Otoplasty FAQs – Q&A About Ear Reshaping Surgery
feeling self-conscious or dissatisfied with how your ears look? Whether they seem too large, oddly shaped, or not quite in the right position, might be a solution worth considering. This type of is to change the ears’ appearance by adjusting their size, altering their form, or them to a more desirable place.
At Centre for Surgery, we understand that you might have many questions about what ear correction surgery involves. Here we provide detailed answers to the most common queries we receive from individuals considering this procedure.
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OTOPLASTY OVERVIEW
‘Otoplasty’ and ‘pinnaplasty’ are two ways of referring to the same type of ear surgery. ‘Otoplasty’ is the broader term encompassing any surgical reshaping of the ear. ‘Pinnaplasty’ specifically refers to the ‘pinna’ — the outer visible part of the ear — but the two terms are generally used interchangeably.
Ears can stick out for a couple of reasons. Some people’s ears appear more prominent because the conchal bowl — the cup-shaped hollow of the outer ear — has more cartilage than usual (conchal hypertrophy), pushing the whole ear forward. Another reason is that the fold, which creates a natural ‘Y’ shape at the top of the ear, doesn’t form properly during development. When the superior crus of this fold is missing, the upper part of the ear has nothing to hold it in place, so it protrudes.
Where the issue is conchal hypertrophy, a surgeon can remove some excess cartilage and use permanent stitches to secure the ear closer to the head. Where the ear protrudes because it is missing the antihelical fold, a surgeon can create this fold using permanent and, if necessary, by scoring the cartilage so it bends back into a more typical position. Both are performed through incisions made behind the ears.
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AM I SUITABLE FOR OTOPLASTY?
Yes. Centre for observes a mandatory reflection period between your consultation and your surgery date. This ensures you have had sufficient time to consider your decision fully, ask any remaining questions, and feel completely confident before proceeding. Your surgeon will confirm the specific at your consultation.
There is no strict age cut-off for ear correction surgery. The desire for and personal satisfaction doesn’t have an expiry date. The key consideration for undergoing an otoplasty is your overall health and fitness, not your age. If there is an aspect of your ears that concerns you, it is worth discussing at a consultation.
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An otoplasty entirely on the external part of the ear — the pinna — and does not involve the inner workings of the ear responsible for hearing. It is normal to wear bandages around your ears for a short period after surgery, which may temporarily muffle sounds, but once the bandages are your hearing will return to what it was before.
Yes. After an otoplasty, you can look forward to piercing your ears once your surgeon has given the all-clear — typically after the surgical wounds have fully healed and the ear’s new shape has stabilised, which may take several weeks to months.
OTOPLASTY PROCEDURE
For an otoplasty, the type of anaesthesia used can vary depending on the patient’s needs and comfort levels. Most adults have the procedure done under local anaesthesia — you will be awake but the area around your ears will be numbed, so you will not feel any pain. Some patients may also be given oral sedation alongside local anaesthesia. In some cases, general anaesthesia may be used.
A “scar-free” otoplasty is a modern approach to ear correction surgery designed for with prominent ears, particularly when it is the upper portion that protrudes. Unlike traditional otoplasty, which involves incisions to reshape the ear, this method uses permanent stitches placed through tiny needle holes — meaning no cutting of the skin and typically a faster recovery with fewer visible signs of surgery.
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The standard open otoplasty involves a long incision behind the ear, allowing direct access to the ear cartilage for including cartilage removal. The scar-free technique avoids long incisions, uses small needle punctures, heals with minimal scarring, and is better suited for patients requiring less extensive reshaping. The open technique offers broader scope for correction of more complex ear deformities.
The scar-free technique can achieve many of the same results as open otoplasty, particularly for less severe ear prominence where the main issue is with the folding of cartilage. For severe prominence due to overgrowth of the conchal bowl, or where cartilage reduction is required, the open technique provides greater scope and is usually preferred.
Mustarde sutures are a specific type of permanent stitch used in otoplasty procedures, named after Dr Charles Mustarde who pioneered the . These are placed strategically to create or enhance the antihelical fold, reshaping the cartilage and creating a natural-looking fold that pulls the upper part of the ear closer to the head.
In the traditional open technique, sutures are placed behind the ear and are generally imperceptible. In the scar-free technique, the knots lie between the cartilage and skin, and once healing is complete you may be able to feel small bumps where the knots are located if you run your finger along the surface of the ear.
