Protruding ears are a common issue that can affect a person’s self-esteem, especially during the teens and young adulthood. Whether you’ve grown up feeling self-conscious about your ears or you’ve started to become more aware of their prominence, you might be considering options to address them. Otoplasty, often referred to as ear pinning surgery or pinnaplasty, is one of the most popular and effective solutions for reshaping and repositioning the ears.

What Are Protruding Ears?

Protruding ears are typically defined as ears that stick out more than 2cm from the side of the head. This is usually due to a lack of development in the antihelical fold, or an excess of conchal cartilage that makes the ears appear larger or more pronounced.

For some, protruding ears can be a source of teasing during childhood, and the effects can linger into adulthood. In some cases, individuals become highly self-conscious about their ears, leading to decreased confidence in social settings or an increased awareness of their appearance in photos or mirrors.

The Psychological Impact

Research has shown that people with protruding ears, particularly during adolescence, may experience higher levels of social anxiety and lower self-esteem. While not everyone with prominent ears feels this way, it’s common for people to feel more comfortable when their ears are more proportionate to their face.

Patient Review:
“Couldn’t be happier with the pinaplasy procedure done by Dr Nassab. Was slightly worried about the end result but it’s turned out perfect. Would highly recommend” – Rory

What Is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty, or pinnaplasty, is a procedure designed to correct the shape, position, or size of the ears. While it’s commonly referred to as ear pinning, otoplasty can involve several techniques depending on the individual’s needs.

This procedure is ideal for people whose ears protrude noticeably from the sides of their head or who have asymmetrical ears. The goal of otoplasty is to create a more natural ear contour and improve facial balance.

How Otoplasty Works

During otoplasty, we make an incision behind the ear to access the ear cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped or folded to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Sutures are used to maintain the new shape and position of the ear. In some cases, the ear may be pinned back closer to the head, while in others, the shape of the ear itself is adjusted to create a natural look.

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case, and can be performed under local or general anaesthesia.

Is Otoplasty Right for You?

The decision to undergo otoplasty is highly personal. Whether you’re male or female, if you’re between the ages of 18-65, you may be at a stage where you’re becoming more focused on your appearance, either due to social or professional reasons.

Who Should Consider Otoplasty?

You might be a good candidate for otoplasty if:

• You feel self-conscious about the size or shape of your ears.
• Your ears protrude significantly from your head.
• You are in good general health and have realistic expectations about the results.
• You are looking for a permanent solution to improve the appearance of your ears.

The Otoplasty Procedure: Step by Step

Let’s take a closer look at what to expect if you decide to undergo otoplasty.

Pre-Operative Consultation

During your initial consultation, our surgeon will assess the structure of your ears and discuss your concerns. This is the time to ask questions, share your expectations, and discuss the potential results. We will also go over your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

The Surgery

On the day of your surgery, you’ll be given either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of your case and your personal preference. Our surgeon will make incisions behind the ears to access the cartilage. They may remove or reshape some of the cartilage to create a more natural ear contour. Once the ears are in the desired position, they’ll be sutured in place.

Recovery

After surgery, your ears will be bandaged to help them maintain their new shape during the initial healing period. You might experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with pain relief medication. Most patients can return to work or their regular routine within a week, though it’s important to avoid any strenuous activities that could impact the healing process.

Recovery and Result

The initial healing process typically takes about one to two weeks, during which time your ears may feel tender or swollen. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure the best results. This might include wearing a headband to protect your ears at night, avoiding contact sports, and keeping the area clean to prevent infection.

The results of otoplasty are usually noticeable as soon as the bandages are removed, though the full outcome will be more apparent after the swelling subsides, usually within 4-6 weeks. We usually apply some glue to the ears at the time of the procedure and after 1-2 weeks this will come away and the ears will sit in their position. Whilst the glue is applied the ears will look more pinned back.

Most patients report a significant boost in confidence following the procedure, especially when the results are natural and proportionate to the rest of their facial features.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Otoplasty offers several benefits, both cosmetic and emotional. By addressing concerns about protruding ears, patients often feel more comfortable in social situations and experience a higher level of self-esteem.

Benefits include:

• A more balanced facial appearance.
• Permanent results that can last a lifetime.
• Subtle scarring that is hidden behind the ears.
• Minimal downtime, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week.
• Ability to wear hair up in female patients or have short hair in the male patients

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, otoplasty carries some risks. Potential complications include infection, scarring, overcorrection, or asymmetry. However, these risks are minimised when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon such as our team at CLNQ.

Alternatives to Otoplasty

If you’re hesitant about undergoing surgery, there were some alternatives available, such as earFold implants. These implants can be inserted under local anaesthesia to reshape the ears, though the results may not be as long-lasting or customisable as those achieved through otoplasty. These are now no longer produced and not available any more.

Conclusion

Pinnaplasty can be a life-changing procedure for those who feel self-conscious about their ears. By addressing protruding ears, many patients experience a significant boost in confidence and feel more comfortable in their own skin.

If you’re considering otoplasty, take the time to consult with our plastic surgeons at CLNQ in Manchester and Cheshire who can guide you through the process and help you achieve the best possible results.

Whether you’re male or female, in your 20s or 80s, otoplasty offers a permanent and effective solution for enhancing your appearance and improving your self-esteem.