it is in place before going to bed yourself. If the child regularly pulls it off, talk to the surgeon, who will suggest another solution.

Risks and results

What are the risks of otoplasty? The main ones are haematoma, infection of the skin or cartilage, partial recurrence, asymmetry, overcorrection, a suture that can be felt or works its way out, a thick scar or keloid, and temporary changes in sensation. Serious complications are rare; it is important to recognise a haematoma and infection quickly.

What is a haematoma and why is it urgent? It is a collection of blood under the skin, which mainly occurs in the first hours or days. It lifts the membrane that nourishes the cartilage and can damage it if it is not drained quickly. It shows as sharp pain on one side and swelling: call the team without delay.

What is chondritis? It is an infection of the ear cartilage. The ear becomes red, hot, swollen and very painful, sometimes with fever. It is rare after otoplasty, but must be treated quickly with antibiotics, sometimes with drainage, to avoid deformity of the cartilage.

What is the risk of recurrence? Partial recurrence occurs in a minority of patients, more often with rigid cartilage, a suture-only technique, or if the ear was folded during recovery. It generally appears in the first few months and can be corrected with a touch-up, often short and under local anaesthesia.

Will both ears be identical? They will be more alike than before, but two ears are never perfectly identical, even without surgery. A difference of a few millimetres is normal and invisible in daily life. Clear asymmetry persisting at six months may justify a small touch-up.

Can the ears end up pinned back too much? This is possible in the event of overcorrection, which gives an artificial look. Surgeons now favour a measured correction that leaves the ear slightly away from the head, like a natural ear. Just after the procedure, swelling can temporarily give this impression.

What if a suture comes through the skin? Do not pull on it. Make an appointment with the surgeon, who will remove it, generally under local anaesthesia, in a few minutes. The result usually holds, as healing has fixed the shape of the cartilage. An exposed suture can become infected if left in place.

When can the result be judged? It is too early to judge at two or three weeks, when swelling is still changing the shape. The result becomes clearer at around three months and stabilises at around six months. Compare before and after photos taken under the same conditions, rather than relying on an impression in the mirror.

Can a failed otoplasty be redone? Yes. Secondary otoplasty can correct recurrence, asymmetry, overcorrection or a fold that is too angular. It is more delicate than a first procedure, as the cartilage has already been altered. It is advisable to wait at least six months and to bring your operative report to the consultation.

Can otoplasty leave a keloid? It is possible in predisposed people, particularly those who have already had a keloid after a piercing and those with dark skin. Mention it before the procedure: the surgeon will adapt the closure and may suggest preventive treatment and close monitoring of the scar.

Earlobe and other corrections

Can a torn earlobe be repaired? Yes, with a short procedure under local anaesthesia. The surgeon freshens the edges of the split and sutures them, often with a slight offset to avoid a notch. A new hole for earrings can be made a few months later, next to the scar.

Can an earlobe stretched by a flesh tunnel be closed? Yes. The surgeon removes the excess skin and reconstructs a normally shaped earlobe. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and normal life resumes quickly. The result depends on the size of the opening; for very large tunnels, reconstruction is more complex.

Can an earlobe that is too large be reduced? Yes, by removing a piece of skin to give the earlobe harmonious proportions. This is often done during a facelift, as the earlobe lengthens with age, but it can also be done alone, under local anaesthesia.

How is an earlobe keloid treated? Simple surgical removal often recurs. It is therefore combined with other treatments: corticosteroid injections into the scar, pressure earrings worn for several months, and sometimes superficial radiotherapy in specialist centres. Follow-up often lasts more than a year.

What is microtia and where is it treated? It is a congenital malformation in which the ear is absent or very incomplete, often associated with an abnormality of the ear canal. Its reconstruction is carried out in several stages, in specialist centres, often university hospitals, together with a hearing specialist. It falls under reconstructive surgery, not cosmetic otoplasty.

Price and insurance

How much does otoplasty cost in Switzerland? The price depends on the anaesthesia, the number of ears and the complexity. We express it in relative indices: on a base of 100 for bilateral otoplasty under local anaesthesia, correction of a single ear is around 60 to 75 and otoplasty under general anaesthesia around 125 to 150. Differences between cities appear on our price page.

Is Geneva the most expensive city? Geneva serves as the reference in our comparisons and is among the cities with the highest prices, together with Zurich. Depending on the city, fees are often 5 to 20% lower. These differences are trends: the content of the quote matters more than the city itself.

Does basic insurance reimburse otoplasty? In adults, otoplasty for prominent ears is generally considered cosmetic and remains at the patient's expense. In children, coverage may be considered according to specific criteria, on a prior request from the doctor. Always ask your insurer for a written guarantee before the procedure.

Can disability insurance (AI/IV) contribute? For certain recognised congenital malformations, such as some forms of microtia, disability insurance may cover medical measures up to the age of twenty, according to the official list of congenital disorders. Simple prominent ears do not generally qualify. The doctor will help you put the file together if necessary.

What does an otoplasty quote contain? The surgeon's fees, anaesthesia where applicable, facility costs, sometimes dressings and the headband, follow-up check-ups and touch-up conditions. Check what is included to compare two offers on an equivalent basis, and ask for the cancellation conditions in writing.

Is a touch-up charged? It depends on the surgeon and the facility. Some perform a small touch-up free of charge within a given period, others charge the facility or anaesthesia costs, and still others charge for everything. Ask about these conditions before the procedure and have them specified on the quote.

Can I pay in instalments? Some facilities offer staggered payment or financing solutions. Ask the clinic about the arrangements and any fees. A deposit is often requested when the date is booked, with the balance paid before or on the day of the procedure.

Where to have surgery in Switzerland

Who performs otoplasty in Switzerland? Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, and ENT surgeons specialising in facial surgery. For a child, choose a team used to paediatric surgery. Check the practitioner's specialist title in the federal MedReg register, available online.

Where can a child have surgery in Switzerland? Preferably in a facility with paediatric anaesthesia: the university hospitals of Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel and Zurich, regional children's hospitals such as those in Lucerne, St. Gallen, Aarau or Ticino, or private clinics that accept children. The paediatrician can refer you.

Can I consult in French in German-speaking Switzerland? Often, yes: many practitioners in Zurich, Basel, Bern or Lucerne see patients in French. It is worth checking when booking. Biel/Bienne and Fribourg, both bilingual cities, are a natural solution for families living near the language border.

Should I choose a clinic close to home? It is an advantage, as the first dressing is often changed after a few days and two or three check-ups follow. If you choose a clinic further away, group the visits together and identify an emergency department near your home for the recovery period.

How do I choose between two surgeons? Compare their experience of otoplasty, the clarity of their explanations, the proposed technique and its justification, photos of long-term results, how follow-up is organised and the content of the quotes. A second opinion is a normal step. Trust the surgeon who answers your questions best, not necessarily the cheapest.

Can Medespoir guide me? Yes. Send us front, back and profile photos, with your hair clear of your ears. A surgeon gives you a first opinion and an estimate, and we direct you to practitioners who regularly perform otoplasty in your region and in your language. This service is free and without obligation.

Send us front, back and profile photos, with your hair clear of your ears. A surgeon gives you a first opinion and an estimate. Free and without obligation.