Pinnaplasty / Otoplasty (adult unilateral) | HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Pinnaplasty / Otoplasty (adult unilateral)

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> Pinnaplasty / Otoplasty (adult unilateral)

What is an pinnoplasty / otoplasty?

A unilateral pinnoplasty, also known as an otoplasty, is an operation to improve the appearance of one of your ears.

Is an pinnoplasty suitable for me?

You are most likely to benefit from an otoplasty if one or more of the following conditions apply to you.

You are self-conscious about the size or shape of your ears.
You are being teased and this is causing you distress.
You have unusually-shaped ears.

An otoplasty will not improve your physical health. For this reason, the operation should be performed only if the aim is to improve your self-confidence and to make you more comfortable with your appearance.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Your ears should have a better shape.

Most people who have a successful otoplasty are more comfortable with their appearance.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

For adults, surgery is the only option to change the shape of your ears.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is usually performed under a local anaesthetic.

The operation usually takes about an hour.

Your surgeon will make a cut at the back of your ear and peel off some skin from the cartilage. They will change the shape of the cartilage so your ear lies closer to your head.

Through the same cut at the back of your ear, your surgeon may also make a cut just inside the cartilage so they can peel back the skin from the front of the cartilage and lightly score it. This technique tends to make the cartilage bend towards your head.

Your surgeon will pack your ears with moulding material and place a dressing on your head to give your ears support.

What complications can happen?

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection
Unsightly scarring of your skin

Specific complications of this operation

Cosmetic problems
Cauliflower ear

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after.

For a few weeks, while the swelling and bruising settles, rest and do not do strenuous exercise.

You can return to work after the head dressing has been removed but you may want to wait another 1 to 2 weeks until it is difficult to tell that you have had surgery.

Do not play sports for 6 weeks.

The results of an pinnoplasty are usually permanent.

Availability

Private

Pricing*

Consultant

£898

Anaesthetist

355

Hospital

£2057

Prices start from

£3310

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

A unilateral pinnoplasty is an operation to improve the appearance of one of your ears. The operation should be performed only if the aim is to improve your self-confidence and to make you more comfortable with your appearance. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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I can’t thank everyone enough for the amazing care given. Such lovely attentive nurses. I will definitely recommend St Hughs and Mr Riaz and his team. Brilliant hospital.

Could not fault anything about my stay in St Hughs. Everybody was wonderful. Thank you all.

Everybody was kind, considerate and a jolly bunch, which helps to put you at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that they know what they are doing. 5 stars.

All staff extremely kind, patient and friendly. A credit to the hospital. Thank you.

Very good hospital and very good staff. I have never met so many caring people in one place. The nursing was 1st class. The encouragement to walk was also very good.

I had an amazing experience during my time at St Hugh’s Hospital, from my initial consultation to the aftercare following my procedure. Communication with the cosmetic nurse was brilliant; every member of staff I met was kind respectful, caring and polite. My surgeon was fantastic, so professional and kind, I trusted his knowledge completely.