Ear pinning in Vienna
In brief
In ear pinning, Dr. Handl reshapes the ear cartilage so that protruding ears lie closer to the head; this is also possible for children. The procedure takes 30 to 75 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, with twilight sedation on request. Office work is possible after one day, sport after two to three weeks. Prices start at €2,500.
- Medical review
- This text was medically reviewed by our team on 6 October 2026
- Specialist for this treatment:
-
Dr. Markus-Johannes Handl
- Cost:
- from €2,500
- Cost coverage
- If medically indicated, covered by private health insurance or partly refunded by the statutory health insurance.
Our patients' experiences
5.0 out of 5 · 2 reviews
At a glance
- Location
- Practice
- Outpatient or inpatient
- outpatient
- Duration of the procedure
- 30-75 minutes
- Type of anaesthesia
- local anaesthesia, twilight sedation on request
- Recovery phase
- 1-2 days
- Scars
- barely visible
- Desk work / office work
- after one day
- Sport
- after 2-3 weeks
- Check-ups
- close follow-up checks
- Special notes
- daily wound hygiene, antibiotics
Ear correction – ear pinning
Protruding ears can be corrected with a small procedure
By nature, our ears are slightly asymmetrical and differ in size. Particularly pronounced asymmetries or so-called “bat ears” can become a distressing problem for teenagers. Children, too, are sometimes teased because of their protruding ears.
For this reason, an ear correction can also be performed in childhood for medical reasons. Dr. Handl will also be happy to inform you about cost coverage by health insurance.
Ear pinning surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a procedure to correct protruding ears. The skin behind the ear is lifted in order to shape the cartilage of the ear and set the outer ear closer to the head.
After the operation, a bandage is placed around the head to protect and stabilise the ears. This bandage stays on for one to two weeks and should not be removed by the patient.
Pain, swelling and bruising may occur in the first days after the operation. Painkillers can be taken if needed. Cool the ears regularly to reduce the swelling.
It is important to avoid sport and physical exertion in the first weeks after the operation to support healing. Swimming and diving should be avoided for at least six weeks after the operation.
The stitches are removed about one week after the operation. After that, the patient should continue to wear a protective bandage to stabilise and protect the ears.
Ear correction and restoration
Over the course of our lives, our ears and earlobes are also affected by fashion trends that some patients later regret, such as ear tunnels. Beyond a certain size, these can only be corrected with a small operation. Often it is a new job that prompts patients to have the original shape of their earlobes restored. Dr. Handl restores the shape of your ear with experience and great care.
All ear corrections are performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation. No overnight stay is necessary. After a rest in our pleasant surroundings, you can go home the same day.
Whether protruding ears, shape corrections or the removal of ear tunnels – Dr. Handl will be happy to explain the various options and treatment methods to you in a personal consultation.
Our holistic aftercare concept accompanies you until healing is complete.
Safety and experience for ear correction
All ear corrections are performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation. No overnight stay is necessary. After a rest in our pleasant surroundings, you can go home the same day.
Whether protruding ears, shape corrections or the removal of ear tunnels – Dr. Handl will be happy to explain the various options and treatment methods to you in a personal consultation. Our holistic aftercare concept accompanies you until healing is complete.
Dr. Handl and his team stand for safety and experience in plastic surgery.
The day of ear correction surgery
As with other procedures, an otoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia. First, the patient is prepared for the operation by changing into a special surgical gown and possibly receiving calming medication.
Dr. Handl then administers a local anaesthetic to keep the area around the ear free of pain. In rare cases, general anaesthesia is used. The surgeon begins with an incision behind the ear to expose, shape and reposition the cartilage in order to improve the shape of the ear. When the operation is complete, the ear is covered with a sterile dressing or special plasters. The patient receives instructions on caring for the operated area, including cleaning and changing the dressings.
Regular check-ups and care instructions are important to ensure that the ear heals completely and without complications.
