Ear Surgery
Ear re-shaping (otoplasty/pinnaplasty)
The purpose of otoplasty is to reduce the size of the ears, repair ears that have been damaged in accidents or make ‘sticky out ears’ less prominent.
What does the procedure involve?
Most ear re-shaping is performed under general anaesthetic. However, in some instances adults may have surgery performed under local anaesthetic. During surgery an incision is made behind the ear in the fold where the ear meets the head. Cartilage and skin is removed and in some cases cartilage is pinned back with stitches. The incision is then sewn up.
What are the benefits and what are the risks?
Benefits
The main benefit of otoplasty is psychological, as patients feel more confident, happier and less self-conscious. The ears will be smaller and less prominent changing the whole look of the face.
Risks
Serious risks associated with ear surgery are very rare. The biggest risk is that if the ears have been pinned back they may go back to their original position and the operation may have to be performed again. This can happen in about 8% of cases. Very rare side effects include bleeding underneath the skin or patients being left with asymmetrical ears. Scarring is usually unnoticeable because the incision is generally made behind the ear.
Is it the right procedure for me?
Most people who opt for ear surgery do so because of a lack of confidence. Often patients have felt self-conscious about their appearance for years. However, you need to be realistic about what can be achieved and you should discuss with the surgeon what you are unhappy with and what results can be expected. Children are often the best candidates for otoplasty because their cartilage is softer and easier to mould. As such most patients who have ear surgery are aged between five and fourteen.
How long does the procedure take?
Surgery takes approximately one hour.
What happens after surgery?
After surgery your ears will feel very tight and sore and you will probably need to take pain killers. When leaving hospital you will be bandaged for about seven to ten days after which it will be removed along with any stitches. Afterwards you may need to wear a night support bandage for up to four weeks.
How much is it likely to cost?
Prices may vary between £2,000 and £2,500 but ear surgery is free on the NHS for children.
Responses to Ear Surgery
Ask an Expert about Ear Surgery
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heaven on 08.06.2007 at 18:02 (Reply)
is it ok for a 10 year old to have his ears pinned back and can i have information about having your ears pinned back?
Hi Heaven, I have asked one of our pannel of experts, one of the top surgeons in the UK, he advises that you have a consultation with a specialist in paediatric cosmetic surgery. They are normally available in your regional plastic surgery companies. It is possible and it has been done however it is best to speak to a speacialist in this area. All the information we have is on our website. Alternatively, have a look at the BAAPS website. Hope this helps!
Hi my name is Rebekka and my mum keeps telling me that i need my ears doing and i think so aswell but i am really scared. my step dad and his brother have had it done and i think it is a good idea but as i have said I AM REALLY SCARED!!! What shall i do????? thanks for your time xx
Hi Rebekka,
You need to be over 18. If so, feel free to come in for a free consultation and discuss the proceedure with one of our patient co-ordinators.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
They will be able to advise you.
Sophie
Cedes on 23.06.2007 at 16:20 (Reply)
hi, i am currently in further education at sixthform, does this mean i would be able to have ear surery done through the nhs? thank you for your time.
Hi Cedes, Privately you cannot have surgery till you are 18. The best thing to do would be go to your GP and get a referral.
Eddie Poyner on 14.08.2007 at 13:06 (Reply)
I was born with one ear deformed, significantly smaller than the other, with a smaller lobe, and sticking out. Is there any point in having a consultation in this case?
Hi Eddie,
You should really try your GP to get a referral to the NHS.
What you need is more on the reconstructive side.
Cosmetic surgery has limits, big and sticking out can be corrected.
Small would need a lot of grafting.
Hope this has helped.
georgia on 18.09.2007 at 21:59 (Reply)
i am soo selfconsiou .. about my ears .. Help!!
Hi Georgia,
Come in and have a free consultation that way we can help!
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
hey my names steph and i got picked on all the way through primary for having big ears im only 12 but i am proud of who i am georgia if you stop makin a fuss about your ears around people you will find that people wont really care and wont take much notice where as if you fuss about them then it will draw attention to everyone just be yourself and people will look at who you are instead of what you look like xx
hi i am steph and i have no slef confidens at all but since i ahve started high school thing shave been a lot differnt.. do u think i should be bothered bout me ears or do u think i should just have them pinned back.??
Hi Steph,
We can not advise you until you are 18.
Sophie
Jack on 07.10.2007 at 19:22 (Reply)
i am 18 and want this done. am i classed as an adult? also i am in full time education and my mum is on tax credits, so would i still have to pay?
