Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)

Ear surgery or otoplasty aims to correct aesthetic imperfections

Prominent Ear Correction, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that aims to improve the appearance of the ears by changing their size, shape, or position. This procedure can have a significant impact on a person’s appearance and self-confidence, and the results can last a lifetime. For people who are self-conscious about their ears, whether it’s due to protruding or bat-like ears, or simply feeling their ears are too large, otoplasty can be a life-changing option. Children who are being teased or bullied due to the appearance of their ears may also benefit from this surgery.

RELATED: Benefits of Otoplasty

Centre for Surgery is a leading provider of otoplasty, offering a range of options to help patients achieve their desired look. During the surgery, the surgeon will make incisions behind the ear, reshape the cartilage, and reposition the ear closer to the head, creating a more natural appearance. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia, and patients can expect to return home the same day.

Here are some alternative names for otoplasty:

1. Ear reshaping surgery
2. Ear pinning
3. Ear correction surgery
4. Ear reduction surgery
5. Pinnaplasty
6. Otopexy
7. Bat ear correction
8. Protruding ear correction
9. Ear surgery
10. Cosmetic ear surgery

Prominent ears can be a source of significant psychological morbidity with teasing or bullying in school or issues in the workplace. Surgeons at Centre for Surgery only perform otoplasty on adults over 18 years of age.

RELATED: What are the benefits of ear surgery?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the ears. It involves reshaping the ears, changing their size or position, or improving their symmetry to create a more aesthetically pleasing look. This procedure is often chosen by individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears due to a congenital deformity, injury, or simply feel that their ears are out of proportion with their face.

RELATED: Ear Reshaping Surgery – What to Expect From an Otoplasty Procedure

There are several types of otoplasty that may be performed depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals. The most common types of otoplasty include:

• Ear pinning: This type of otoplasty is used to correct protruding ears by moving them closer to the head.
• Ear reduction: This type of otoplasty is used to reduce the size of the ears, making them more proportionate with the face.
• Ear augmentation: This type of otoplasty is used to increase the size of the ears, typically to correct a congenital deformity.
• Earlobe repair: This type of otoplasty is used to correct a torn or stretched earlobe.
• Earlobe reduction: Earlobe reduction is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing a portion of the earlobe to reduce its size and improve its appearance.

If you are considering otoplasty and would like to see the quality of results you can expect at Centre for Surgery, we invite you to visit our clinic. Here, you can browse through our extensive gallery of otoplasty before and after photographs showcasing the transformations of our real patients following their otoplasty surgery.

Seeing these photos can help you understand the potential outcomes and provide a realistic expectation of the results. However, it’s important to note that every individual is unique, and outcomes can vary significantly based on personal circumstances.

 

 

 

 

 

Ear surgery brings numerous advantages to those who are self-conscious about their ears’ appearance. This surgical intervention not only enhances physical appearance but also contributes significantly to emotional well-being.

One of the primary benefits of ear surgery is the improvement in appearance. By correcting deformities, reducing ear size, enhancing symmetry, or bringing the ears closer to the head, the surgery can transform how individuals feel about their looks. These changes often lead to a substantial boost in self-confidence and an overall better self-image.

Ear surgery is particularly effective in correcting congenital deformities such as microtia or prominent ears. These conditions can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life and self-esteem, and addressing them through surgery can be life-changing.

Another critical aspect of otoplasty is its ability to repair traumatic injuries. Whether it’s torn earlobes or other damage that alters the ear’s shape or position, surgery can restore a natural appearance. This not only improves aesthetics but also helps individuals regain their confidence.

For those who wear glasses, ear surgery can be especially beneficial. By reducing the size of the ears or positioning them closer to the head, the fit of eyeglasses can be improved, making them more comfortable to wear.

In some instances, ear surgery can even enhance hearing. Correcting deformities that affect the ear canal or eardrum can improve auditory function, providing a dual benefit of cosmetic and functional enhancement.

The results of ear surgery are typically long-lasting, offering a permanent solution that significantly uplifts a person’s quality of life and self-esteem. Furthermore, the incisions made during the procedure are usually discreetly placed behind the ears or within the natural folds, resulting in minimal visible scarring.

