Procedure guide · 7 listed FRACS surgeons
Ear pinning (otoplasty) in Australia: cost, recovery and surgeon checklist
Otoplasty reshapes prominent (sticking-out) ears by reshaping the cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head. It is most commonly performed in children aged 6-12 years (after ear cartilage has reached adult size) but is also performed in adults. Around 1,500 to 2,000 otoplasties are performed annually in Australia per estimates.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Otoplasty reshapes prominent (sticking-out) ears by reshaping the cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head.
- ✓Typical Australian cost: $4,500 to $9,000 all-inclusive (Medicare MBS 45656 (children with criteria) may apply).
- ✓7 FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons in our directory list ear pinning (otoplasty) among their specialisations.
- ✓Source: ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory, AHPRA Cosmetic Surgery Standard 2023, Medicare Benefits Schedule. Last updated 17 May 2026.
What it is
What ear pinning (otoplasty) actually involves
Most otoplasties are performed via a small incision behind the ear, with cartilage reshaping via scoring or suture techniques (Mustarde, Furnas, or combined approaches). Operating time 1-2 hours, day surgery under general anaesthesia (children) or local anaesthesia (adults). Results are visible immediately and stabilise over 3-6 weeks.
In children with documented prominent ears causing teasing or psychological distress, MBS item 45656 attracts Medicare rebate. The eligibility criteria include age 5+, documented prominence, and a paediatrician or GP referral. Adult cosmetic otoplasty is rarely Medicare-rebated.
Both ears are typically operated on in a single session for symmetry, even when one ear is more prominent. Asymmetric otoplasty (single ear only) is technically possible but most surgeons prefer bilateral for predictable matching.
Who is a candidate
- Age 5+ (ear cartilage has reached near-adult size)
- Documented prominent ears that protrude more than 2cm from the head, or asymmetry causing distress
- In children: motivated by the child, not just the parent (psychological factor matters)
- No active ear infections
- Realistic expectations about scarring (small, hidden behind ear)
Typical recovery timeline
Day 0-3
Bulky head bandage for 3-7 days. No swimming, no contact sports. Sleeping on back. Mild discomfort, often paracetamol-managed.
Week 1
Bandage replaced with elasticated headband at 5-7 days. Stitches dissolve or are removed at 1-2 weeks.
Week 2-4
Headband worn at night for 4-6 weeks to maintain new position. School / work resumes at 1-2 weeks.
Month 1-3
Final position stable. Light contact sports at 6 weeks; full contact at 3 months.
See the full day-by-day timeline: Ear pinning (otoplasty) recovery timeline
Cost in Australia 2026
Adult cosmetic otoplasty: $4,500 to $9,000 all-inclusive. Child otoplasty with MBS rebate: $1,500 to $4,000 out-of-pocket.
Medicare MBS items: 45656 (children with criteria)
Questions to ask at consultation
- Does my child / I qualify for MBS 45656?
- What technique do you recommend - suture-only (Mustarde) or cartilage scoring? And why for our ear anatomy?
- What is your hematoma rate (most common otoplasty complication)?
- What headband protocol do you require post-op?
- How long is recovery for school / work?
See our complete guide: 10 questions to ask any plastic surgeon
Red flags to walk away from
- ✗ Operates on children under 5 (cartilage not fully developed)
- ✗ No headband protocol post-op
- ✗ Performs single-ear otoplasty without explaining symmetry trade-offs
- ✗ Office-based for paediatric cases (general anaesthesia requires accredited hospital)
Regulatory note
AHPRA s133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law restricts cosmetic procedure advertising. We do not display before-and-after images or testimonials on this site. Verify any surgeon at ahpra.gov.au and cross-check ASPS membership at plasticsurgery.org.au before booking any procedure.
Directory · FRACS Specialist Plastic Surgeons
7 listed surgeons who include ear pinning (otoplasty) in their specialisations
Cross-referenced against AHPRA Specialist Register and ASPS Find-a-Surgeon directory. We list FRACS-qualified specialists only.
Sydney · Campbelltown
FRACSDr Geoffrey Lyons
Dr Geoffrey Lyons Plastic Surgery
Over 25 years in practice across Greater Sydney's south-west.
Adelaide · Wayville
FRACSDr Jonathan Azzopardi
AZZXPARDI
FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon practising in Wayville, Adelaide.
Brisbane · Brisbane
FRACSAssociate Professor Stuart Bade
Queensland Chapter of ASPS
Associate Professor Stuart Bade is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Melbourne · Hawthorn East
FRACSMr John Beer
Rathmines Clinic
John received his primary medical education from Melbourne University, and completed his undergraduate training at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.
Melbourne · Melbourne
FRACSDr Miguel Cabalag
Dr Miguel Cabalag Plastic Surgery
Mr Miguel Cabalag is an Australian trained Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic surgeon with international fellowship experience.
Sydney · Wollstonecraft
FRACSProf Sydney Ch’ng
Melanoma Institute Australia
Prof Ch’ng is a Head & Neck and Plastic Surgeon at Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA), Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (R…
Sydney · Westmead
FRACSDr Vincent Choi
Westmead Private Hospital
Dr Vincent Choi is a Sydney based Specialist Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon who specialises in breast, head & neck, sarcoma reconstruction and hand su…
Common questions
Ear pinning (otoplasty) - common questions
What is the ideal age for otoplasty in children?
Between 6 and 12 years is the typical window. By age 5-6 the ear cartilage has reached near-adult size and the child has reached an age where they can cooperate with post-op care (headband wearing, avoiding contact sports). Otoplasty before age 5 is rarely done because the cartilage is still developing.
Will the ears stay in the new position permanently?
Yes, in most cases. The cartilage reshaping is permanent and the suture techniques hold position long-term. Trauma to the ear post-op (rough sport, knocks during play) can occasionally cause re-protrusion - this is why headband and sport restrictions matter for the first 3 months.
Is there a scar?
A small scar (3-5cm) is placed in the natural crease behind the ear. It is essentially invisible to anyone not specifically looking for it. No scar is visible from the front.
Can otoplasty be performed under local anaesthesia?
In adults, yes - many adult otoplasties are performed under local anaesthesia with optional sedation. In children, general anaesthesia is universally used because cooperation cannot be assured. Adult local-anaesthesia otoplasty saves on hospital and anaesthetist fees, reducing total cost by $1,500 to $3,000.
Does Medicare cover otoplasty?
Children with documented prominent ears (typically protruding more than 2cm) may qualify for MBS 45656 rebate. Eligibility requires GP or paediatrician referral and documented prominence. Adult cosmetic otoplasty is rarely Medicare-rebated.