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.

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 anesthesia, 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

It’s important to note that otoplasty refers specifically to surgery that alters the shape or position of the ears, usually to correct prominent or protruding ears.

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.

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.

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that offers several benefits to individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears. Here are some of the benefits of ear surgery:

1. Improved appearance: Ear surgery can improve the appearance of the ears by correcting deformities, reducing the size of the ears, improving symmetry, or moving the ears closer to the head to reduce their protrusion. This can help boost self-confidence and improve overall self-image.
2. Correct congenital deformities: Ear surgery can correct congenital deformities such as microtia or prominent ears, which can significantly affect a person’s quality of life and self-esteem.
3. Repair traumatic injuries: Ear surgery can repair traumatic injuries to the ears, such as torn earlobes or other injuries that may affect the shape or position of the ear.
4. Better fitting of eyeglasses: Ear surgery can also improve the fit of eyeglasses by reducing the size of the ears or moving them closer to the head.
5. Improved hearing: In some cases, ear surgery can improve hearing by correcting deformities that may affect the shape of the ear canal or eardrum.
6. Permanent results: Ear surgery provides long-lasting results that can significantly improve a person’s quality of life and self-esteem.
7. Minimal scarring: The incisions made during ear surgery are typically hidden behind the ears or within the natural creases of the ear, resulting in minimal visible scarring.
8. Short recovery period: Most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two after ear surgery, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.

Centre for Surgery only works with the very best plastic surgeons to give all patients access to world-class medical expertise in otoplasty. You can be assured that whatever that issue with your ears, our surgeons have the skills and experience to treat you using gold standard otoplasty techniques.

Trust a facial plastic surgeon for otoplasty

A facial plastic surgeon is trained to undertake aesthetic surgical procedures in the facial region. They are dedicated sub-specialists. Compared with general plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons are inherently better trained to perform delicate procedures in the eye region. The extra years of surgical training by facial specialists focused on the facial region results in an exceptionally high degree of skill. Blepharoplasty surgery is highly intricate and our surgeons are highly experienced to undertake surgery on the delicate eyelid region.

Why choose our surgeons?

• Our plastic surgeons are on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery
• Full memberships of UK and European associations of plastic surgery
• Aesthetic fellowships in aesthetic plastic surgery
• A strong background in reconstructive surgery
• Dr Tillo, Dr Misra and Dr Erel are highly skilled plastic surgeons who specialise in aesthetic plastic surgery

Our surgeons are full members of:

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

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 utilises similar surgical methods for those used to treat congenital ear deformities.  

In some cases, the procedure of ear piercing may lead to a localised infection which can sometimes affect the ear cartilage, and this can lead to changes in the structure of the ear. 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 for treating a cauliflower ear involves correcting the overlying skin on top of the cartilage and removing some of the 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. There are several recognised causes of overly protruding ears, including 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, followed by the removal of a portion of overlying skin from on 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 an ideal procedure for correcting an 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 just 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 the age of five as the underlying ear cartilage is too fragile to retain the surgical sutures. Ear pinning surgery is only performed on adults over the age of 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, there are certain factors that can make a person a better candidate for otoplasty surgery. These include:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 otherwise referred to as pinnaplasty or ear pinning, is an effective way to surgically alter the appearance of your ears. Otoplasty will be able to alter protruding ears or those that have 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 own dedicated cosmetic surgery facilities. The procedure takes about two hours to perform and is typically done 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 has the advantage of being 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 also 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 with correspondingly more pronounced pinning back of the ear and simultaneous correction of the antihelix fold. This is an excisional technique with the removal of a strip of cartilage which sits more at the front compared with the rest of the ear cartilage.

An otoplasty is performed as a day-case procedure which means you can go home the same day once you have recovered 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 at the thought of being awake, then a general anaesthetic can be used.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

It’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely 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

Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty (ear reshaping surgery) has potential risks and complications. It’s important 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 minimized 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.
• 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.

Centre for Surgery stands out as an excellent choice for otoplasty surgery for several reasons:

1. Experienced surgeons: The clinic is home to some of the UK’s leading otoplasty expert surgeons with years of experience and numerous successful procedures. Our extensive knowledge and skills ensure you receive the highest quality care and results.
2. State-of-the-art facility: Centre for Surgery operates in a custom-designed, state-of-the-art facility, equipped with advanced technology and modern equipment. This allows the surgeons to perform procedures in a safe, sterile, and comfortable environment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
3. Personalised approach: Our clinic emphasizes the importance of a personalised approach to each patient, tailoring the otoplasty surgery to address the individual’s unique needs and goals. This ensures that the patient’s expectations are met, and the results are natural-looking and harmonious.
4. Comprehensive consultation process: Centre for Surgery offers a thorough consultation process, during which the surgeon will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and help you understand the procedure, risks, and recovery process. This ensures that you are well informed and confident in your decision to proceed with the surgery.
5. Aftercare and support: Our clinic prides itself on providing exceptional aftercare and support to patients. From post-operative follow-up appointments to being available to address any concerns or questions, the Centre for Surgery team ensures that you are well-taken care of throughout your otoplasty journey.
6. High patient satisfaction: Centre for Surgery has a strong reputation for delivering excellent results and high patient satisfaction. By choosing us for your otoplasty surgery, you can be confident that you are in the hands of dedicated professionals committed to achieving the best possible outcome.

What is included in my treatment package?

• As many preoperative consultations with your surgeon as you like to make sure the procedure is right for you
• Treatment at a specialist day surgery facility recently rated ‘Good’ by the CQC
• Enhanced same-day discharge with the added benefits of recovering in your own home
• 24/7 clinical support from your surgeon for the first 48 hours and our expert postoperative support team
• Your very own dedicated patient coordinator
• In-depth preoperative medical assessment to make sure you are fully fit for the rhinoplasty procedure
• Exceptionally high standards of postoperative care are described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, with regular telephone and face-to-face checks by our expert postoperative support team.
  

The Centre for Surgery Approach to aftercare

Our aftercare programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by our regulator, the Care Quality Commission.

Our postoperative support team calls all our patients the day after their procedure and every other day thereafter for the first two weeks. The proactive nature of our postoperative support gives every patient the best opportunity for a smooth postoperative recovery free of complications. In many cases, if complications were to occur, their impact would be markedly lessened by early detection, prompt clinical assessment and correct treatment. When a patient expresses concern to our team over the phone, we often call patients on the same day for assessment with one of our expert nursing team. Even if there is no significant issue, the careful explanation and calm reassurance provided by our team can help to alleviate any worries you may have experienced.

RealSelf Top Doctors for Otoplasty

RealSelf’s top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community.  This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. RealSelf’s top doctors are rated among the very best surgeons in the UK.

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