Ear reshaping surgery is also known as Otoplasty, Pinnaplasty and Ear Reduction Surgery. This surgery is designed to correct the size and shape of the ear and earlobe.
What does ear correction surgery involve?
What happens during ear correction surgery depends on the type of surgery you have. An otoplasty on an older child or adult can be done under local anaesthetic by either a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon.
It usually involves:
- making a small cut behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage
- removing small pieces of cartilage if necessary
- putting stitches at the back of the ear to reshape or position it closer to the head
An otoplasty usually takes 1 to 2 hours. If local anaesthetic is used, you’ll be able to go home the same day.
You may need a bandage around your head to help your ears heal in their new position and protect them from infection.
Split Earlobe Repair
Earlobe repair and reduction is a surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic, with each earlobe repair taking 45 -60 minutes to complete.
The procedure treats split, torn or stretched earlobes and the earlobes can be re-pierced after 2-3 months. This procedure is performed by one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeon’s.
Pinnaplasty Q&A
Does the procedure require anaesthetic?
This procedure can be done as an out-patient under local anaesthetic and does not require general anaesthetic.
Will the procure be painful?
There will be a mild to moderate amount of pain and discomfort associated with the surgery. This is easily controlled with oral medications.
How should you sleep after Pinnaplasty?
You should sleep with your head on a pillow in an elavated position for the first week after surgery. Try not to sleep on the side of your face.
How much does a Pinnaplasty cost ?
The procedure price starts from £2600 (unilateral) – £3700(bilateral)
What age can ears be pinned back?
The operation is usually carried out on children between the ages of five and fifteen years of age. For babies we recommend EarBuddies splints.
What is the recovery time?
You should rest and avoid strenuous activity in the first 2-3 weeks. The full effects of Pinnaplasty may not be visible until 6 weeks post surgery. Most patients make a quick recovery after Pinnaplasty.
Recovery
If you have a bandage around your head, keep it clean and dry. You will not be able to wash your hair until after the bandage has been removed.
You might need to wear a headband at night for several weeks to protect your ears while you sleep.
The stitches may come to the surface of the skin or make your ear feel tender. Treat any pain with painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
After 7 to 10 days: The bandage (if used) and stitches are removed (unless they’re dissolvable stitches).
After 1 to 2 weeks: Most children can return to school.
After 4 to 6 weeks: Swimming should be OK.
Around 12 weeks: Contact sports should be OK.
What are the side effects Post surgery?
- a small scar behind each ear, which will fade in time
- sore and tender ears for the first few days
- numbness or tingling in the ears for a few weeks
- slight bruising around the ears for about 2 weeks
Are there any risks or complications?
Ear correction surgery can occasionally cause:
• inflammation of the ear cartilage
• a blood clot in the skin of the ear
• stiff ears – it can take several months for them to become flexible again
• the ears no longer being symmetrical
• the surgery not being successful and the ears starting to protrude again
Any type of operation also carries a small risk of:
• excessive bleeding
• infection where the cut was made
• an allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
Your surgeon should explain how likely these risks and complications are and how they would be treated.
What to do if you have problems?
Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.
Contact the clinic where you had the operation as soon as possible if you have severe pain or any unexpected symptoms. The surgeon who treated you should be able to deal with any complications.
Who performs the procedure?
A Pinnaplasty is performed by either a Plastic Surgeon or an ENT Surgeon (ear, nose and throat surgeon)
If you would like to book an appointment or require further information on the available options, please do not hesitate to contact our private patient booking team via our online enquiry form.
Alternatively, email Kingsbridge Cosmetic Clinic
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