Preparation, risks and aftercare
Preparation
In the consultation, Dr. Handl discusses how close to the head the ears should be set so that the result looks natural. Ear pinning is also possible for children from about six years of age; for children, the consultation takes place together with the parents. The procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anaesthesia, with twilight sedation on request. After consulting us, avoid blood-thinning medication such as aspirin for one week beforehand, and get a wide, soft headband.
Risks
Bruising, swelling, infection and wound-healing problems are possible. An infection of the ear cartilage is rare but serious, which is why daily wound hygiene and, if necessary, an antibiotic are important. Slight asymmetries, temporary numbness of the ear and the ear standing out a little again over time are also possible. Rarely, the scars behind the ear become thicker.
In the informed-consent consultation, Dr. Handl discusses all risks in detail and in relation to your personal situation.
Aftercare
After the procedure, you first wear a head bandage, then a wide, soft headband day and night for several weeks to protect the ears. Mild pain can be relieved well with a painkiller, and you receive an antibiotic as prescribed. Take care of daily wound hygiene.
Office work is possible after one day, sport after two to three weeks. During this time, avoid saunas and swimming pools, and do not bend your ears when washing your hair until the sixth week. The final result shows after two to three months.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ear pinning surgery take?
Dr. Handl performs all operations without time pressure in order to achieve the best possible result. Surgically pinning back so-called “bat ears” usually takes 60–90 minutes.
Is ear pinning surgery painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anaesthesia and is therefore usually not felt to be painful. Twilight sedation is also possible on request. In the first days after the procedure, there may still be pain in the outer ear, which can be relieved with a painkiller if needed.
What are the risks of ear pinning surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, ear surgery carries risks. These can include bruising, swelling and scarring. However, ear correction is a relatively low-risk procedure. In the consultation, Dr. Handl informs you in detail about all the risks of ear pinning surgery.
Is ear correction also possible for children?
Protruding ears can be corrected in children from the age of 5, as most of the growth of the ears is already complete at this age. After ear pinning, the shape essentially remains for life.
Can ear correction also even out asymmetries?
Anatomical conditions differ from person to person, and it is perfectly natural that the two ears are not exactly the same. To a certain extent, slight asymmetries can be evened out during the operation.
What should I bear in mind before ear pinning surgery?
Before the procedure, there is first a personal consultation in which the desired result is discussed and risks and pre-existing conditions are clarified. Dr. Handl takes the time to answer all your questions in detail. Blood-thinning medication such as aspirin should be avoided for one week before the procedure.
Is there severe pain after ear pinning surgery?
In the first days after the procedure, there may still be pain in the outer ear, which can be relieved with a painkiller if needed. Ideally, plan a few days off to recover. During the first weeks after ear pinning, the outer ears are usually still swollen and sensitive to touch. It is advisable to wear a wide, soft headband or a cap-style bandage day and night to protect the ears. Saunas and swimming pools are not allowed during this time. Until the sixth week after the operation, take care not to bend your ears when washing your hair. The final result of the ear correction can often only be assessed after about two to three months, once the swelling has gone down completely.
When can I do sport again after ear pinning surgery?
You can carefully start doing sport again from about 3 weeks after the operation, making absolutely sure that your ears cannot be bent in the process.
How long will I be off work after ear pinning surgery?
That depends on your job, of course. If you can work from home sitting down, this is possible again after 1–2 days.
What scars or marks remain after ear correction?
Because the incision is made on the back of the outer ear, there is no scar on the front. Dr. Handl also takes particular care when stitching the incision, so that in the end only a scar in the form of a very small white line remains, which is barely visible thanks to its inconspicuous position. For optimal healing of the scar, Dr. Handl also recommends using scar care products and protecting the scar from direct sunlight.
Personal consultation
Tell us what you would like to discuss. We will get back to you within two working days to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Handl.
Prefer to call? +43 1 877 20 20
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