Pinnaplasty

Pinnaplasty (also known as otoplasty) is a surgical procedure to correct prominent or protruding ears. It is suitable for both children and adults, although the cartilage becomes firmer with age. By around 8 years old, the ears have reached approximately 90% of their adult size, making this a common age for surgery in children.

People often seek this procedure because they feel their ears stick out too much or are asymmetrical. Prominent ears usually result from one or both of the following:

  • Underdevelopment of the antihelical fold, which causes the upper ear to stick out

  • An enlarged or protruding conchal bowl, pushing the ear away from the head

Over the years, many surgical techniques have been developed. While some involve cutting or removing cartilage, these carry a higher risk of complications.

Mr Eccles prefers suture-based techniques, which involve placing permanent internal stitches to reshape and reposition the cartilage. This approach is less traumatic, has a lower risk of complications, and produces natural-looking results.

The surgery is done through an incision at the back of the ear, so any scar is hidden in the natural fold between the ear and scalp. It can be performed under local or general anaesthetic — general anaesthesia is usually recommended for younger children.

  • Pinnaplasty is usually done as a day-case procedure. Most patients return home the same day, regardless of whether the surgery is done under local or general anaesthesia, with a dressing covering the ear that will stay on until the first post-op review in clinic.

    • Discomfort is usually mild and short-lived

    • Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually sufficient

    • Bruising and swelling around the ears is common and typically settles within 4 weeks

    • A sports-style headband should be worn to protect the ears and support healing:

    • Full-time for the first 1–2 weeks, including during sleep

    • Then at night only for a further few weeks

    • This helps prevent accidental pulling that could loosen the internal sutures

    • Avoid contact sports and rough play for at least 6 weeks to reduce the risk of trauma while the ears heal

  • As with any surgery, pinnaplasty carries some potential risks:

    • Scarring – usually fine and hidden behind the ear, but may thicken in some individuals

    • Infection – uncommon but can affect healing and may require antibiotics or stitch removal

    • Asymmetry – minor differences in ear shape or position may persist or develop during healing

    • Suture extrusion – in rare cases, the internal stitches may become visible or cause irritation

    • Recurrence – partial return of the ear’s original shape if sutures loosen or cartilage resists reshaping

    The results are generally very reliable, but it’s important to have realistic expectations and follow all post-operative instructions closely.

  • Pinnaplasty typically provides lifelong results. If the correction holds well during the first 6 months, it is very unlikely to recur.

    Very rarely, the sutures may loosen, or the cartilage may gradually return to its previous shape, but revision surgery is uncommon.