Cosmetic Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) in South Africa
Achieve Balanced, Natural-Looking Ears
At Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, we correct protruding, oversized or misshapen ears, restoring natural balance and proportion to the face.
What is Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)?
Ear surgery, known clinically as otoplasty, repositions the ear’s cartilage so it sits closer to the head, in better proportion with the face. It most often corrects prominent or protruding ears, but can also refine ears that are large or irregular in shape.
Dr. Wilkinson places a discreet incision behind the ear, folds or trims the cartilage to build a natural fold, then closes with fine stitches that hold the new shape while it heals.
Prominent ears are often inherited, and correcting them can meaningfully lift self-esteem.
Learn about our approach, how procedures are performed, and book your consultation.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Surgery
Our Approach to Ear Surgery
Every ear surgery consultation at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates starts with time set aside to understand your concerns, your ear shape, your medical history and what change would mean for you or your child.
Dr. Wilkinson draws on over 20 years of surgical experience to plan each otoplasty procedure around your individual anatomy. You receive full written guidance to prepare for surgery and support your recovery afterwards.
Book your consultation to talk through your goals for ear surgery with Dr. Wilkinson.
What Are the Different Types of Otoplasty Surgery?
Otoplasty includes several surgical techniques, chosen based on what your ears need.
- Setback otoplasty: the most commonly performed technique, corrects protruding ears by building or strengthening the ear’s natural folds and repositioning the cartilage closer to the head.
- Ear reduction otoplasty: addresses overly large ears by removing excess cartilage and skin to better proportion them to the face.
- Reconstructive otoplasty: corrects misshapen ears or congenital underdevelopment, rebuilding the ear’s structure and folds.
- Earlobe correction: repairs stretched, torn or uneven lobes, often caused by heavy earrings or injury.
Dr. Wilkinson examines your ear cartilage and skin at consultation to determine which technique, or combination of techniques, will suit your anatomy and goals.
Contact us to find out which type of ear surgery is right for you.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Ear Surgery?
Children are generally considered for ear surgery from around age five, once the cartilage is firm enough to hold its new natural shape and the child can understand and cooperate with the process.
Many parents choose surgery in early childhood to prevent teasing at school, though results tend to be best when the child expresses their own wish for it. Adults of any age can also be strong candidates, particularly those in good general health who do not smoke and hold realistic expectations about their results.
At your consultation at our V&A Waterfront practice, Dr. Wilkinson assesses ear structure, health history and goals to confirm suitability for surgery.
Schedule a consultation to find out if ear surgery suits you or your child.
How Is the Otoplasty Procedure Performed?
Dr. Wilkinson places a discreet incision behind the ear to expose the underlying cartilage.
Depending on the correction needed, she folds, scores or trims sections of cartilage to build a natural fold, then secures the new shape with internal stitches before closing the incision.
Every ear differs in cartilage strength and structure, so Dr. Wilkinson adapts her technique to your particular anatomy. She finishes by applying a supportive head bandage to protect the ears while healing begins.
Get in touch to learn more about what your ear surgery procedure involves.
What Type of Anaesthesia Is Used for Ear Surgery?
Adults and older children generally have ear surgery under conscious sedation combined with local anaesthetic, staying relaxed and comfortable while avoiding the side effects of general anaesthesia. Younger children require general anaesthesia, administered and monitored throughout by a certified anaesthetist.
Dr. Wilkinson recommends the most suitable option for you or your child based on age, the extent of correction needed and overall health, discussed fully at your pre-operative consultation.
Book a consultation to discuss anaesthesia options for ear surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Ear Surgery?
Most patients notice a marked improvement in the shape and position of their ears once initial swelling settles, along with a more balanced, symmetrical profile. For many, the real benefit is emotional. Children who once dreaded comments about their ears, and adults who have felt self-conscious for years, often describe a genuine lift in self-esteem once healed.
Because Dr. Wilkinson designs every otoplasty procedure around the individual ear, results tend to look natural rather than obviously corrected.
Reach out to find out how ear surgery could improve your confidence.
How Long Does Ear Surgery Take?
A standard ear surgery procedure usually takes one to two hours, though this can extend depending on the extent of correction required and whether both ears need treatment. More involved surgical cases may take longer.
Dr. Wilkinson gives you a clear time estimate at your consultation, once she has assessed your ears and discussed your goals.
Book your consultation to find out how long your ear surgery will take.
What Is the Recovery Period of Ear Surgery?
A protective head bandage stays in place for around ten days, at which point Dr. Wilkinson removes any non-dissolvable stitches. Many patients wear a soft sweatband at night for a few weeks afterwards to protect the new shape while it settles.
Wait at least two weeks to swim and around eight weeks for contact sports, and avoid anything that raises your blood pressure, such as bending, lifting, or strenuous exercise. You will be required to see Dr Wilkinson post-operatively after 2 to 4 days to have the wounds checked, after 10 to 14 days to remove stitches, and at 6 weeks for a surgical follow-up
Schedule a consultation to discuss your personal recovery timeline.
How Long Do Results From Ear Surgery Last?
Ear surgery results are considered permanent.
Once the cartilage has healed into its new position, usually within around three months, further change is unlikely unless you sustain a significant injury.
