Ears can be reshaped surgically to enhance your overall cosmetic appearance.

The procedures routinely undertaken for this purpose are:

• Bat ear (ears which stick out) correction
• To reduce or increase the size of the ears
• Correction of oddly shaped ears
• Creases or wrinkle corrections in front of the ear

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who can have this procedure?

Anybody from age 5 upwards can have this procedure. The younger you are, the more flexible your ear cartilage is and hence is more mouldable to the desired shape.

I am interested in having this procedure. What happens now?

A consultation with our Plastic Surgeon is arranged for you. Realistic expectations are established before an offer for surgery is confirmed. After you have made an informed decision about the procedure, a consent form will have to be signed by you. Further to this clinical photographs will be taken as part of the before and after comparison process.

Our Surgeon may wish to write to your General Practitioner for clarification of your medical history and regular drugs prior to surgery. He may also need to inform your GP after the procedure is undertaken.

 

What sort of Anaesthesia will I need?

Most patients have Otoplasty under Local anaesthesia. However some patients will need to have general anaesthesia.

 

How is the surgical procedure performed?

The procedure will take place in the state of the art theatre within our clinic.

It can take between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

An incision is made on the scalp, just behind the ear. Depending on the type of procedure being undertaken, our Surgeon will work to pin the ears back or mould the cartilage to the right shape.

On closure of the wound dissolvable stitches are placed in the area.

 

How long will I take to recover?

Down time is minimal and it is generally 24 to 48 hours before patients can go back to school or work. Contact sports should be avoided for 2 months.

 

What are the risks?

Mild bruising, swelling and tenderness following the surgery are common.

Occasionally skin numbness around the scar can occur.

Rarely some bleeding and infection may occur.

Very rarely Anaesthetic reactions do occur.

Very unusually, ears are slightly lopsided after surgery and need another operation to set it right.

Although results are permanent, ears always show some amount of forward movement, due to the elastic nature of the ear cartilage.

 

How will the scar look afterwards?

A thin white scar which is almost invisible will be hidden in the ear crease. Very occasionally lumpy scar/keloid tissue due to excess scar tissue develops.

 

What ‘after’ care will I need to follow?

A ‘post surgery’ instruction leaflet will be handed to you with detailed information about the matter.

• Over the counter painkillers may be needed.
• Remember to keep your hands away from your ears and not touch them.
• Bandages will be removed after 5-10 days.
• Avoid contact sports for 2 months.
• Contact us if you have any concerns.

Who will do my surgery?

Mr Peter Ashby and Mr Davood Fallahdar are fully trained Plastic Surgeons with vast experience in this field.

 

What is the cost of treatment?

Cosmetic ear surgery, especially for adults is unlikely to be offered free on the NHS. Please see your General Practitioner to confirm this before you make a decision to see us. Prices range from £1000 to £2500 and will depend on the type of surgery required and the complexity of the procedure.