Otoplasty is also known as ear reshaping surgery. It encompasses a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to address the size and shape of the ear and earlobe, thereby leading to improvements in appearance and functionality.

RELATED: Otoplasty FAQs – Q&A About Ear Reshaping Surgery

Ear reduction surgery

Ear reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of excessively large ears. The presence of overly enlarged ears can result in a lack of balance with the rest of the facial features, leading to a considerable loss of self-confidence and anxiety in those affected by oversized ears. This is often why many patients choose to have an otoplasty procedure in London. The medical description for excessively large ears is also referred to as macrotia.

In common with other types of ear surgery, the surgeon will aim to remove excess skin and cartilage to reduce the size of the ear. Ear reduction surgery can be targeted at either the whole ear or a part of the upper or lower ear. The ear’s height and width can be effectively addressed with ear reduction surgery. A more proportionate facial appearance can be achieved with ear reduction to make overly large ears smaller.

Stretched earlobes are a common problem caused by applying heavy jewellery and can be effectively treated with earlobe reduction surgery. Those with tribal earlobes often develop large skin redundancy followed by the removal of the large rings, and an ear reduction procedure can effectively correct the appearance of the earlobes.

Whilst pinnaplasty surgery deals with ear protrusion, ear reduction surgery is designed to address only ear size. Ear reduction surgery and earlobe reduction can significantly improve the appearance of the ear, leading to a significant improvement in self-confidence.

Ear correction

Ear correction or ear corrective surgery is a generalised term to describe a range of surgical procedures for correction of the size or shape of the ear from a number of potential causes, which include congenital causes and trauma. Ear correction surgery is commonly performed for babies who are born with either very small or congenitally absent ears (also known as microtia). This type of surgery is often performed quite early on so as to minimise any disruption to the Child’s hearing. Most commonly, a prosthesis can be used or a more extensive reconstructive procedure to rebuild the congenitally deficient ear. 

Traumatic injury to the air is relatively common and is most commonly due to biting injuries or lacerations, and these types of injuries are most commonly dealt with in the emergency department. Where there is a potential infection risk, the ear is often left to heal before a later reconstructive procedure is performed, and similar surgical methods are utilised for those used to treat congenital ear deformities.  

In some cases, the ear piercing procedure may lead to a localised infection, which can sometimes affect the ear cartilage, leading to changes in the ear’s structure. In the most complex cases, the surgeon may need to use rib cartilage to reconstruct the damaged ear.

The cauliflower ear is a significant post-traumatic ear deformity caused by repetitive trauma to the ear, leading to small microhemorrhages with repeated injuries, and is common in contact sports such as rugby. As the injury is often neglected, the ear often becomes hard and scarred, giving rise to the characteristic cauliflower appearance. The condition can also develop with boxes. The surgical approach to treating a cauliflower ear involves correcting the overlying skin on top of the cartilage and removing some underlying scar tissue. 

With the rise of skin cancer, the exposed parts of the face and ear are most at risk. In the case of skin cancer affecting the ear, the condition is effectively treated with surgical excision combined with a reconstructive procedure.

Pinnaplasty

Pinnaplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure to address prominent and protruding ears. Several recognised causes of overly protruding ears include an overdeveloped concha caused by excessive cartilage and an immature anti-helical fold. In practice, ears sticking out is often a result of both factors. 

During the pinnaplasty procedure, the surgeon places the incision at the back of the ear and then removes a portion of the overlying skin from the top of the cartilage. In the most common type of pinnaplasty technique, the cartilage is surgically reshaped to enable the ear to sit closer to the head. Pinnaplasty is also ideal for correcting asymmetry between the two ears. Ear pinning surgery can significantly improve a patient’s self-confidence. Through expert ear reshaping, the correction of size, shape or an overly prominent appearance can be achieved. The procedure takes one to two hours, often with a local anaesthetic alone. Ear pinning is most commonly performed in children to reduce the risk of bullying at school, and children as young as seven years old can have the procedure. By this time, the ears have often reached their final size. The procedure is not performed in those under five as the underlying ear cartilage is too fragile to retain the surgical sutures. Ear pinning surgery is only performed on adults over 18 at Centre for Surgery.

