Ear Surgery Fact Sheet

The objective

Ear pinning surgery - or otoplasty - aims to reduce the ‘sticking out’ appearance of protruding or prominent ears where they cause embarrassment. The problem is usually related to underdeveloped cartilage in the ear and may occur in one ear only. It is usually noticeable from a young age.

The procedure

The operation is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic and can take up to three hours. In adults, local anaesthetic, with or without sedation, may be used.

The surgeon will usually make a small cut on the back of the head close to the groove of the ear and bend it back towards the head, using stitches in order to reshape the cartilage. In some cases, some of the cartilage will need to be removed as well. Stitches are then used to keep the shape.

Otoplasty is not done before the age of three as the ear cartilage is still developing and is too soft.

The outcome

After the operation, a protective bandage may be wrapped around the head to protect the area and this should be left in place at night for 1-2 weeks. A medical dressing is usually worn for around 5-10 days or until the stitches are removed and painkillers may be needed for a few days.

Normally, you can have day care surgery although some patients may require an overnight stay depending on circumstances. Swimming should be avoided for two weeks and contact sport for at least eight weeks. You can normally return to school or work within one week.

A small scar behind the ear may be visible, and some people may require minor adjustments to be made if the shape of the ears is not satisfactory, but the result of surgery should be that the ears are flatter against the head and no longer protrude.

The risks

All general anaesthesias carry associated risks, but complications particular to ear pinning include infection and problems with wound healing.

An infection in the cartilage can cause scar tissue to form, and complications with wound healing may result in a skin graft being necessary to correct the problem.

Some patients can develop a blood clot, or haematoma, in the ear, which can be removed if it does not dissolve naturally. The ears may feel numb for a temporary period after surgery.

The costs

Ostoplasty is free if done under the NHS. Privately in the UK expect to pay from £1,100 to £2,800. Abroad, expect to pay from £850 (Czech Republic) to £1,400 (Spain).

The availability

Ear pinning is available within the NHS for children under 16 who are suffering emotional stress because of their ear shape. It is rare for adults to obtain free surgery as the operation is seen as cosmetic but the procedure is available at many private cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK and abroad.

The popularity

About two percent of the population consider their ears stick out too much although the operation is more common in childhood and normally performed between the ages of three and 14 years old. Some adults who feel self-conscious about a protruding appearance may opt for this surgery.