Otoplasty (Ear Reshaping Surgery)

Otoplasty corrects the size, shape, or position of the ears — most commonly prominent ears — through incisions hidden behind the ear in the natural crease. Performed under local anaesthetic as a day-case at Centre for Surgery on adults aged 18 and over only.

Otoplasty Ear Surgery in London

Otoplasty — also called pinnaplasty, ear pinning, or ear reshaping surgery — corrects the size, shape, or position of the ears to improve their appearance and bring them into better balance with the face. The most common indication is prominent ears (ears that protrude too far from the head), but otoplasty also addresses overly large ears (macrotia), asymmetric ears, congenital deformities, and post-traumatic changes including cauliflower ear.

The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic with optional sedation as a day-case, taking 1–2 hours. Incisions are hidden behind the ear in the natural crease, leaving minimal visible scarring. A supportive headband is worn continuously for 5–7 days, then at night only for around one month. Most patients return to desk work within 7–10 days.

At Centre for Surgery, otoplasty is performed on adults aged 18 and over only. Surgery is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register at our CQC-regulated Baker Street facility. A two-week cooling-off period after your consultation is standard.

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Otoplasty Before & After Photos

All patients consented to their images being used for educational purposes. Individual results vary based on starting ear anatomy, technique used, cartilage characteristics, and healing. A wider gallery of otoplasty results is available to view at your in-person consultation. You can also browse our full range of procedure results at the .

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What is Otoplasty Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes, repositions, or reduces the ears to improve their appearance. Several distinct procedures fall under the otoplasty umbrella:

The two main causes of prominent ears — an underdeveloped anti-helical fold and an overdeveloped conchal bowl.

The most commonly performed otoplasty procedure. Pinnaplasty corrects prominent ears — ears that protrude too far from the head — by reshaping or repositioning the ear cartilage to sit closer to the skull. The two most common causes of prominent ears are an overdeveloped concha (too much cartilage in the central bowl of the ear) and an underdeveloped anti-helical fold (the inner ridge of the ear that normally provides the first fold). In practice, both factors are often present together.

Reduces the overall size of ears that are disproportionately large relative to the face. The surgeon removes excess skin and cartilage to reduce ear height and/or width. The medical term for excessively large ears is macrotia.

Addresses structural abnormalities from birth (such as cupped, lop, or shell ear deformities) or post-traumatic changes (such as cauliflower ear from repeated cartilage injury in contact sports). More complex cases may require cartilage grafting from the rib or other sources.

corrects split, stretched, or torn earlobes from earring trauma, gauge wearing, or injury. reduces enlarged, elongated, or age-related large earlobes. Both are available as standalone procedures or combined with other ear surgery.

We perform otoplasty on adults aged 18 and over only. While otoplasty is commonly performed on children at other clinics, our policy is to operate on adults only — in keeping with our broader approach of ensuring patients can give fully informed, independent consent for permanent cosmetic surgery.

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Benefits of Ear Surgery

For patients who are self-conscious about ear appearance, otoplasty delivers specific, lasting benefits:

Otoplasty produces permanent changes to ear position and shape. Once the cartilage has healed in its new configuration, the result is lasting without maintenance or repeat procedures.

Otoplasty consistently achieves among the highest patient satisfaction rates of any cosmetic surgical procedure — because the concern (prominent or asymmetric ears) is specific and TRT Overview the surgical correction is reliable and predictable.

Incisions are placed behind the ear in the natural crease where the ear meets the skull — once healed, they’re virtually imperceptible. For most patients there is no externally visible evidence of surgery.

Otoplasty is performed as a day case — you arrive, have the procedure, and go home the same day. No overnight stay required.

Most patients return to desk work within 7–10 days. The main restriction is wearing a supportive headband — continuously for 5–7 days, then at night only for approximately one month.

Otoplasty can address asymmetry between the two ears, correcting differences in projection, fold definition, or size.

Beyond purely aesthetic concerns, otoplasty corrects structural ear changes from injury (cauliflower ear, laceration damage) and congenital deformities that have been present from birth.