The ideal candidate for otoplasty is someone who is unhappy with the shape, size, or positioning of their ears. This may be due to a congenital defect or an injury, but it can also be due to personal preference. For example, some people may feel self-conscious about ears that protrude too far from the head or want to correct asymmetry in the ears.

In general, otoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for patients who are in good health. However, certain factors can make a person a better candidate for otoplasty surgery. These include:

Age

The best age for otoplasty is between 4 and 14 years old. This is because the ear cartilage is still soft and pliable, making it easier to reshape and mould. However, otoplasty can be performed on patients of any age. Centre for Surgery only performs otoplasty on patients over the age of 18.

Ear development

In order for otoplasty to be successful, the ear must be fully developed. This means that the cartilage in the ear must be fully formed, and the earlobe must be well-defined.

Overall health

Patients should be in good overall health and have no underlying medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during or after the surgery.

Realistic expectations

Patients should have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery. Otoplasty can improve the appearance of the ears, but it will not make them perfect. Patients should also understand that there will be some scarring and that the final results may not be fully visible until several months after the surgery.

Mental health

Patients should be emotionally stable and have a positive self-image. Otoplasty can be a life-changing procedure for some patients, but it is not a cure for low self-esteem or body dysmorphic disorder.

Otoplasty, also known as pinnaplasty or ear pinning, is an effective way to surgically alter the appearance of your ears. It can correct protruding ears or those with unfolded configurations. Otoplasty is considered to have one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any cosmetic surgical procedure.

Otoplasty can be performed on either one or both ears, depending on your wants and needs. If you have large earlobes, these can also be reduced at the same time.

What is ear pinning?

At Centre for Surgery, your otoplasty procedure will be performed in one of our dedicated cosmetic surgery facilities. The procedure takes about two hours and is typically performed under local anaesthesia, although it can be performed under a general anaesthetic if you prefer to be asleep.

Cartilage Moulding vs Cartilage Breaking surgical techniques

In otoplasty, there are two recognised surgical techniques. The first is the cartilage moulding technique. In the moulding technique, there is no excision of cartilage. The method relies primarily on precise suture placement to facilitate the pinning of the ears closer to the side of the head. The cartilage-breaking technique involves the surgical removal of cartilage to improve the shape and pin the ears back to the side of the head.

The most popular technique for cartilage preservation is the Mustarde method. This technique relies on suture placement alone, which restores a normal-looking anti-helical fold and is simple to perform. The Mustarde method uses sutures placed in a horizontal mattress configuration along the full thickness of the cartilage at the back of the ear and through the skin at the front of the ear. This method only corrects the conchal bowl, and other techniques will be required alongside this. The Mustarde method is used for abnormalities of the upper third of the ear.

The Furnas method is for addressing an excessively deep conchal bowl and a well-defined anti-helical fold. The Furnas method facilitates permanent retraction of the ear due to the surgical fixation to the mastoid fascial layer. The Furnas method can be combined with the Mustarde method, which is great if the anti-helical fold lacks prominence due to its underdevelopment.

Cartilage Breaking Techniques

The cartilage-breaking methods both involve the surgical removal of cartilage from the concha. There are two well-recognised cartilage-breaking methods:

Farrior method

With the Farrior method, there is a partial thickness excision along the rim of the conchal cartilage. The method produces a less pronounced correction to the antihelix.

Converse method

The converse is a more aggressive method suited to adults with more robust cartilage, correspondingly more pronounced pinning back of the ear, and simultaneous correction of the antihelix fold. This is an excisional technique involving the removal of a strip of cartilage that sits more at the front compared with the rest of the ear cartilage.

An otoplasty is performed as a day-case procedure, meaning you can go home the same day after recovering from your procedure. Anaesthetic options for otoplasty include both local anaesthetic and TIVA general anaesthetic. Most cases are comfortably performed with a local anaesthetic with or without oral sedation. In complex or revision cases or if you feel nervous about being awake, a general anaesthetic can be used.

