Treatment · FaceAdjust the angle of the earsThere are two main causes of protruding ears. Either the cartilage is too pronounced or the auricular fold is incompletely formed. In both cases, surgery can reshape the ears in various ways to create a more aesthetic overall appearance.
Editorialbeautyprotect Editorial
Updated1. Mai. 2026
Medically reviewed
Dr. med. Marc EckSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. med. Nina DucksteinSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. med. Davide ToniniSpecialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery
Description
Pinching your ears – small procedure, big effect
Protruding ears are noticeable and therefore often become the focus of ridicule and scorn, often in childhood. To avoid this, many parents have their children's ears surgically attached before they start school. But many adults also decide to have the procedure later.
 
Ear specialists and plastic surgeons have developed various methods for laying ears, which are now routine procedures. In classic otopexy, the treating doctor makes an incision behind the ear, then works on the ear cartilage and then shapes it with retaining threads. A slightly less invasive procedure is the thread method, in which a thread made of tear-resistant Prolene is inserted invisibly under the skin with a needle to bend the antihelix, a fold in the auricle, backwards. In the Earfold method, small implants are placed under the skin through tiny incisions, which are supposed to shape the auricle fold and thus bend it backwards.
 
No matter which ear surgery is used, risks or complications can arise. Common side effects include swelling, bruising or pain. Infections or numbness are more serious. In individual cases, follow-up treatments may be necessary, for example due to asymmetries or wound healing problems that arise during healing. Be prepared for this eventuality and protect yourself with beautyprotect.
 
Before the procedure
Tips to prepare for earing
Surgical adjustment of the ears usually involves relatively few complications and few risks. In most cases, the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia, so no major precautions need to be taken in advance, as is the case with other cosmetic surgeries.
 
  • Despite the simple technique, ear pinning is a surgical procedure, so you should avoid blood thinning agents such as aspirin, similar flu or painkillers and alcohol for some time before and after the operation.
  • You should take it easy for about a week after the procedure. We therefore recommend taking time off for this period.
Aftercare
What you should consider after putting on your ears
Since several techniques can be used for ear pinning, there are also different aspects to consider for aftercare. Here are our tips just in case:
 
  • After the classic otopexy, you will wear a head bandage for the first few days to support wound healing.
  • Once the stitches are removed or dissolved, you should wear a headband for at least three weeks to further support the healing process and prevent your ears from accidentally breaking off.
  • A bandage is not common with either the thread or the Earfold method. However, you should avoid infections. Maintain sufficient hygiene and avoid wearing earrings.
  • You should not start exercising until after four weeks of putting your ears back on. If you play team sports with a lot of physical contact, such as soccer or handball, wait a little longer to avoid injury.
  • First, wear contact lenses instead of your glasses if possible.
  • Avoid sun, solarium, swimming pool or sauna for about two weeks.
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