For patients with prominent ears, repositioning can improve the fit and comfort of glasses and hats that previously caught on or didn’t sit properly.

What are the different types of Ear Surgery?

Otoplasty encompasses a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery to address the size, shape, and position of the ear and earlobe. The main types performed at Centre for Surgery are:

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The five main types of ear surgery offered at Centre for Surgery.

Ear reduction is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of disproportionately large ears (macrotia). Excess skin and cartilage are removed to reduce ear height and width, producing more proportionate facial balance. Ear reduction can target the whole ear or specific sections. Stretched earlobes from heavy jewellery or gauge wearing can also be addressed as part of ear reduction, or as a separate earlobe procedure.

Congenital ear deformities (cupped, lop, shell, helical rim abnormalities) can be surgically corrected in adult patients. Post-traumatic deformities — including from repeated blunt trauma in contact sports (rugby, boxing, martial arts) — are addressed by correcting the overlying skin and removing underlying scar tissue and calcified cartilage. Complex cases may require rib cartilage grafting. Skin cancers affecting the ear require excision combined with appropriate reconstruction — the approach depends on the site and extent of the lesion.

Pinnaplasty corrects prominent, protruding ears by reshaping or repositioning the ear cartilage to reduce the angle between the ear and skull. The two main causes of prominent ears are an overdeveloped concha (too much cartilage in the ear bowl) and an underdeveloped anti-helical fold (the inner ridge of the ear). Several surgical techniques address these — the appropriate technique depends on which anatomical factor is dominant. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours under local anaesthetic. Pinnaplasty can significantly improve self-confidence for adults who have been self-conscious about prominent ears throughout their lives. At Centre for Surgery, pinnaplasty is performed on adults aged 18 and over only.

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Ideal candidates for Otoplasty

The ideal candidate for otoplasty is an adult (18 or older) with a specific, stable concern about ear appearance — whether prominent ears, large ears, asymmetric ears, or post-traumatic changes — who has realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

We perform otoplasty on adults aged 18 and over only. This is a firm policy. While ear cartilage is fully developed well before adulthood, our approach to permanent cosmetic surgery is that patients should be able to give fully independent, informed consent — which we associate with adulthood. This policy applies regardless of parental consent.

Non-smoker or willing to stop for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery. No uncontrolled medical conditions. No active ear infections, skin conditions affecting the ear, or keloid scarring history (keloid formers have increased risk of abnormal scarring from any incision behind the ear).

The best outcomes occur when the patient has a clear, stable concern about ear appearance that has been present for some time — not a recent change driven by a social event, relationship pressure, or external comparison. The concern should be objectively present (clinically prominent ears, objectively asymmetric ears) rather than a perceived issue within normal variation.

Otoplasty improves ear appearance within natural anatomical limits — it doesn’t produce perfect symmetry (natural ears are rarely perfectly symmetric), and results vary based on cartilage thickness, skin elasticity, and healing. The final result takes 3–6 months to settle as swelling resolves.

Recovery involves wearing a supportive headband continuously for 5–7 days, then at night only for approximately one month. Patients who can’t commit to this — for professional, social, or comfort reasons — need to plan surgery timing accordingly.

Patients with a known tendency toward keloid or hypertrophic scarring have a higher risk of abnormal scarring from the post-auricular (behind-the-ear) incision. This should be discussed openly at consultation.

Otoplasty Techniques

In otoplasty, two families of surgical technique are recognised. Cartilage moulding techniques preserve the cartilage entirely, relying on suture placement to reshape and reposition. Cartilage breaking (scoring or excision) techniques involve modifying or removing cartilage to achieve correction. The appropriate technique depends on the specific anatomical problem and the surgeon’s assessment.

The most commonly used cartilage-preserving technique. The Mustarde method uses mattress sutures placed through the full thickness of the cartilage at the back of the ear to restore the anti-helical fold. No cartilage is removed. The technique addresses abnormalities of the upper third of the ear and is simple to perform with reliable results. Used when the main problem is an underdeveloped anti-helical fold.

