Ear Pinning (Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty)

Aurora is now part of The Private Clinic, a nationwide group of clinics with over 35 years of experience specialising in Cosmetic Surgery and Skin and a Trust Pilot 5 star rating. For comprehensive information, before and after photos and costs on Ear Pinning procedures click here

Our team of expert plastic surgeons are located in BirminghamBristolBuckinghamshireGlasgowLondon Harley StreetLeedsManchester and Northampton

Prominent ear correction is a surgical procedure used to re-set the position of prominent ears, pinning ears back, moving them closer in towards the head.  Ear correction surgery can also reduce the size of the earlobe and improve their appearance if they are misshapen.

Considering Ear Pinning surgery?

Ear correction surgery, also known as otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is used to set back prominent ears in both adults and in children to restore confidence and give a more attractive look. It can be performed on one or both ears as necessary. If you are considering ear reshaping, very large ear lobes can be reduced at the same time if required.  Surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic with you awake. Alternatively if you would prefer a short general anaesthetic can be used.

How will it impact on your life?

Many people who suffer from prominent ears can lack self confidence.  Many patients find that after having ear  pinning surgery they have increased self esteem and confidence in their appearance.  Because cuts are made behind your ears, small scars are left close to the groove between the ear and the side of your head and are almost unnoticeable. Ear correction surgery does not reduce the size of the ears or improve hearing.

Is Ear Pinning surgery right for you?

Ear pinning surgery is a relatively straight-forward procedure, with minimal complications.  Your surgeon will make a cut down the back of one or both ears. The cartilage inside is then trimmed, sculpted or folded using fine stitches if needed. The cuts are then stitched up and bandages are applied to hold your ears firmly in their new positions. The procedure takes around 1-2 hours to complete, depending upon the amount of work required. You will have either a local or a general anaesthetic and it’s unlikely you will have to stay over in hospital.  You may experience nausea from the anaesthetic, followed by bruising, swelling and some soreness. You may even notice a slight loss of hearing as a result of the swelling but this should last no longer than a few days. In general most of these symptoms should have subsided within a week.

After your surgery and beyond…

Your bandages will be removed after about three to four days, after which a head band or support dressing will need to be worn at night for two weeks. You can expect to be back to most normal activities within two weeks. It is wise to avoid any activity that may cause your ears to bend for at least 6 weeks following surgery.

The next step

We always encourage people to do as much research as they can when considering cosmetic surgery, so for more information on ear pinning surgery: