What is pinnaplasty?
Ear correction surgery, where the ears are pinned back, is known as pinnaplasty or otoplasty. The cosmetic surgery procedure is used to change the shape of the ears, or to pin them back if they stick out. It is usually carried out on children and teenagers, but some adults may opt to have the procedure, too. Children under the age of five are unable to have pinnaplasty as their ears are still developing and growing.
What happens during a pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, however some surgons may offer the procedure under local anaesthetic depending on the age of the patient. The operation usually takes about one to two hours. The surgeon will make a cut to the back of the ear and peel off some skin from the cartilage. The shape of the cartilage is changed so that the ear is closer to the head. The doctor can also correct the symmetry of the ears. The wounds are then closed with dissolvable stitches and a dressing is applied.
There is a newer technique known as incisionless otoplasty to treat prominent ears, which involves scoring the cartilage through the ear skin using a needle. No incision is made. There is not a lot of evidence about the long-term quality of this procedure.
What happens after pinnaplasty?
Following surgery, the ears may be sore, tender, or numb for a few days and the patient may need to wear a bandage around their head. They will not be able to wash their hair for a few days whilst leaving the dressing on to protect the ears from infection. It is useful to sleep upright for a few nights following surgery.
There may be bruising for a few weeks and it is recommended taking the time off school or work to let these heal. The stitches may come to the surface and cause the ear to feel sore, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
What are the possible complications of pinnaplasty?
Complications are unusual. There can be a collection of blood between the skin and the cartilage, which creates 'cauliflower ear'. On some occasions, the skin may scab and the patient must be very careful with their dressings to ensure that underlying cartilage is not exposed, dried out, or infected. If it does dry out, then it can cause a misshapen ear and another procedure will be needed to repair the hole with a skin graft. If the area is red, swollen, or painful post-operation, this may be a sign of infection and the patient should consult their doctor.
Is there a difference between pinnaplasty and otoplasty?
No, there is no difference between pinnaplasty and otoplasty. They are different names for the same procedure.
Will pinnaplasty change the overall appearance of my face?
Many people who are considering pinnaplasty are worried that the procedure will drastically change their appearance and they will become unrecognisable. This is not the case. Pinnaplasty will only change the distance that your ears protrude out, with little to no change to the rest of your appearance.
04-28-2017 05-10-2023Ear correction surgery: pinnaplasty
Mr Abbad Toma - Otolaryngology / ENT
Created on: 04-28-2017
Updated on: 05-10-2023
Edited by: Conor Dunworth
What is pinnaplasty?
Ear correction surgery, where the ears are pinned back, is known as pinnaplasty or otoplasty. The cosmetic surgery procedure is used to change the shape of the ears, or to pin them back if they stick out. It is usually carried out on children and teenagers, but some adults may opt to have the procedure, too. Children under the age of five are unable to have pinnaplasty as their ears are still developing and growing.
What happens during a pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty is performed under general anaesthetic, however some surgons may offer the procedure under local anaesthetic depending on the age of the patient. The operation usually takes about one to two hours. The surgeon will make a cut to the back of the ear and peel off some skin from the cartilage. The shape of the cartilage is changed so that the ear is closer to the head. The doctor can also correct the symmetry of the ears. The wounds are then closed with dissolvable stitches and a dressing is applied.
There is a newer technique known as incisionless otoplasty to treat prominent ears, which involves scoring the cartilage through the ear skin using a needle. No incision is made. There is not a lot of evidence about the long-term quality of this procedure.
What happens after pinnaplasty?
Following surgery, the ears may be sore, tender, or numb for a few days and the patient may need to wear a bandage around their head. They will not be able to wash their hair for a few days whilst leaving the dressing on to protect the ears from infection. It is useful to sleep upright for a few nights following surgery.
There may be bruising for a few weeks and it is recommended taking the time off school or work to let these heal. The stitches may come to the surface and cause the ear to feel sore, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
What are the possible complications of pinnaplasty?
Complications are unusual. There can be a collection of blood between the skin and the cartilage, which creates 'cauliflower ear'. On some occasions, the skin may scab and the patient must be very careful with their dressings to ensure that underlying cartilage is not exposed, dried out, or infected. If it does dry out, then it can cause a misshapen ear and another procedure will be needed to repair the hole with a skin graft. If the area is red, swollen, or painful post-operation, this may be a sign of infection and the patient should consult their doctor.
Is there a difference between pinnaplasty and otoplasty?
No, there is no difference between pinnaplasty and otoplasty. They are different names for the same procedure.
Will pinnaplasty change the overall appearance of my face?
Many people who are considering pinnaplasty are worried that the procedure will drastically change their appearance and they will become unrecognisable. This is not the case. Pinnaplasty will only change the distance that your ears protrude out, with little to no change to the rest of your appearance.
Ears and expertise: An insight into pinnaplasty
By Mr Simon Eccles
2025-01-20
In his latest online article, Mr Simon Eccles give us his insights into pinnaplasty, also known as otoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to correct prominent ears. Ear shape can vary significantly, and it is not uncommon for individuals to have ears that differ from each other. While ear cartilage becomes firmer with age, 90% of ear growth is typically completed by the age of 8. Pinnaplasty is a versatile procedure that can be performed at any age, from childhood to adulthood. Common concerns that lead people to consider pinnaplasty include asymmetrical ears and ears that protrude excessively from the sides of the head. These issues often result from a lack of proper ear cartilage folding, known as the anti-helical fold, and an overpronounced "concha" or bowl part of the ear. In some cases, both factors contribute to ear prominence. See more
Pinnaplasty: A procedure to correct prominent ears
By Mr Anil Joshi
2025-01-19
Revered consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon Mr Anil Joshi gives an expert guide to what is involved in pinnaplasty procedures in this informative article for patients. See more
Otoplasty: a step-by-step guide to the procedure
By Mr Anil Joshi
2025-01-18
Surgery to get your ears pinned back has evolved in recent years, and it’s now possible to reshape the ears without cutting the cartilage entirely. In this article, consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon Mr Anil Joshi explains how modern surgeons approach ear surgery and what kind of recovery patients can expect. See more
Life after a pinnaplasty
By Mr Mike O`Connell
2025-01-18
A pinnaplasty (also known as otoplasty) is a straightforward operation to reset the outer ear or "pinna" to a more favourable position, closer to the side of the head, to make the ear appear less noticeable. Mr Mike O’Connell tells us more about the pinnaplasty procedure and what to expect after it. See more
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