The Furnas method addresses a deep conchal bowl (where the ear bowl itself is too prominent). Sutures fix the conchal cartilage permanently to the mastoid fascia (the tissue over the skull behind the ear), retracting the ear closer to the head. The Furnas method can be combined with the Mustarde method when both an underdeveloped anti-helical fold and a prominent conchal bowl are present.

The four main otoplasty surgical techniques — cartilage moulding (top row) versus cartilage breaking (bottom row).

A partial-thickness excision along the rim of the conchal cartilage. The Farrior method produces a less aggressive correction to the antihelix — appropriate for patients needing moderate correction with preservation of natural ear contour.

A more aggressive technique suited for adults with robust, thicker cartilage. The Converse method involves excision of a strip of cartilage positioned anteriorly (toward the front of the ear), producing more pronounced pinning and simultaneous correction of the anti-helical fold. Used when a more dramatic correction is needed and suture techniques alone would be insufficient.

Your surgeon will assess your specific cartilage characteristics and the nature of the protrusion at consultation and recommend the technique best suited to your anatomy.

What happens during otoplasty surgery

The anatomy of the external ear — key structures relevant to otoplasty.

Otoplasty is performed as a day-case procedure at our Baker Street facility.

Most otoplasty at Centre for Surgery is performed under local anaesthetic with optional mild oral sedation — you remain awake and comfortable throughout. TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) is available for patients who prefer to be fully asleep, or for combined procedures. TIVA is the safest form of general anaesthesia for day-case facial surgery, using only intravenous agents with no inhaled gases. Your surgeon will discuss the appropriate anaesthetic option at consultation.

The five steps of an otoplasty procedure — from local anaesthetic to headband application.

Approximately 1–2 hours for bilateral otoplasty (both ears). Unilateral (one ear) takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Combined procedures (with earlobe repair or reduction) take additional time.

Otoplasty can be performed on one or both ears. If you have large earlobes, can be combined at the same time. Otoplasty consistently achieves among the highest patient satisfaction rates of any cosmetic surgical procedure.

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Recovery after otoplasty

Otoplasty recovery timeline — from first week to final results.

Otoplasty recovery is straightforward for most patients. The headband is the main practical constraint during recovery — not pain.

You go home the same day wearing a supportive headband. A responsible adult must drive you and stay with you overnight.

Some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the ears — well-controlled with paracetamol. The ears feel tender and numb. Keep your head elevated. Sleep on your back. Do not bend over or lie on your side. Wear the headband at all times — do not remove it, get it wet, or alter it. A wet or damaged headband increases infection risk.

Clinical review at our clinic — wound check and headband removal. Most swelling has settled significantly by this point. Most patients return to desk work around day 7–10.

Bruising fully resolved. Headband worn at night only (to protect the ears during sleep) for approximately one month from surgery. Avoid glasses resting on the ear for 3 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.

Surgeon review. Daytime headband wearing complete. Contact sports, rugby, boxing, and other activities risking ear impact avoided for 6 weeks minimum.

Final result establishes as all residual swelling resolves and cartilage settles. Full assessment at 6-week and 3-month follow-up appointments.

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Risks and complications of otoplasty

Otoplasty is one of the safer cosmetic surgical procedures but carries risks that should be understood before proceeding.

Expected for 1–2 weeks, not complications.

Temporary altered sensation around the ear is common after otoplasty and typically resolves within 2–6 weeks. Permanent sensory change is rare.

Uncommon. The risk is reduced by keeping the headband dry and intact during the first week and following post-operative care instructions. Perichondritis (infection of the ear cartilage) is a more serious but rare complication that requires prompt antibiotic treatment.

Blood collection under the skin, typically in the first 24 hours. Small haematomas may resolve spontaneously; larger ones need drainage. This is the most common reason for early return to clinic after otoplasty.

Perfect symmetry between the two ears is rarely achievable — natural ears are not perfectly symmetric. Minor residual asymmetry is common and usually acceptable. Significant asymmetry may require revision.

