Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty/ Pinnaplasty)

The results of ear correction are permanent and in the vast majority of cases will not require any further surgery. Your surgeon will brief you on exactly what you can expect in your initial consultation.

 

The price of an otoplasty procedure will depend upon what is required from the surgery, which will be discussed with your surgeon at your consultation.

 

The risks of the procedure are low. Your surgeon will discuss any associated risks or complications during your consultation.

The technique used will depend on the problem. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

You will be able to go home on the day of surgery. Occasionally patients may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital until all the effects of general anaesthesia wear off. Your head will be wrapped in a bandage immediately following surgery to promote moulding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this is completely normal and can be relieved by medication. If the pain increases, it is important that you let your surgeon know. Within a few days, a lighter head dressing, similar to a headband, will replace the bandages.

Be sure to follow your surgeon’s directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night as this can influence the effectiveness of the surgery. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for six weeks. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. 

At any point if you have questions or concerns, we will be available to support you. Please call one of our friendly patient advisers on 0203 642 1490 who will be on hand to assist you.