An otoplasty, also known as a pinnaplasty, is an ear reshaping surgical procedure to correct prominent ears.
Ear pinning is performed if you are distressed about how far your ears stick out from your head, if you feel they are too large in proportion to your head or, if your ears are misshapen due to an injury or birth defect.
An otoplasty is usually carried out under local or general anaesthetic and takes one to two hours to perform.
Your surgeon will make incisions behind your ear so that scars are not normally visible.
They may re-shape, fold or remove your ear cartilage and use stitches to hold your ear in its new position. When surgery is complete, the incisions behind your ear will be closed with sutures.
Otoplasty is normally performed on both ears but sometimes just one.
The benefits of ear correction are that it can help you feel more comfortable with the appearance of your ears and you don’t suffer embarrassment or unwanted attention caused by protruding or irregular shaped ears.
Otoplasty aims to create more natural, proportionate and symmetrical looking ears that are closer to your head.
The cost of your otoplasty procedure will depend on what you require from the surgery. This will be discussed in detail with your surgeon at your consultation.
Following your consultation, you will receive a TotalCare package price where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price delivers direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. All packages include unlimited* post discharge outpatient care commencing the day you leave hospital plus one follow up consultation.
We also offer a number of finance options to pay for your surgery, including 0% Finance.
Your otoplasty may be performed as a day case procedure or you may need a one-night stay in hospital.
You will have a dressing around your head, covering your ears. Your surgeon will advise you how long to keep this in place and if you should wear a smaller and lighter headband to protect your ears once it is removed.
You may have some pain initially and you will be prescribed painkillers that you should take regularly for the first few days. You may also have some swelling and bruising that will subside over time.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to assess your progress and let you know when you can resume your normal activities.
You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and swimming for six weeks following surgery.
You can expect to take at least a week off work. This will depend on your individual circumstances and your type of employment.
After your bandages are removed and the swelling has gone down, you will be able to see improvements to the contour of your newly shaped ear.
Otoplasty is a very precise corrective surgery and should only be performed by a consultant plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon who is fully qualified and experienced to skilfully perform this type of surgery.
At Ramsay Health Care you can rest-assured that you are in safe hands. Our reputable GMC registered surgeons are on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery, are specialised in otoplasty surgery, and have worked in both the NHS and private sector. They offer rapid access to convenient appointments for your consultation and surgery as well as full and clear information about your otoplasty procedure.
Ramsay hospitals are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for the very best clinical outcomes.
We also offer a 14-day ‘cooling off period’ following your consultation to give you time to consider your decision fully.
Ramsay is a leading provider of cosmetic surgery with over 20 years of expertise and is dedicated to providing you with a personal, friendly and professional service.
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