This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
Experience natural-looking ear correction with Dr Kevin Ho’s patient-centred approach to otoplasty surgery Sydney. Whether addressing prominent ears, asymmetry, or shape concerns, our tailored surgical techniques help create balanced ear contours that harmonise beautifully with your facial features. Each procedure is customised to your unique anatomy, ensuring results that look naturally proportioned and enhance your overall appearance.
Otoplasty, also known as ear surgery or ear pinning, is a procedure that reshapes and repositions the ears to create a more balanced, harmonious appearance. It can correct concerns such as protruding, asymmetrical, or oversized ears that may affect confidence or facial proportion.
Dr Kevin Ho is a highly skilled plastic surgeon in Sydney who performs otoplasty to help both children and adults feel more comfortable with the appearance of their ears. During the surgery, Dr Ho focuses on three key goals:
Dr Ho uses specialised cartilage-modifying techniques that rely on gentle scoring and shaping, rather than extensive cutting. This approach maintains the ear’s natural curves while achieving the desired correction.
Otoplasty is suitable for patients of different ages. Children and adolescents often benefit when the ears have reached full growth, typically after age six, while adults may choose the procedure to address long-standing concerns or previous injuries. Each surgical plan is individually tailored to match your ear structure, goals, and desired outcome, ensuring results that look balanced and natural from every angle.
Otoplasty can make a significant difference in both appearance and confidence. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect when you choose Dr Kevin Ho for your ear surgery:
After otoplasty, the ears sit closer to the head, creating a balanced and natural look. The procedure improves ear symmetry, reduces prominence, and enhances overall facial harmony. These changes allow your other facial features—such as your eyes, nose, and jawline—to stand out more evenly, giving your profile a well-proportioned appearance.
Dr Ho uses precise techniques that place incisions discreetly behind the ear folds, where they are naturally concealed. Once healed, scarring is typically minimal and barely visible, allowing you to wear short hairstyles or tuck your hair back confidently.
Every set of ears is unique, and Dr Ho tailors each otoplasty to suit individual anatomy and desired results. Whether your goal is to correct protruding ears, adjust asymmetry, or refine the shape and size of the ear, he carefully plans your surgery to achieve natural, long-lasting results that complement your facial features.
For many patients, especially those who have felt self-conscious about their ears since childhood, otoplasty brings lasting emotional benefits. Patients often report increased self-esteem and greater ease in social and professional settings. Feeling confident in your appearance can make everyday activities—like wearing your hair back, engaging in sports, or posing for photos—more enjoyable and stress-free.
Once healing is complete, the outcome of otoplasty is designed to be permanent. By reshaping and repositioning the cartilage, the improvements made during surgery provide lasting structural changes that maintain their shape over time.
Dr Kevin Ho brings extensive experience in facial and ear surgery, ensuring every procedure is carefully customised for natural-looking, balanced results. If you’ve been considering ear surgery, he can guide you through each stage of the process and help you decide whether otoplasty is the right option for your needs.
Understanding what to expect during your otoplasty procedure Sydney helps you feel more prepared and confident about your surgical experience. The process begins with a comprehensive initial consultation where Dr Kevin Ho conducts a detailed assessment of your ear anatomy, discusses your aesthetic goals, and explains the surgical approach that will best address your specific concerns.
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
During your consultation, Dr Ho examines the structure, position, and symmetry of your ears whilst discussing your desired outcomes. This assessment helps determine the most appropriate surgical technique and allows you to ask questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.
Step 2: Pre-operative Preparation
Before your ear surgery steps commence, you’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions and undergo anaesthesia planning. Most otoplasty procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, though local anaesthesia with sedation may be suitable for some adult patients.
Step 3: Surgical Technique
The procedure involves creating carefully placed incisions behind the ears within the natural groove between the ear and scalp. Dr Ho then reshapes the ear cartilage using gentle abrasion techniques rather than cutting, which helps preserve the ear’s natural contours whilst achieving the desired repositioning.
Step 4: Closure and Dressing
After the cartilage has been reshaped and secured in its new position with sutures, the incisions are closed with fine sutures. A protective head bandage is applied to support the ears during the initial healing phase.
The entire ear pinning surgery typically takes between 1-1.5 hours, depending on the complexity of your individual case. Most procedures are completed as day surgery, though children may be offered an overnight hospital stay to ensure comfort for both the child and family during the initial recovery period.
