Dr. de Clermont-TonnerrePlastic Surgeon

Paris 16th & Pontoise (95)

Otoplasty

Correction of prominent ears — Paris 16th & Pontoise

Otoplasty (prominent ear correction) is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in children. It corrects excessive protrusion of the auricle relative to the skull — a common source of self-consciousness and teasing. Performed in Paris 16th and Pontoise by Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, it is covered by French national health insurance before the age of 18.

Book a consultation

Step by step

How the procedure works

01

Consultation

Assessment of the auricles, measurement of the ear-to-skull angle, discussion of the desired result. Information on technique and scarring.

02

Pre-operative assessment

Standard blood tests. Anaesthetic consultation for children (general anaesthesia). Mandatory 15-day reflection period.

03

Procedure

General anaesthesia (children) or local (adults). Duration 1 to 1.5 hours. Incision behind the ear, cartilage reshaping, permanent sutures to maintain the correction.

04

Hospitalisation

Day case. Protective headband placed in theatre, to be worn 2 to 4 weeks.

05

Follow-up

Suture removal at day 10. Headband worn at night for a further 6 weeks. Definitive result at 6 months.

At a glance

Duration
1 to 1.5 hours
Anaesthesia
General (children) / Local (adults)
Hospitalisation
Day case
Time off school/work
7 to 10 days
Definitive result
6 to 12 months
Reimbursement
Covered by French health insurance under 18

Advantages

  • Permanent results from the first procedure
  • Scar hidden behind the ear
  • French health insurance coverage under 18
  • Quick procedure (1 to 1.5 hours)
  • Immediate boost to self-confidence
  • Possible from age 6 to 7

Risks

  • Post-operative haematoma
  • Partial recurrence (very elastic cartilage)
  • Residual asymmetry
  • Retro-auricular scar palpable on touch
  • Transiently palpable sutures
  • Over-correction (pinched appearance)

Insurance & Reimbursement

Otoplasty is covered by French national health insurance before the age of 18, without any specific severity criterion. After the age of 18, it is considered aesthetic and remains at the patient's expense. It is therefore advisable to have the procedure during childhood or adolescence if possible.

Expected results

Otoplasty provides a definitive, natural correction of auricular protrusion. The ear regains a harmonious angle relative to the skull and the auricles are symmetrical. The psychological impact is immediate and very positive, particularly for children who regain self-confidence.

Résultats

Avant / Après

Otoplasty

Photos de patients du Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre, partagées avec leur accord. Les résultats varient selon les individus et leur morphologie.

Otoplasty result — correction of prominent ears
Otoplasty before after — harmonious ear angle
Otoplasty result — repositioned ears

Frequently asked questions

Is otoplasty covered by French health insurance?+
Yes, otoplasty is covered by French national health insurance when performed before the age of 18. After this age, it is considered aesthetic and remains at the patient's expense. It is therefore advisable to have the procedure during childhood or adolescence if possible.
From what age can prominent ears be corrected?+
Otoplasty can be performed from the age of 6 to 7, when the auricular cartilage has reached 85% of its adult size and the child is sufficiently cooperative. It is preferable not to wait too long in order to avoid the psychological consequences (teasing at school).
Is otoplasty painful?+
The procedure is painless (general anaesthesia in children, local in adults). The postoperative course involves moderate discomfort and tightness for 5 to 7 days, well controlled with standard analgesics. A protective headband is worn for 2 to 4 weeks.
What are the scars like after otoplasty?+
The scar is placed in the posterior sulcus of the ear (behind the ear), perfectly hidden and invisible. It gradually fades over 12 months to become virtually undetectable.
Are otoplasty results permanent?+
Results are permanent in the vast majority of cases. Rarely, a partial recurrence may occur if the cartilage is very elastic. A minor revision may then be considered.
From what age can ear correction be performed in children?+
Otoplasty is possible from the age of 6 to 7, when the ear has reached approximately 85% of its final size and the child is psychologically mature enough to understand and accept the procedure. Performing the surgery before secondary school helps avoid teasing and its impact on self-esteem. General anaesthesia is used in young children, which requires an appropriate pre-operative assessment.
Can both ears be operated at the same time?+
Yes, in the vast majority of cases both ears are operated during the same procedure. This reduces the number of anaesthetic episodes, limits total recovery time and achieves a symmetrical result. The surgeon assesses each auricle independently and tailors the approach to each side to correct any pre-existing asymmetries.
How long do otoplasty results last?+
Otoplasty results are permanent in the vast majority of cases. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and held with non-absorbable sutures, it retains its new shape permanently. Natural ageing may cause a slight change in the shape of the auricle over the decades, but the initial repositioning remains stable. Only an early recurrence related to very elastic cartilage may require a revision.
Is there a risk of recurrence (ears springing back)?+
The risk of recurrence is low, estimated at 1 to 5%. It occurs mainly in the first few months after surgery, when the cartilage is particularly elastic and tends to return to its original shape. This is why wearing the protective headband is mandatory for 2 to 4 weeks during the day and for several further weeks at night. In the event of partial recurrence, a minor surgical revision under local anaesthesia is possible.
When can sport be resumed after otoplasty?+
Light physical activities (walking, flat cycling) can resume after 2 to 3 weeks. Contact sports, water sports and activities with a risk of ear impact (rugby, martial arts, handball) are discouraged for 2 to 3 months, to allow the cartilage to be securely fixed in its new position. Wearing a protective helmet is recommended for certain sporting activities during this period.

Patient testimonials

★★★★★

“My son was being teased at school because of his ears. Otoplasty with Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre at age 8 changed his life. The operation went very smoothly, the French health insurance coverage was straightforward. He is flourishing now.”

Lucas (parent)

★★★★★

“I had waited until the age of 25 to have the operation. The consultation with Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre convinced me. The procedure under local anaesthesia went very well. My appearance is now in line with my self-image.”

Rémi

★★★★★

“My 10-year-old daughter had both ears operated. Dr. de Clermont-Tonnerre was exemplary in his patience and gentleness with her. The result is natural and her self-confidence has completely changed.”

Sophie (parent)

⭐ View all Google reviews

See also

Face surgery — all proceduresRhinoplastyFaceliftBlepharoplastyEar reduction — macrotiaGenioplasty
Book on DoctolibFees & pricing