Pinnaplasty
Pinnaplasty is a common form of cosmetic surgery. It is done in people of both sexes and all ages to correct ears that tend to stick out.
Quick facts
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get seen and treated within 14 days
What is it for?
Cosmetic surgery for ears
Treatment overview
You may decide to investigate the possibility of a pinnaplasty if your ears are protruding and stick out prominently at an angle from your head.
This is particularly noticeable if you have short hair, either by choice or necessity.
Some people have one ear that sticks out much more than the other and a pinnaplasty on one side can restore symmetry.
Normally, we recommend that children with protruding ears are at least 5 years old before a pinnaplasty; they need to be old enough to agree to have the surgery.
At your initial consultation with one of our plastic and reconstructive surgeons, your ears will be examined, you will have a general health check, and you will have time to discuss what your expectations are in having a pinnaplasty.
What does a pinnaplasty surgery involve?
The surgery itself is done as a day case in one of the operating theatres in our minimally invasive treatment unit (MITU).
The surgery takes about one to one and a half hours and is usually done with a local anaesthetic and a sedative if required.
An incision is made just behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. This allows the surgeon to remove cartilage and skin as required to achieve the desired effect.
Cartilage can also be shaped by trimming it and pinning it with permanent internal stitches.
A dressing that looks like a turban is then put on so that the ears can be kept in their new position. This makes you feel more comfortable and reduces swelling.
You will be asked to keep the dressing on for about 10 days and then come back to The Clinic for it to be removed and to have a check-up.
Full recovery only takes a month but we recommend that patients who have had a pinnaplasty avoid contact sports for another month after that.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis