Ear pinning (pinnaplasty) operation: treatment summary

What is pinnaplasty?

Pinnaplasty is an operation to correct ears that stick out to the sides more than you would like. The operation involves re-shaping the cartilage in the ear, and using stitches to hold the ears back. Sometimes these stitches are used alone. Usually, both ears need to be treated.

The operation is usually performed as a day-case procedure, which means you will not need to stay in hospital overnight. Pinnaplasty is often done under general anaesthesia. This means you will be asleep throughout the operation. The operation can also be done under local anaesthesia, which means that you will still be awake, but the area will be completely numb. If you have the operation under local anaesthesia, you may also be offered a sedative to help you relax.

Your surgeon will explain how you can expect your ears to look after having a pinnaplasty, and will discuss the associated risks and alternatives.

About the operation

During the operation, your surgeon makes cuts behind each ear. The cartilage may be re-shaped, folded, or some of it may be removed. Then stitches are used to hold the ear back in its new position. The operation usually takes one to two hours.

Your ears are likely to ache in the first few days after the procedure and can be tender for several weeks. Your ears may feel a little numb after the operation but this usually settles within a few weeks. Sometimes, the tight bandage covering the ears can make you feel dizzy. This usually settles after a couple of days. The procedure will leave a faint scar behind the ear. This will fade in time, but occasionally it stays red and lumpy.

Pinnaplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe surgical procedure. People with prominent ears can be very distressed by the way they look, so for most people, the benefits are greater than the disadvantages. However, all operations carry risks as well as benefits.

Specific complications of pinnaplasty are uncommon but can include an infection in the wound that may make the ear swollen and weepy. This can normally be treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes, but in rare cases further surgery may be needed to drain the infected area.

It is also possible to develop a blood clot in the ear. This may dissolve naturally or may need to be softened with ear drops or drawn out with a needle. Occasionally there can be some loss of skin near the area. This may need to be repaired with a skin graft.

The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. Ask your surgeon to explain in more detail how any risks apply to you.