A split earlobe is a common issue for those who have worn heavy earrings or experienced trauma. The repair process involves: consultation and assessment; administration of local anaesthesia; removal of skin around the split to create fresh edges; careful suturing of the edges together; removal of stitches after four to five days; and application of surgical tapes. Re-piercing should wait approximately two to three months after full healing.
RECOVERY AFTER OTOPLASTY
Otoplasty involves some discomfort, particularly as it often requires removing excess cartilage and repairing the area. However, managing this discomfort is a key part of post-operative care. Most patients find they need pain medication for the first couple of days only. After that initial period, pain relief is typically only needed at night. Pain should diminish significantly within the first week after surgery.
Both procedures require ears to be bandaged initially and patients to wear a head wrap at night for the first few weeks. The technique typically results in less pain, less swelling and bruising, and a faster recovery due to its less invasive nature. The open technique may involve a slightly longer recovery.
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We recommend personal grooming tasks — including washing your hair — the day before your surgery. Following surgery, you will wear a bandage or dressing around your head for about three to four days; avoid washing your hair during this time. Once the bandage period is over and you have been cleared by your nurse or surgeon, you can wash your hair gently.
Once fully recovered, you should be able to engage in most sports. However, contact sports like rugby involve close contact and risk of impact to your ears. It is wise to consider wearing protective gear to safeguard your ears and the results of your surgery.
OTOPLASTY RESULTS
One of the aims of otoplasty is to improve the symmetry of the ears. Perfect is rare in the human body, and absolute symmetry may not be achievable, but after surgery any minor differences between the ears will be less noticeable as both will be positioned closer to the head.
Yes. The primary aim of otoplasty is to provide ears that look natural and are in better proportion to your head and face. A skilled surgeon will focus on creating a balanced, symmetrical look that complements your overall appearance. When performed successfully — which is the case for the vast majority of procedures — others often cannot tell that an operation has been done.
Otoplasty typically offers a permanent solution for reshaping the ears. The changes made to the structure of the ears are to last a lifetime. However, a small risk exists that the ears may not maintain their new position, especially if subjected to trauma soon after . Following your surgeon’s aftercare advice carefully minimises this risk.
The chances of ears returning to a protruding position after otoplasty are generally quite low. Results are intended to be permanent, but a small risk of recurrence exists, particularly if the ears are subjected to trauma in the early weeks after surgery. Keeping bandages on for the full recommended period is important to minimise this risk.
RISKS OF OTOPLASTY
As with all surgical procedures, otoplasty carries some risks. These include:
Infections following otoplasty are quite uncommon. typically prescribe antibiotics around the time of surgery to help prevent infection. If you notice persistent redness, swelling, discharge or pain in the weeks after surgery, contact your surgeon promptly.
OTOPLASTY COST AND FINANCE
The cost of otoplasty at Centre for Surgery depends on the type of used (open or scar-free) and whether both ears or one ear is being treated. A detailed personal quotation is provided after your consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
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Otoplasty for cosmetic is not routinely funded by the NHS. In children, NHS funding may be available in cases of significant psychological distress caused by prominent ears, but eligibility varies by region and waiting times are lengthy. For adults seeking otoplasty for aesthetic reasons, private treatment is the usual route.
Centre for Surgery offers a full range of finance options through Chrysalis Finance, including 0% APR for eligible applicants. A illustration is provided alongside your personal quotation after .
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Otoplasty at Centre for Surgery
At Centre for Surgery, we specialise in delivering bespoke otoplasty procedures, tailored to meet the individual needs and expectations of our patients. Our state-of-the-art clinic on Baker Street in London is home to leading surgical experts who utilise the latest techniques to ensure the standards of care and safety.
Emily R. — “After years of being self-conscious about my ears, the team at Centre for Surgery changed my life. The care I received was top-notch, and my results are better than I imagined. I’m finally able to wear my hair up without worry!”
James S. — “The level of professionalism and empathy I experienced at Centre for Surgery was exceptional. My otoplasty has given me a new level of confidence. I am grateful to the surgeons and staff for their outstanding service.”
Sarah L. — “From the consultation through to the post-operative care, the support from Centre for Surgery was incredible. The detailed explanations, patient care, and the end results have truly exceeded my expectations.”
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