Otoplasty, or ear reshaping surgery, can be an excellent option for individuals who wish to correct protruding, asymmetrical, or irregularly shaped ears and achieve better facial balance. Here’s who may be a good candidate for this procedure:
Otoplasty is suitable for both children and adults. For children, the procedure is often recommended from around ages 5 to 6, when the ears have reached about 90 percent of their adult size. Performing the surgery at a younger age can help reduce self-consciousness during school years. Adults can undergo otoplasty at any age, provided they are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results.
Good health is essential for a successful recovery after otoplasty. Ideal candidates should:
People considering otoplasty often have one or more of the following concerns:
Good candidates should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. While otoplasty can create lasting and natural-looking changes, the exact results depend on your ear shape, cartilage structure, and healing process. Candidates should also be prepared for recovery, which involves protecting the ears from trauma and following Dr Ho’s aftercare plan.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your suitability for otoplasty is through a personal consultation with Dr Kevin Ho. During your appointment, he will:
Everyone’s anatomy and aesthetic goals are unique. Dr Ho will provide personalised recommendations to help you achieve natural, balanced results that enhance confidence and comfort.
View examples of otoplasty before and after Sydney cases that demonstrate the natural-looking improvements possible with skilled surgical technique. Our gallery showcases a range of ear correction results, illustrating how otoplasty can enhance ear symmetry and create better facial balance. Please note that results vary between individuals, and your outcomes will depend on your unique anatomy and healing response.
After your ear surgery with Dr Kevin Ho, it’s important to follow a recovery plan to promote proper healing and long-lasting results. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery process:
During the first one to two weeks, it’s normal to experience mild swelling, bruising, and some discomfort around the treated areas. These effects are part of the healing process and will gradually subside. To protect your results, you’ll be required to wear a supportive head bandage that helps maintain the new ear position and prevents accidental movement during this initial phase.
Dr Ho will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and prescribe pain relief medication if needed. Most patients find discomfort manageable and notice improvement within just a few days. It’s important to rest, avoid activities that could put pressure on your ears, and keep your head elevated while sleeping to help reduce swelling.
As you move into weeks two to four, your protective bandage will usually be replaced with a soft headband. Wearing this headband at night provides ongoing support and protection while you sleep. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work, school, or normal daily activities during this time, though strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided for about a month to prevent trauma to the ears.
Improvements in ear shape and contour become more visible as swelling continues to fade over the next few weeks. The final results develop gradually over several months as your ear cartilage settles into its new shape. Scars, if present, are well hidden behind the ears and tend to fade significantly over time.
Dr Ho will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress, ensure proper recovery, and address any questions or concerns. These visits are an important part of achieving the best possible outcome.
To support a smooth and successful recovery, follow Dr Ho’s aftercare recommendations carefully:
Everyone heals at their own pace, so some variation in your recovery timeline is normal. If you have any concerns during this period, contact Dr Ho’s office for guidance. With proper care and patience, you’ll enjoy ears that appear natural, balanced, and proportionate to your face.
If you’re considering ear reshaping surgery with Dr Kevin Ho, it’s important to understand the costs involved and what to expect during the consultation process. Below is a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with otoplasty, including consultation fees and potential rebates.
Several key factors influence the total cost of otoplasty surgery:
Dr Ho’s practice offers flexible options to make your surgical experience as convenient as possible:
Your personalised otoplasty quote generally includes:
Depending on your needs, there may be additional items to consider:
The initial consultation with Dr Ho costs $350 and includes a thorough evaluation of your ear anatomy, discussion of goals, and creation of a tailored surgical plan. A second consultation, if required, is available for $150. A GP referral is needed before booking, and Dr Ho will advise if any Medicare rebates apply.
Understanding your costs and inclusions will help you make an informed decision about your ear surgery. Dr Ho and his team are committed to transparency, providing excellent care, and ensuring you feel confident every step of the way.
Otoplasty surgery typically takes 1–2 hours, depending on the degree of reshaping required and whether one or both ears are being treated. Most procedures are performed as day surgery, allowing you to return home the same day once recovery criteria are met. In some cases, particularly for younger patients, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended for added observation and comfort.
Most patients return to work, school, or light activities within a few days of surgery. A protective head bandage is worn for the first one to two weeks to maintain ear position, followed by a soft headband—particularly at night—for several weeks. Swelling and bruising gradually subside during this period, and the final ear contour becomes more refined over the following months.
Strenuous exercise, contact sports, or activities that risk pressure to the ears should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. Dr Ho will guide you on when it is safe to resume individual activities.
