705.737.9235
Barrie Plastic Surgery
Facial Surgery

Otoplasty

Surgery that sets prominent ears closer to the head by reshaping the cartilage through an incision hidden behind the ear.

  • Office or operating room
  • Local with sedation, or general
  • 1 to 2 hours
  • Back to school or work in a week
Otoplasty at Barrie Plastic Surgery

Concerns it addresses

What otoplasty treats

Ears that stand out from the head

Ears that stand out from the head

The cartilage is reshaped and set back through an incision behind the ear, so the ear sits closer to the head.

Treatments+

Also considered for this concern: Earlobe Repair.

Causes+

The fold of cartilage that should hold the ear back never fully formed.

Tap to flip

What to expect

From consultation to final result

The stages below are typical for this procedure. Your own timeline is confirmed at the consultation.

Tap to flip

The first week

What is normal

A padded head dressing stays on for the first few days. After that, most patients wear a soft headband day and night for a week or two. The headband then goes back on at night for several weeks more. For the first week the ears feel tender and tight, and they look swollen.

Tap to flip

Weeks two to six

Getting back to normal

Most patients are back at work or school in about a week. No contact sports or swimming for about six weeks, and sleep on your back with the headband on so the ears are not bent forward. Avoid anything that pulls on the ears, including tight glasses, for the first few weeks.

Tap to flip

The result

How long it lasts

Permanent. The sutures hold the new shape while the cartilage sets, and the ears keep their position for life.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, plastic surgeon, Barrie Plastic Surgery

Who performs it

Assessed and performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

Dr. Kamal Tumi performs the surgery. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), with more than 28 years in practice and over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a specialist in plastic surgery. He completed his specialist training at McMaster University and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. More than 28 years in practice, over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Consultant plastic surgeon at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie since 2004. A hospital appointment means credentials reviewed by peers and the ability to manage complications directly.

You will not meet one person at the consultation and find someone else in the room. In his own words: "I will not do a surgery on you if you do not need it."

Google reviews

What patients say

Patient reviews from Google, names attached. 4.3 average across 67 reviews.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Tumi, and he was beyond fabulous. From the jump, he shook my hand and introduced himself to my daughter and I. He included her in the conversation and even had some laughs with her. This made the situation alot less vulnerable given the reason I was there. He is the second surgeon that I have met with, and wasn't going to be my last, until I decided he was the last. It is because of his honesty, integrity, authenticity and professionalism, that made my choice. I saw some comments in the reviews where people stated he made them feel uncomfortable while getting undressed and for me that did not happen. He was respectful of my space and was sure I was covered appropriately. I went to see him for a breat augmentation and Dr. Tumi did not think an augmentation would be required. I really appreciated that about him, because the first surgeon I met, insisted this procedure, despite me only wanting a lift with fat transfer. This is a huge cost savings for me, and more natural for my body type, and in my opinion. Dr. Tumi did not make me feel rushed with any questions and time was not ever an issue for him. He wanted to be sure I knew all that I needed. His office manager Karyn, was absolutely wonderful and easy to connect with. She took her time to discuss things that I did not think of and even called me over the weekend when I emailed her some more questions. This is above and beyond care. My surgery is April 20th and I know I am in good hands. I will follow this up with further reviews in the future and have no doubt it will be 5 stars across the board. One last thing... of all the reviews, I paid attention to the ones where the patients actually had surgery, not the ones who were disgruntled about the office staff or OHIP issues. After all, it is the surgeon we want precision with, isn't it? Thanks Karyn and Dr. Tumi, for making me comfortable and content.

SL

Stephanie Leblanc

Google Review

I had a great experience with Dr. Tumi and Karyn throughout my entire surgical journey. They were both incredibly kind, patient, and always took the time to answer all of my questions. From my first consultation to my follow-up appointments, they made me feel comfortable, supported, and well cared for. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering.

C

Claire

Google Review

I had a great experience from start to finish. The service was professional, everything was explained clearly, and the overall experience was positive. I would definitely recommend this place to others.

V

Victoria

Google Review
Read all reviews on Google →

What happens, in order

Otoplasty, start to finish

What otoplasty involves at each stage, from the first consultation through to the result.

Step 01 · Consultation

The consultation

A consultation is an assessment and a conversation, and you are not committing to anything by having one.

  • Assessment of what is actually causing what you see
  • What can be done, what cannot, and what it involves
  • A written quote once the assessment is done
Book a consultation
Otoplasty treatment process
The in-office procedure room at Barrie Plastic Surgery
Before and Afters

Patient Transformations

Most cases here are patients of this practice, shown with consent. Cases marked “Clinical case” are supplied by the manufacturer. Each practice case followed an assessment by Dr. Tumi and a plan built around that person's anatomy. Results vary by individual.

  • Patients of this practice and labelled clinical cases
  • Assessed and treated by the same surgeon
  • Results that look like you, only rested
View Full Gallery

For educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Patients consent for photos obtained.

An assessment and a conversation.

You do not need to arrive knowing which procedure you want. Describing what bothers you is enough. You are not committing to surgery by booking a consultation.

Browse ProceduresBook a Consultation

Frequently asked questions

Otoplasty questions,
answered

The cost depends on whether one or both ears are treated and on the anesthetic needed, so it is quoted at the consultation rather than before it. Not covered by OHIP. Financing is available through Beautifi, Medicard and Credit Medical.

Typically one to two hours for both ears, and you go home the same day.

Local anesthetic with sedation for adults, often in the office procedure room; a general anesthetic in an operating room for children or when combined with other procedures. Dr. Tumi confirms which with you at the consultation.

About a week to work or school, with a headband worn for a week or two and at night for several weeks after. No contact sports or swimming for about six weeks. Swelling settles over a few weeks.

For most patients, tender, tight ears for a few days, managed with ordinary pain relief. Sudden or one-sided pain is not expected, and it is the reason to call.

One line in the crease behind each ear. Hidden in the fold where the ear meets the head, it is very hard to find once healed. ---

Permanent. Once the cartilage has set in its new shape, the ears keep their position for life.

For children, about five or six is the usual earliest point. By then the cartilage is firm enough to hold its new shape, and the child is old enough to be bothered by the ears and want them changed. For adults there is no upper limit. What is checked either way is that the concern is how far the ears sit from the head rather than their size, which is a different discussion.

Dr. Kamal Tumi performs every otoplasty at the clinic. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), with more than 28 years in practice and over 3,500 surgeries performed. He has also been a consultant plastic surgeon at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre since 2004.