Prominent Ear Correction & Otoplasty Edinburgh Scotland
Transform your confidence with expert otoplasty and prominent ear correction at Quaba Plastic Surgery Edinburgh, featuring Scotland’s leading ear specialists. Mr Ken Stewart, president-elect of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction and the first surgeon in Scotland certified by the Royal College of Surgeons in all aspects of cosmetic surgery, alongside Mr Will Anderson, GMC Specialist Register consultant with over 15 years’ NHS experience, provide unparalleled expertise in ear reshaping procedures. Whether you’re seeking to address protruding ears, ear asymmetry, or wish to restore natural ear contours, our consultants offer both surgical otoplasty and split earlobe repair with techniques refined through extensive training and international recognition.
Ear correction overview
Prominent Ear Correction
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
Local
LENGTH OF SURGERY
1-2 Hours
NIGHTS IN HOSPITAL
Day case /outpatient
RECOVERY
Few days off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
What is pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty is the name given to the operation to correct prominent ears. The procedure is also known as otoplasty(oto = ear).
The operation involves shaping the skin and cartilage behind the ear so that it is pulled back to look less prominent. The procedure usually lasts between one and two hours. In adults, the procedure is generally carried out under local anaesthetic.
What to expect
Prominent ear correction
Prominent ear correction
You should expect to see an immediate improvement in the shape and projection of your ears. There is usually little in the way of bruising if a suture technique has been used.
Split ear lobe repair
Split ear lobe repair
You will see an immediate correction of your split earlobe. Stitches are removed at around 7 days. Your scars may be red and lumpy for up to six months.
What are the risks?
Prominent ear correction carries a high satisfaction rate.
The procedure has the following risks associated:
Bleeding
Bleeding
Uncommon with techniques that use stitches to remould the ear cartilage. If undetected can put pressure on the skin and cause delayed healing or loss of skin and subsequent ear deformity.
Infection
Infection
Relatively uncommon and may require treatment with antibiotics. Rarely, a severe infection can lead to pain and ear deformity.
Delayed wound healing
Delayed wound healing
Again uncommon but can result in the wound opening up and not healing properly.
Scars
Scars
Usually settle very well and hidden behind the ear. Rarely can be thickened and itchy (Keloid scar) and occurs in patients predisposed to this kind of scarring.
Under correction
Under correction
Not “pinning” the ear far back enough.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
You should expect minor degrees of asymmetry – this is normal.
Recurrence
Recurrence
A degree of recurrence can occur if the stitches fail.
Suture extrusion
Suture extrusion
The internal stitches used to correct prominent ears are buried and not dissolvable. In a small number of patients, they may be able to feel the knot of the suture or the stitch can protrude through the skin. If this occurs after 6 months, the stitch can be safely removed with a simple 5-minute procedure under local anaesthetic.
Revision
Revision
A small number of patients (approx. 5-10%) may require further surgery to correct residual problems.
Author
Dr Will Anderson is a fully accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Edinburgh on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (3679250). Having served as an NHS Consultant since 2008, he specialises in advanced reconstructive, cosmetic, and laser surgery. With global training and an MSc from University College London, he is renowned for his patient-centred care at Quaba Cosmetic Surgery.