Anaesthesia

The first step in the otoplasty procedure is to administer anaesthesia. Depending on the patient’s age and preference, the surgeon may use local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.

Incisions

The surgeon will then make an incision behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear meets the head. This incision allows the surgeon to access the cartilage in the ear.

Cartilage reshaping

Once the incision has been made, the surgeon will reshape the ear cartilage as needed. This may involve removing or adding cartilage or simply bending the cartilage to a more desirable shape.

Suturing

Once the cartilage has been reshaped, the surgeon will use sutures to hold it in place. The sutures may be placed on the front or back of the ear, depending on the extent of the reshaping needed.

Skin closure

Finally, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures or skin adhesive. The incision is typically closed with dissolvable sutures, which do not need to be removed.

The entire otoplasty procedure typically takes between one and two hours to complete, depending on the extent of the reshaping needed. After the surgery is complete, the patient will be taken to our dedicated recovery area, where they will be monitored for a short period of time before being allowed to go home.

Following the surgery, the patient will need to wear a special headband or dressing to help protect the ears and maintain their new shape. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions for caring for the ears after surgery, including when to change the dressing and how to clean the incision site.

Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, is a surgical procedure that can help improve the appearance of the ears. Recovery after otoplasty can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s individual healing process. However, here is what you can generally expect during the otoplasty recovery period:

Immediately after Surgery

After the surgery is completed, patients typically spend some time in the recovery room to be monitored until they are alert and comfortable to return home. You will be wearing a headband-like dressing over the ears, which helps hold them in place and supports the healing process.

The First Week

During the first week after the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the ears, which can be managed with pain medication. Patients may also experience some numbness or tingling sensation around the ears, which is normal and typically resolves within a few weeks.

The Second Week

During the second week, most of the swelling and bruising around the ears will start to subside, and patients can return to work or school, depending on their level of physical activity. However, it’s important to avoid any strenuous activities that may cause trauma or injury to the ears.

The Third and Fourth Week

During the third and fourth week, most of the swelling and bruising will resolve, and patients can resume their normal activities. However, it’s important to continue to avoid any activities that may cause trauma or injury to the ears, such as contact sports.

Long-Term Recovery

Full recovery after otoplasty can take several months, during which the ear tissue will continue to heal and settle into its new position. Patients will need to continue wearing the headband-like dressing for several weeks to support the healing process and maintain the new ear shape.

Following your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions closely is vital to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Patients should avoid smoking, consuming alcohol, and taking blood-thinning medications before and after the surgery, as they can interfere with the healing process.

To help the ears maintain their newly adjusted shape, your ears and head will be wrapped in a pressure garment. You will need to wear this garment at all times for about five to seven days. You must not alter the garment or get it wet. Wearing a wet or altered garment could result in infection and other complications. It is best to avoid touching the garment.

You can take medication to help alleviate any pain and discomfort you may experience. You will notice some swelling and bruising, but this is a normal side effect of otoplasty. To help reduce the side effects, you can:

• Keep your head elevated
• Avoid bending over
• Sleep with your head elevated on numerous pillows
• Do not sleep on your side or stomach

RELATED: Otoplasty Recovery – Top Tips after Ear Reshaping Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty (ear reshaping surgery) has potential risks and complications. Make sure to understand these before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.

Here are some of the most common risks and complications associated with otoplasty:

Bleeding

Any surgical procedure carries a risk of bleeding, and otoplasty is no exception. Although bleeding during surgery is rare, it can happen, and in some cases, it may require a return to the operating room.

Infection

Infections are a possible complication of any surgical procedure, and otoplasty is no exception. The risk of infection can be minimised by taking prescribed antibiotics and following post-operative instructions closely.

Scarring

As with any surgery, otoplasty involves incisions, which can lead to scarring. Most people experience minimal scarring, but in rare cases, the scars may be more noticeable.

Numbness

The ears may feel numb or tingly after otoplasty, which is a common side effect. Most people regain normal sensation in their ears within a few weeks after surgery, but in some cases, the numbness may be permanent.

Poor cosmetic outcome

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, and like any cosmetic surgery, there is always a risk that the results may not meet your expectations. Choosing an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon can help minimize this risk.