All surgical procedures carry potential risks. Possible complications of otoplasty include bleeding, infection, changes to cartilage positioning, scar irregularities, or asymmetry between ears. Numbness or altered ear sensation may occur temporarily and usually improves as healing progresses. Serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon in an accredited surgical facility.
Dr Kevin Ho will review your specific risk profile during your consultation and explain how these risks are minimised. He will also provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to support a safe recovery and optimal outcomes.
The total cost of otoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the need for cartilage reshaping, surgical duration, and hospital facility fees. Your personalised quote includes all key components, such as the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist charges, hospital costs, and follow-up care.
Dr Ho’s initial consultation fee is $350, with a secondary review consultation available for $150 if needed. You will receive a detailed written quote following your assessment, along with advice regarding potential Medicare rebates if applicable.
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or resizes the ears to create better facial harmony. It addresses concerns such as prominent or protruding ears, ear asymmetry, oversized ears, or congenital ear shape irregularities. The surgery involves modifying the ear cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head or correct structural issues, creating a more balanced and natural appearance that complements your facial features.
Otoplasty can be performed on children from around age 5-6 years, when the ears have reached approximately 90% of their adult size. Many children benefit from early intervention to address prominent ears before school age, potentially avoiding self-confidence issues during their formative years. Adults can undergo otoplasty at any age, with many choosing to address concerns they’ve carried since childhood or to correct changes from injury or trauma.
Recovery from otoplasty involves several phases. Most patients can return to work or school within a few days, though a protective head bandage is worn for 1-2 weeks initially. Normal daily activities can typically be resumed gradually over the first week, while contact sports and activities that risk ear trauma should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Complete healing continues over several months, with final results becoming apparent as swelling resolves and the ears settle into their new position.
Otoplasty incisions are strategically placed behind the ears within the natural groove between the ear and scalp, making any resulting scars well-concealed and virtually invisible when looking at the ears from the front or side. As the incisions heal, they typically fade to fine lines that blend with the natural ear contours. Dr Kevin Ho uses careful surgical techniques and fine sutures to minimise scarring and optimise healing.
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort following otoplasty rather than significant pain. Any discomfort is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication and gradually diminishes over the first few days. The protective head bandage provides support and comfort during initial healing. Individual pain tolerance varies, but most patients find the discomfort very manageable and are pleased with how comfortable the recovery process is compared to their expectations.
Otoplasty results are designed to be permanent, as the procedure creates structural changes to the ear cartilage that maintain the new ear position over time. Once fully healed, the improvements achieved through surgery are stable and long-lasting. However, as with all surgical procedures, individual healing responses may vary, and maintaining realistic expectations about your specific outcomes is important for long-term satisfaction with your results.
Preparation for otoplasty includes following pre-operative instructions provided by Dr Kevin Ho’s team, which may include guidelines about medications, smoking cessation, and lifestyle modifications to optimise healing. You’ll need a referral from your general practitioner for your consultation, and should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. Detailed preparation instructions will be provided during your consultation, tailored to your specific procedure and individual needs.
Dr Kevin Ho brings extensive expertise and a patient-centred approach to otoplasty surgery, combining advanced surgical techniques with personalised care to achieve natural, balanced results. As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr Ho’s credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of surgical excellence and patient care.
The focus on natural-looking outcomes means that your otoplasty results will enhance your facial harmony whilst preserving the unique characteristics that make you who you are. Dr Kevin Ho’s meticulous surgical approach and attention to detail ensure that your ear reshaping surgery achieves balanced, proportionate results that complement your individual features beautifully.
Located in Randwick, Sydney, at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital, our practice provides a comfortable and professional environment where you can discuss your concerns and goals with confidence. The comprehensive consultation process ensures that you have all the information needed to make informed decisions about your otoplasty surgery.
We invite you to take the first step towards addressing your ear concerns by scheduling a consultation with Dr Kevin Ho. During this appointment, you’ll receive a thorough assessment, personalised treatment recommendations, and the opportunity to discuss any questions about the procedure, recovery, or expected outcomes.
Follow @drkevinho on Instagram to view real patient transformations, behind-the-scenes insights into surgical procedures, and educational content about plastic surgery. Our social media presence provides valuable information and inspiration for those considering cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
Our Location:
Prince of Wales Private Hospital
Suite 10, Level 7
Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031
Dr Kevin Ho’s practice is conveniently located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, easily accessible by public transport and with parking available. Our patients consistently rate their experience highly, appreciating the professional care and attention to detail provided throughout their surgical journey.
This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+. Plastic Surgery is invasive and has risks.