Dr. Wilkinson discusses realistic, long-term expectations with every patient at consultation, so you have a clear picture of how your ears will look for years to come.
Get in touch to discuss how long your ear surgery results are likely to last.
How Much Does Ear Surgery Cost in South Africa?
The overall cost of an otoplasty procedure varies with several factors, including time spent in theatre, the extent of correction needed and whether both ears require treatment.
An ear surgery procedure at Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates carries an estimated cost of R50 000 to R75 000. Additional costs may include a consultation fee of R2 850, medication of approximately R1 400 to R1 600, and an additional overnight stay at our facility priced at around R8 500, where recommended. Dr. Wilkinson confirms your final price only after she has examined your ears in person. These figures are estimates only and may change once you have been assessed at consultation.
Book your consultation to receive a personalised quote for your ear surgery.
Is Ear Surgery Safe?
Ear surgery ranks among the safer procedures in plastic surgery when a qualified surgeon performs it in an accredited setting, though as with any surgical procedure, no outcome can be entirely guaranteed.
Dr. Wilkinson has spent over two decades refining her technique in facial surgery, and carries out every ear surgery procedure with close, hands-on attention to safety.
Contact us to discuss the safety and suitability of ear surgery for you or your child.
What Are the Risks Involved in Ear Surgery?
Ear surgery carries the general risks involved in any surgical procedure. Complications are uncommon, but understanding them ahead of your consultation helps you make an informed decision.
Ear Surgery: Side Effects, Risks & Complications
- Bleeding or infection, though uncommon in a sterile surgical setting
- Red, raised or lumpy scarring along the incision line
- Prolonged discomfort or numbness around the scar
- Rare wound-healing problems that may call for a small skin graft behind the ear
- Some asymmetry between the two ears, occasionally needing minor further surgery
Contraindications for Ear Surgery
- Ear cartilage that has not yet stabilised, typically in children under five
- Active smoking in the weeks before or after surgery
- Recent use of aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal medicine or diet pills
- Unrealistic expectations about the likely outcome
Dr. Wilkinson reviews your, or your child’s, full medical history at consultation to help minimise these risks and plan the safest possible procedure.
Contact us to discuss your individual risk profile ahead of ear surgery.
Ear Surgery: Before and After
Careful preparation and post-operative care go a long way toward a smoother recovery and the best possible results.
Before Your Ear Surgery
- Complete any pre-operative tests requested by Dr. Wilkinson
- Stop smoking four weeks before and after your surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, herbal medicine or diet pills two weeks before surgery
- Prepare your recovery space with pillows, ice packs and loose, front-fastening tops
- Attend a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Wilkinson two weeks before surgery
- Arrange transport to and from the clinic, as you may not drive for 24 hours after sedation
Day of Your Ear Surgery
- Take your normal daily medication, such as blood pressure or diabetic medication, with a small sip of water
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and flat, easy-to-remove shoes
- Bring sunglasses and a hat or scarf to wear over your head bandage when discharged
- Expect to stay in our day clinic for around three hours after surgery, with an overnight stay available if you prefer
What to Do After Your Ear Surgery
- Avoid swimming for at least two weeks and contact sports for around eight weeks
- Avoid bending, lifting and any activity that raises your blood pressure
- Avoid alcohol, which increases fluid retention and swelling
- Wear a soft sweatband at night for a few weeks to protect the new shape
- Attend follow-up visits at two to four days, ten to fourteen days and six weeks so Dr. Wilkinson can monitor your healing
Where Are Ear Surgery Treatments Performed in Cape Town?
Your consultations and follow-up visits happen at our practice at the V&A Waterfront, where Dr. Wilkinson takes the time to assess your ears, your goals and your medical history in detail.
The ear surgery procedure itself is performed at The Cosmetic Surgery Institute, an accredited facility on Bree Street in the Cape Town city centre, where Dr. Wilkinson operates with the precision and personal attention that define all her surgical work.
Every ear surgery includes a thorough pre-operative consultation and scheduled follow-up visits, with Dr. Wilkinson and her team involved at each stage of your care.
Book your consultation and take the first step toward more balanced, natural-looking ears.
Treatments
Similar to Ear Surgery
Facelift
Neck Lift Procedure
Eyelid Surgery
Structural Fat Grafting
Stem Cell Facelift
Meet
Our Plastic Surgery Team
About Dr Nerina Wilkinson FCS (Plast SA)
Founder and director of Dr Nerina Wilkinson + Associates, Dr. Wilkinson has spent over two decades building a reputation as one of Cape Town’s most sought-after facial surgeons. Her precise, detail-led technique is grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy and proportion.
Her Approach to Ear and Facial Surgery
Dr. Wilkinson pairs surgical precision with an artistic eye, planning every ear surgery procedure around your individual anatomy. Her aim is always a result that looks like you, simply more at ease in yourself.
Our Patients'
Testimonials
Start your
Ear Surgery Journey
At our private surgical facility in the V&A Waterfront, Dr. Wilkinson and her team stay closely involved at every stage of your ear surgery, starting with an honest conversation about your goals and continuing right through your final check-up.
Contact us today to book your consultation and find out whether ear surgery could help you or your child feel more comfortable and confident.