Sutures occasionally loosen or cut through cartilage over time, causing partial return of ear prominence. More common in patients with thick, springy cartilage. Revision surgery is possible if recurrence is significant.

The post-auricular scar (behind the ear) typically heals invisibly. Patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring have higher risk of abnormal scar formation — this should be discussed at consultation.

Internal sutures occasionally work their way through the skin and become visible or palpable behind the ear. Usually managed simply by removing the protruding suture under local anaesthetic.

Very rare. More likely in smokers. Smoking cessation for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery significantly reduces this risk.

A small proportion of patients require revision otoplasty for insufficient correction, recurrence, or asymmetry. Revision surgery carries its own risks and requires careful planning.

Local anaesthetic has a favourable safety profile. For patients choosing TIVA, additional anaesthetic risks apply but remain low in healthy, well-assessed patients.

At Centre for Surgery, risks are minimised by careful patient selection, thorough pre-operative assessment, and consistent post-operative monitoring. Our surgeons discuss all risks at consultation.

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How much does an otoplasty cost in London?

At Centre for Surgery, bilateral otoplasty (both ears) typically costs £3,500–£4,500. Unilateral otoplasty (one ear only) typically costs £2,500–£3,000. Earlobe repair or reduction combined with otoplasty is priced according to the additional scope involved.

0% APR finance available through Chrysalis Finance. Monthly payments typically from £110–£150/month for standalone bilateral otoplasty.

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Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance or the NHS. Price should not be the determining factor when choosing your surgeon — make sure whoever you choose is on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery and a member of BAPRAS or BAAPS.

Why choose Centre for Surgery for otoplasty

Otoplasty requires precise cartilage assessment, correct technique selection, and accurate suture placement — errors produce asymmetry, recurrence, or unnatural contour that is difficult to correct in revision surgery.

All otoplasty at Centre for Surgery is performed exclusively by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register for plastic surgery — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons are members of BAPRAS and ISAPS. We don’t use cosmetic doctors or non-specialist practitioners for otoplasty.

Our purpose-built private hospital at 95–97 Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission, which awarded us a "Good" rating.

We perform otoplasty on adults aged 18 and over only. This policy reflects our commitment to ensuring every patient can give fully independent, informed consent for permanent cosmetic surgery.

We offer cartilage moulding (Mustarde, Furnas) and cartilage excision (Farrior, Converse) techniques — so the recommendation at consultation is always the technique that fits your specific cartilage anatomy rather than defaulting to one approach.

If your ears fall within normal variation and your concern is driven by external pressure or recent events, we’ll discuss this openly. If a different approach would serve you better, we’ll say so.

Standard and not optional for any cosmetic surgery at our clinic.

Our postoperative support programme was described as ‘outstanding’ by the CQC. This includes 24/7 surgeon-led clinical access for the first 48 hours, a dedicated patient coordinator, wound check at 1 week, surgeon review at 6 weeks, and 3-month assessment.

Your initial in-person consultation is £100, redeemable against the cost of surgery if you proceed.

Further reading about otoplasty

FAQs

What To Expect

Your journey begins with a face-to-face consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons at Baker Street, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. Your surgeon will listen carefully to your concerns, examine both ears clinically — assessing cartilage characteristics, the degree of protrusion, anti-helical fold definition, conchal bowl depth, and any asymmetry between the two ears — and give you an honest assessment of what otoplasty can realistically achieve for your specific anatomy. This assessment determines which technique is most appropriate: suture-based (Mustarde, Furnas), cartilage scoring or excision (Farrior, Converse), or a combination. Your surgeon will explain the planned approach, where the incision will be placed, and what the expected recovery looks like including the headband protocol. Clinical photography is taken from multiple angles for the surgical record. You'll discuss anaesthetic options (local anaesthetic with oral sedation vs TIVA), risks, recovery, and any medications you'll need to stop beforehand. If your ears fall within normal variation and your concern is driven by external pressure or a recent event, your surgeon will discuss this openly. We'd rather advise against surgery when it isn't warranted than operate on everyone who asks. A mandatory two-week cooling-off period applies before surgery is booked. You are welcome to return for further consultations at any point before your surgery date at no additional cost.