Hi Jack,
If you are over the age of 18 you could have the proceedure done wit us but you would have to pay.
Sophie
Adrien on 21.10.2007 at 22:05 (Reply)
Hi, I would like to know if it’s possible to have surgery on my ears to make them actually stick out a little more…….I usually hear about people wanting to get their ears pinned! Is this possible to make them stickou more, thanks
Hi Adrien,
Possible with grafts, you would need a cosmetic surgeon with years of experience.
Call MYA on 08000 14 10 14 to book in for a free consultation
Sophie
nick on 24.10.2007 at 20:36 (Reply)
hi im 18 would i get ear surgery free on the nhs. and is it a bad and painful operation
Hi Nick,
You would need to speak to your GP.
Sophie
Nicola on 25.10.2007 at 18:36 (Reply)
Is it okay for a 12 year old ti have there ears pinned back,and how long do you have to wait on the NHS?. If you go privately and your a child does it cost less?
Hi,
We can not advise anyone under 18.
Sorry.
tammié graygoose on 25.10.2007 at 22:17 (Reply)
hey
im 14 and since i was little i used to get picked on for my ears. They stick out quite alot and im always wearing my hair down, however i would love to wear my hair in different styles. i have a few quaestion for you though:
how long do you have to stay in hospital for??
and im really scared of needles, do you have to have a drip?
does the stiches hurt when the doctor takes them out??
wb xxx
Hi,
We can not advise anyone under 18.
Sophie
Gary on 27.10.2007 at 01:34 (Reply)
Hi, I have had my ears pinned back but am looking into getting the size reduced, is this possible and would the cost be more because of the proceedure?
Thanks
Hi Gary,
It is possible to get a Lobe reduction. This is a similar cost to having your ears pinned. £2,800.
Call MYA on 08000 14 10 14 for a free consultation.
Sophie
Hi, Sophie would I am looking to see if it would be possible to have the top part of my ear reduced with that and the lobe what kind of price would that be?
Thanks
Hi Gary,
You would need to come in for a consultation to discuss the price.
It should be possible to get the size reduced but again you need to see a surgeon.
Call MYA to book in a free consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Alice on 28.10.2007 at 21:18 (Reply)
Hi,
I’m 16 and I have sticking out ears and one is really noticeably bigger than the other. It’s got to a stage where I won’t have my hair up or in any way that shows them and when my hair is loose you can still see the one sticking out the side. When I was about 12 I was put on a list to have them pinned back but I decided against it because I want them shaped as well plus I’ve only got worse about it (plus they’ve grown) as I’ve gotten older. I’m getting so upset and stressed about them I don’t want to have them like this for life I’d rather have them chopped off.
As I’m in Sixth Form does this mean I can go through my GP and NHS?
Thanks.
Hi Alice,
We can not help until you are 18.
Sophie
Emma on 04.11.2007 at 00:34 (Reply)
Hia, im 19 and have always thought about having my ears done.I have no self confidence and becauase of this , have always been to embarrassed to even go to the doctors about it.
how do i go about having it done, and how can i found out how much it will cost? thank you
Hi Emma,
You are best off coming in for a free confidential consultation.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
It is completely free and there is no obligation. You can get all the information you need then.
Hope this helps.
Sophie
matt on 16.11.2007 at 21:41 (Reply)
I am wanting to have ear surgery done, but i am worried that if i do have it done my ears may return to there origional position. could someone please give me some information towards this please. Thanks
Hi Matt,
The surgery will be permanent so they should not go back to their original position.
Feel free to come in for a free consultation to discuss this.
Call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Lea on 07.12.2007 at 19:04 (Reply)
Hiya
im currently 19 and at university. i have been to my GP before about having my ears pinned back but he would not reffer me as he believed girls should not have cosmetic surgery. i am really self concious about this i have even gone as far as gluing them back with nail glue
i would rather some information emailed to me as i am kind of embarresed about this to talk to someone on the phone
please help!!
Thankyou
Hi Lea,
Traditionally it is treated by surgery which is a small procedure as a day case.
For more information please call 08000 14 10 14.
Sophie
Gemma on 14.12.2007 at 23:23 (Reply)
Hi Sophie,
I Got My Ears Pinned Back A Few Days Ago,
My Ear Lobes Are Sore ..
My Friend Said Its Sore in the middle..
she got hers dont 3 weeks ago.
So Whats Wrong?
Im really Confused
Hi Gemma,
You need to go back and see the surgeon.
Sophie