What is the price of an otoplasty in Tunisia?
Otoplasty in Tunisia costs between £1,200 and £1,900, compared with £1,700 to £3,900 in the UK. This all-inclusive price covers local anaesthesia with sedation, aftercare and your stay. The procedure takes 30 minutes to 1 hour 30, with 1 night in clinic included for optimal follow-up.
📊 Price table 2026
| Type of procedure | Price Tunisia | Price UK |
|---|---|---|
| Bilateral otoplasty (both ears) | £1,300 - £1,900 | £2,600 - £3,900 |
| Unilateral otoplasty (one ear) | £950 - £1,300 | £1,600 - £2,400 |
| Otoplasty + earlobe repair | £1,300 - £1,900 | £2,800 - £4,100 |
| Earfold (implant method) | £1,400 - £2,200 | £2,600 - £4,000 |
Did you know? Prominent ears are a common malformation of the pinna, with psychosocial consequences that can be long-lasting[1].
It is otoplasty, surgery of prominent ears, that corrects the unattractive appearance of the ears, whatever its cause.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a fairly common cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the ears. It can be performed on one or both ears (known as unilateral or bilateral otoplasty), whether they are prominent or simply misshapen.
The surgical technique varies from patient to patient, depending on the anatomical defects observed by the surgeon. In general, the operation involves reshaping the cartilage to enhance the natural shape of the ear. In some cases, the cartilage also needs to be cut to reduce the size of the ears.
By correcting these abnormalities of the auricular cartilage, otoplasty restores the harmony of the face in a lasting way, even though revisional surgery or recurrence occurs in around 5% of cases[2]. Patients then gradually regain confidence, freeing themselves from a complex they have sometimes carried since childhood.
For women and girls, this operation also offers new freedom in choosing their hairstyle. Many of them tend to hide their prominent ears with their hair. After an otoplasty, patients can try new styles and leave their complexes behind.
Who is otoplasty for?
Otoplasty is an operation suitable for women, men and children. Prominent ears are often difficult for young children and teenagers, who may face frequent teasing.
In adults, this malformation can also cause psychological distress and even social stigma. It is to address this problem that many people decide to turn to cosmetic surgery in Tunisia.
There are several types of ear malformation that may require otoplasty:
- a lack of folding in the cartilage of the antihelix (in the upper part of the ear);
- valgus helix, characterised by too wide an angle between the pinna and the skull;
- hypertrophy of the concha (central cartilage), which pushes the ear forwards;
- protrusion of the lobule.
Whatever the type of malformation, otoplasty can correct the problem and restore overall harmony between the ears and the face.
For children, it is advisable to wait until the ears have reached sufficient growth, which usually happens around the age of 7[3].
What is the price of an otoplasty in Tunisia?
For a procedure in Tunisia, you should budget between £1,200 and £1,900: this price covers the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia and consultation costs, as well as accommodation.
By comparison, the price of an otoplasty in the UK is between £1,700 and £3,900. In Tunisia, the difference from UK prices depends on the technique and the number of ears to be corrected.
The different stages of the procedure
The pre-operative visit
Before any surgery, a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon is compulsory.
During this visit, the surgeon carries out a full examination of your ears along with a photographic assessment to determine the anatomical defects to be corrected. They will then explain how the operation will proceed and inform you about the post-operative period.
As well as the surgeon, you will also meet the anaesthetist, who will decide with you on the type of anaesthesia best suited to your situation. While adults often have a simple local anaesthetic, general anaesthesia is fairly common for children.
How the operation is performed
On the day before and the morning of the operation, you must take a pre-operative shower with an antiseptic soap prescribed by the surgeon. Then dry yourself with a clean towel and put on clean clothes.
Otoplasty is a relatively quick operation (between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30[3]) and can be carried out as day surgery or with one night in hospital, the option included in the package described above.
At the start of the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear, then removes a thin strip of skin to access the cartilage. The aim of the operation is then to reshape the cartilage to correct the malformations, while recreating the ear’s natural contours.
After repositioning the pinna and checking the harmony of the face, the surgeon finishes with dissolvable sutures and wraps the ears in a Velpeau bandage.
Post-operative follow-up
Otoplasty is a relatively painless operation. Your doctor may nevertheless prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
Between the 2nd and 5th day, the dressing will be replaced by an ear band that you must wear day and night for about two weeks, then only at night for a few weeks[3]. For children, it is often recommended to wear it during the day as well.
If you wear glasses, the surgeon will tell you when to put them back on, and you can only wash your hair after the first dressing is removed. It is also advisable to limit sporting activities for at least a month.
The final result of an otoplasty is usually assessed after one to two months[3]. The scar is behind the ear; scar problems are reported in 1.6% of patients[2].
The final price depends on the technique and the number of ears to be corrected, which can only be determined after an examination. Our British coordinator compares clinic quotes in Tunisia free of charge.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
How much does prominent ear surgery cost in Tunisia?
In Tunisia, an otoplasty on both ears costs from £1,300 to £1,900, and from £950 to £1,300 for a single ear. In the UK, expect £2,600 to £3,900 for both ears. See also otoplasty in Turkey.
What complications can occur after an otoplasty?
A systematic review of 3,493 patients found a haematoma or bleeding in 2.5% of cases, an infection in 0.8% and pain or itching in 13%[2]. These rates come from studies published between 2000 and 2015.
Can the ears become prominent again after surgery?
Yes. Revisional surgery or recurrence affects around 5% of patients, according to a systematic review of 3,493 cases[2]. This risk varies with the technique used: it is a point to discuss with the surgeon from the consultation onwards.
What is the best otoplasty technique?
More than 200 otoplasty methods have been described, and none has demonstrated superiority in long-term randomised trials. Approaches that combine sutures with cartilage incision do, however, appear to carry a lower risk of recurrence[1].
What is Earfold and how much does it cost?
Earfold is a small permanent implantable clip, placed using a minimally invasive technique under local anaesthetic, which redefines the fold of the antihelix[4]. In Tunisia, it costs from £1,400 to £2,200, compared with £2,600 to £4,000 in the UK.
Can prominent ears be corrected without surgery?
In newborns, yes: ear moulding with a splint, started in the first weeks of life, corrects 88% to 93% of anomalies depending on the device, according to a 2026 meta-analysis[5]. This method only applies to infants.
How many days should you stay in Tunisia after an otoplasty?
Your stay should cover the procedure and the removal of the first dressing, which takes place between the 2nd and 5th day according to SOFCPRE[3]. The surgeon sets the return date after this check-up, taking into account the band to be worn afterwards.
Sources & References
- Thomson H, Gosden J, Mandal A. Otoplasty for prominent ear: A systematic review of surgical techniques. JPRAS Open. 2026. View the source
- Sadhra SS, Motahariasl S, Hardwicke JT. Complications after prominent ear correction: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2017. View the source
- Société Française de Chirurgie Plastique Reconstructrice et Esthétique (SOFCPRE). Les oreilles décollées, fiche d’information diffusée par le CHU d’Angers. 2011. View the source
- Kang NV, Sabbagh W, O’Toole G, Silberberg M. Earfold: A New Technique for Correction of the Shape of the Antihelix. The Laryngoscope. 2018. View the source
- Alanazi F, Almousa H, Alabdulkarim I, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Commercial Systems Versus Custom Procedures for the Nonsurgical Correction of Neonatal Ear Anomalies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2026. View the source