Haematoma

A haematoma is a collection of blood that forms under the skin. Haematomas can occur after any surgery, including otoplasty. If a haematoma occurs, it may need to be drained to prevent complications.

Anaesthesia complications

General anaesthesia carries a small risk of complications such as allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, and cardiac arrest. However, these risks are generally very low in healthy patients and are carefully monitored during the procedure.

Need for Revision surgery

In some cases, revision otoplasty surgery may be necessary if the desired results are not achieved or if complications arise. Revision surgery carries its own risks and may require additional recovery time.

Otoplasty is generally a safe cosmetic surgery procedure, and risks and complications are relatively rare. At Centre for Surgery, risks are minimised by meticulous patient selection and thorough preoperative preparation. Our surgeons are trained in all the best techniques for otoplasty and emphasise the importance of following postoperative instructions by the patient.

Our otoplasty experts regularly attend national and international conferences to keep up to date with the latest advances in otoplasty surgery. At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the risks and potential complications in detail to enable you to make a fully informed decision about otoplasty surgery.

There are several factors which will impact the final cost of your otoplasty procedure:

• Local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic
• Primary or revision otoplasty
• One or both ears
• Complex corrections

Why not call 0207 993 4849 and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators, who may be able to give you a rough costing prior to your procedure?

RELATED: How Much Is Otoplasty or Ear Pinning?

Always remember that price should never be the determining factor when it comes to choosing the right provider for your otoplasty procedure. You should have the confidence that our team will look after you before, during and after your procedure to the best of their ability.

Financing your otoplasty procedure

Centre for Surgery is fully approved to offer finance for otoplasty via our specialist finance partner, Chrysalis Finance. You no longer need to use your savings to pay for your treatment – you can apply to spread the cost of your procedure with Chrysalis Finance using their simple 1,2,3 application to pay for your procedure. Don’t wait until you have enough money for your treatment. Apply today and (subject to status) pay for your procedure easily in monthly instalments using one of their payment options. Chrysalis Finance is the only ethical provider focusing solely on providing specialist financing for medical procedures.

At Centre for Surgery, we are renowned for our expert approach to otoplasty, providing tailored treatments in the heart of London. Our state-of-the-art facility on Baker Street is where our experienced surgeons combine cutting-edge techniques with personalised care to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.

Exceptional Patient Care: Our dedicated team is committed to offering an exceptional level of care from your first consultation through to your post-operative follow-up. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we pride ourselves on creating individualised treatment plans to achieve the most natural-looking results.

Patient Testimonials:

1. “My experience at Centre for Surgery was outstanding. The staff made me feel completely at ease, and the results of my ear pinning surgery have given me so much confidence. I can’t recommend them highly enough!” – Emily R.
2. “The surgeons at Centre for Surgery are truly artists. They transformed my ears with such skill and care. The entire process was smooth, and the aftercare was excellent.” – Johnathan P.
3. “From my very first visit, I felt I was in good hands. The team was professional, and my surgery went perfectly. My ears look completely natural, and I finally love wearing my hair up!” – Sofia K.

Booking a Consultation: To book your otoplasty consultation and take the first step towards feeling more confident in your appearance, please contact us at:

• Phone: 0207 993 4849
• Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
• Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN

For more detailed insights into our clinic and to understand why we’re the preferred choice for your cosmetic needs, please visit our About Us page.

Finance Options: We believe in making cosmetic surgery accessible, which is why we offer a range of finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance. You can find more information about our finance options here.

Further Information: If you’re looking to explore more about cosmetic surgery or wish to read about the experiences of past patients, our plastic surgery blog is an excellent resource.

Frequently Asked Questions: We also encourage you to visit our Clinic FAQs for answers to common queries about procedures, recovery, and what to expect from your surgical journey with us.

Our Baker Street Clinic: Nestled in the prestigious area of London, our Baker Street clinic is designed to provide comfort and privacy for all our patients. You can learn more about our clinic here.

Choose Centre for Surgery for your otoplasty in London, and experience the highest standard of care and excellence in cosmetic surgery.