Once the two-week cooling-off period has passed, our pre-operative assessment team will confirm medical fitness for surgery. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery — smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of skin necrosis and poor wound healing around the ear. Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and anti-inflammatories at least 2 weeks before. Review all supplements with your surgeon (vitamin E, fish oil, ginkgo, garlic affect bleeding). Avoid alcohol for 48 hours before. If you wear glasses, arrange an alternative (contact lenses if possible) as glasses cannot rest on the ear for 3 weeks after surgery. On the day: for standalone otoplasty under local anaesthetic, formal fasting isn't required — you can eat normally before your appointment. For any procedure under TIVA (if you choose to be fully asleep, or for combined procedures): no food for 6 hours before, clear fluids (water only) up to 2 hours before. Your surgeon or anaesthetist will confirm which applies. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't need to go over your head. Tie or clip hair back to keep it away from the ears. Arrange a responsible adult to collect you from the clinic and stay with you overnight — this is required regardless of whether you have local or general anaesthesia.

Arrive at our Baker Street clinic on time. An admission nurse will complete formal admission — checking identification and consent documentation, recording baseline vital signs, and dispensing post-operative medications. If TIVA is planned, your anaesthetist will see you to confirm fitness. Your surgeon will obtain final written consent, confirm the operative plan, and mark the surgical sites on the ears. Any last questions are answered before you go through to theatre. Most otoplasty is performed under local anaesthetic with optional mild oral sedation. Local anaesthetic is infiltrated around the ear — brief stinging for 15–20 seconds before complete numbness. Oral sedation (taken 60 minutes before) helps you relax without affecting your ability to respond. TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) is available if preferred — the safest form of general anaesthesia for day-case facial surgery, using only intravenous agents with no inhaled gases. The procedure takes 1–2 hours for bilateral otoplasty. Your surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear in the natural crease, accesses the cartilage, applies the planned technique (Mustarde, Furnas, Farrior, Converse, or a combination), secures the cartilage in its new position with internal sutures, and closes the incision with fine dissolvable sutures. A supportive headband is applied over both ears before you leave theatre. After a short stay in our recovery suite, you'll go home the same day with post-operative medications, detailed written instructions, and a direct emergency contact number for the first 48 hours. A responsible adult must collect you.

Once home, you have 24/7 surgeon-led clinical support for the first 48 hours via a direct emergency contact number. Discomfort is usually mild and managed with paracetamol. Some bruising and swelling around the ears is normal in the first week. Days 1–5: wear the supportive headband at all times — do not remove it, get it wet, or alter it. Sleep on your back with head elevated. Avoid bending over. Do not lie on your side. Days 5–7: wound check at our clinic and headband removal. Wounds are inspected and a new headband given for nighttime-only wear. Most swelling has settled noticeably by this point. Most patients return to work around day 7–10. Weeks 2–4: headband worn at night only for approximately one month from surgery. Avoid glasses resting on the ear for 3 weeks. Avoid strenuous exercise for 4 weeks. Week 6: surgeon review. Contact sports and activities risking ear impact avoided until week 6 minimum. Months 3–6: final result establishes as all residual swelling resolves and cartilage settles in its new position. Our post-op team calls regularly during the first two weeks — if anything concerns you, we'll often book you in to see a nurse the same day. Our postoperative support programme was described as 'outstanding' by the CQC.

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All procedures at Centre for Surgery are performed exclusively by GMC specialist-registered consultant plastic surgeons — the highest qualification available in the UK. Our surgeons hold positions on the GMC Specialist Register and are members of BAPRAS and ISAPS, ensuring you receive care from fully credentialled specialists, not cosmetic doctors.



Our purpose-built private hospital at Baker Street, Marylebone is independently regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which awarded us a Good rating — a standard very few cosmetic surgery facilities in the UK achieve. We use TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia) as standard, the safest and most advanced form of anaesthesia available for day case surgery.



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