Ear correction surgery otherwise known as an Otoplasty or a Pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure to reshape and reconstruct the ear. If you are unhappy with the shape, size or position of your ears, you may benefit from a Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty procedure.
What is Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty?
Otoplasty, also known as Pinnaplasty or ear reshaping, is a relatively straightforward and simple cosmetic surgery procedure to resize, reshape, reposition and/or hold back the ears. As prominent features of the body, ear shape and size can have a major effect on how we feel about our face. Large or protruding ears can affect confidence, while ears that sit far away from the head can be uncomfortable for the patient.
How does an Otoplasty work?
An Otoplasty procedure involves the surgeon reshaping the cartilage of the ear. The cartilage is what forms the ear underneath the skin. If you are born with misshapen ears, this is often corrected through the use of a splint in the first couple of days as the cartilage is very soft and mouldable with no need for invasive surgery.
Am I suitable for ear correction surgery?
An Otoplasty/Pinnaplasty procedure is not suitable for everyone. This is why it is important to do your research and go along for consultations with surgeons to work out your suitability and what you can realistically expect from surgery. Anyone with ears that are of normal size or shape with no obvious deformity apart from the prominence of them will be suitable for surgery. Those with lop ears for example or microtia will not be suitable for surgery. To find out about your suitability for ear correction surgery, make a consultation to see our expert plastic surgeon.
How long will the procedure take?
An Otoplasty procedure typically takes about two to three hours to complete. Depending on the case and the desired results, the treatment can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Does ear correction need local or general anaesthetic?
An Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty procedure can be performed under a local anaesthetic in most circumstances however this is decided on an individual case basis and you will be told at your consultation what to expect on the day of your procedure.
Is ear correction surgery painful?
An Otoplasty procedure is performed under local or general anaesthetic to ensure that you are comfortable and feel no pain. You may experience some mild discomfort after surgery which can be managed with painkillers and will subside after a few days.
I have had an otoplasty as a child, but I feel my ears are still prominent, can this be performed again?
Generally a child will have ear correction surgery before the age of 5 and this is decided by the parents. When the child is between 5 and 13 they are usually not too worried about their appearance but then after age 13 there seems to be popularity again for those favouring the surgery. We are always able to operate again on the same area if you feel you need to have the procedure again, but always make sure you talk to your surgeon about your realistic expectations.