Ear Correction in Edinburgh
Prominent ears can be corrected with an operation that reshapes the cartilage behind the ear, usually under local anaesthetic. Ear correction at Quaba Plastic Surgery is performed by Mr Ken Stewart – president-elect of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction and the first surgeon in Scotland to hold the Royal College of Surgeons certificate in all aspects of cosmetic surgery – and Mr Will Anderson, consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register, at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh.
Contents
Ear correction overview
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthesia.
- Length: 1-2 hours.
- Hospital stay: day case at Waterfront Private Hospital.
- Recovery time: a few days off work; six weeks before strenuous exercise.
What ear correction involves
Ear correction surgery (otoplasty, also called pinnaplasty) reshapes the skin and cartilage behind the ear so that a prominent ear sits closer to the head. The operation usually takes one to two hours and, in adults, is generally carried out under local anaesthetic as a day case.
Stitches are used to remould the cartilage and hold the new position, and the scars sit hidden behind the ear. Split earlobe repair – for lobes torn by earrings or stretched by piercings – is performed in the same way as a short local anaesthetic procedure.
Surgery takes place at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh. It is performed by Mr Ken Stewart – president-elect of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction and the first surgeon in Scotland to hold the Royal College of Surgeons certificate in all aspects of cosmetic surgery – and Mr Will Anderson, a consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 15 years of NHS experience.
Benefits of ear correction
Ear correction produces an immediate, visible change in the shape and projection of the ears, and the procedure carries a high satisfaction rate.
Prominent ear correction
You should expect an immediate improvement in the shape and projection of your ears. There is usually little bruising when a suture technique has been used.
Split earlobe repair
The split is corrected immediately. Stitches are removed at around seven days, and the scar may stay red and slightly lumpy for up to six months before settling.
Minor asymmetry between the ears is normal, both before and after surgery. The aim is balance rather than perfect symmetry, which does not exist naturally.
Who is an ideal candidate for ear correction?
A good candidate for ear correction is bothered by ears that project noticeably from the head, has realistic expectations, and is in good general health. For split earlobe repair, the only requirement is a torn or stretched lobe that has finished healing.
- Prominent or asymmetric ears, often concealed with hair or headwear
- Torn or stretched earlobes from earrings or heavy jewellery
- Good general health and realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve
Because adult ear correction is usually performed under local anaesthetic, it suits patients who want to avoid general anaesthesia. Your consultant examines the cartilage at consultation and confirms which technique fits your anatomy.
Risks and considerations of ear correction
Prominent ear correction carries a high satisfaction rate, and serious complications are uncommon. The risks associated with the procedure are set out below, and your consultant will explain how each applies to you at consultation.
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.
Aftercare and recovery after ear correction
Most patients take a few days off work after ear correction and return to strenuous exercise at six weeks. Discomfort in the first days is usually mild and managed with simple pain relief.
Detailed instructions are available on our ear correction aftercare page.
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available – if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
What is the cost of ear correction?
Ear correction under local anaesthesia starts from £4,500 at Waterfront Private Hospital.
- Prominent ear correction (local anaesthesia): from £4,500
- Split earlobe repair (one lobe): £1,100
- Split earlobe repair (both lobes): £1,950
Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee at Waterfront Private Hospital, and all post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged.
The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery. Our consultation fee with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200.
Frequently asked questions about ear correction
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my ear correction?
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my ear correction?
Yes. The consultant who assesses you at your first appointment – Mr Ken Stewart or Mr Will Anderson – plans your surgery, performs it at Waterfront Private Hospital and reviews you afterwards. There are no handovers between surgeons.
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available – if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
How much does ear correction cost?
How much does ear correction cost?
Prominent ear correction under local anaesthesia starts from £4,500 at Waterfront Private Hospital. Split earlobe repair costs £1,100 for one lobe or £1,950 for both. Prices cover the surgeon’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee, and all post-operative reviews. A consultation with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200.
Is otoplasty the same as pinnaplasty?
Is otoplasty the same as pinnaplasty?
Yes. Otoplasty and pinnaplasty are both names for the operation that corrects prominent ears, sometimes also called ear pinning. The procedure reshapes the cartilage behind the ear so the ear sits closer to the head.
Is ear correction painful?
Is ear correction painful?
Adult ear correction is performed under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself is not painful. Discomfort afterwards is usually mild and settles with simple pain relief over a few days.
Will there be visible scars after ear correction?
Will there be visible scars after ear correction?
The scars sit hidden behind the ear and usually settle very well. Rarely, they can become thickened and itchy (keloid scarring) in patients predisposed to that kind of scarring.
Can my ears become prominent again after surgery?
Can my ears become prominent again after surgery?
A degree of recurrence can occur if the internal stitches fail, and around 5 to 10% of patients need further surgery to correct residual problems. Minor asymmetry between the ears is normal and expected.
How long does split earlobe repair take to heal?
How long does split earlobe repair take to heal?
Stitches are removed at around seven days. The scar can stay red and slightly lumpy for up to six months before it settles.
What experience do your surgeons have in ear surgery?
What experience do your surgeons have in ear surgery?
Mr Ken Stewart is president-elect of the International Society for Auricular Reconstruction and the first surgeon in Scotland to hold the Royal College of Surgeons certificate in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Mr Will Anderson is a consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 15 years of NHS experience. Both perform ear correction at Waterfront Private Hospital.
Author
Mr 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 reconstructive, cosmetic and laser surgery, and holds an MSc from University College London. He practises at Quaba Plastic Surgery and Waterfront Private Hospital.