Otoplasty - Ear Reshaping Surgery - ear pinning back

Pinning back of ears is a surgical procedure involving reshaping of prominent ears into a more pleasing shape. 
Some people who have prominent ears feel self-conscious and unhappy about their appearance especially children as they can be teased in school.  By reshaping the cartilage which forms the skeleton of the ear, a more natural shape can be produced.

Am I suitable?

People with prominent ears and asymmetrical ears are suitable for this procedure.

Surgery:

The operation usually takes between 1 - 2 hours and can be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic.  The procedure is usually done as a day case but occasionally an overnight stay may be required.
The ear is operated on from the back surface of the ear.  The incision lines are very discreet as they are made along the crease line behind the ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is reshaped to get a better shape or on occasions a small amount is removed.  The skin is re-draped over the shaped cartilage and sutures applied.

Day of surgery

Leave all valuables at home.
Remove all jewellery (except wedding rings these will be taped).
Remove all signs of make-up and nail varnish.
Smokers must stop prior to surgery and should not start smoking until fully healed.

After surgery:

A full head bandage is applied as part of the dressing after surgery.  This should be retained night and day for 5 days.  After removal of the head bandage, a sports headband to protect the ears for a further 2 weeks should be used day and night. The swelling and bruising will subside after a few weeks.

Risks

All surgical procedures carry certain risks and there are limitations of what can be achieved.  Bleeding, haematoma, infection, skin loss, asymmetry and keloid scars are some of the risks. These will have been discussed prior to surgery with the surgeon as this is the best way to gain a clear insight into the procedure and allow you to make an informed decision about your surgery.

Aftercare:

Your wellbeing is our first priority.  To monitor your progress we will arrange appointments at appropriate intervals for follow-up examinations with your surgeon.  All your aftercare is fully included in the cost of surgery.

When you are discharged, care instructions will be given to you. You will be asked to sleep with your head raised for a few days after surgery.  This can be achieved with some extra pillows. You will have 24 hour access to trained staff that will be there to advise you should you have any questions or concerns.

1 week after surgery, one of our trained staff will see you and check your wounds.  If you have stitches which require removal, they will be removed at this stage.  The bandage around the head will also be removed at this time.  The surgeon who performed your surgery will see you after 6 weeks for a follow-up and as often as required until you are fully recovered. This follow-up is a standard and will be provided at no extra cost.

In the unlikely event of a problem, arrangements will be made for you to be seen by trained staff, and if required, by the surgeon who performed the procedure.  As all our surgeons live and work locally it is always possible to see your surgeon at relatively short notice, if required.  Our surgeons don’t leave the country, or indeed the local area after performing the surgery. On the rare occasion that the surgeon leaves the local area for other commitments, there will always be another trained plastic surgeon from our team available to provide care.
In the unlikely event of a complication which is directly related to your surgery, we will provide or arrange further surgery and/or treatment at no extra cost.