Ear pinning (pinnaplasty)
A procedure designed to reshape your ears and help you feel more confident about your appearance.
We offer a straightforward procedure to reposition and reshape your ears, creating a more balanced look and helping them sit closer to your head for a natural, harmonious appearance.
Sometimes also called
- Ear pinning surgery
- Otoplasty
At a glance
-
Typical hospital stay
Day case -
Procedure duration
1–2 hours -
Type of anaesthetic
General or local -
Available to self-pay?
Yes -
Covered by health insurance?
Some insurers, by exception
Why Spire?
- Fast access to treatment when you need it
- Expert, personalised treatments
- Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
- Clear, simple pricing and flexible payment options
Being unhappy with the way your ears look can have a significant impact on your self-confidence.
Why you might need it
You may decide you want this procedure because you feel your ears stick out too much or are too large, or you're not happy with their shape. Whatever the reason, we can help.
During this procedure, which is also known as pinnaplasty or otoplasty, small cuts are made behind each ear so cartilage can be re-shaped, folded or removed to give you a shape you're happy with.
We pride ourselves on our clinical excellence, you'll be looked after by an experienced multi-disciplinary care team.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see and when you want. They’ll be with you every step of the way: from giving advice at your first consultation, through to offering on-going support after your surgery.
All of our consultant surgeons are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well equipped hospitals.
A consultant surgeon's reputation, qualifications and experience are vitally important, so we only work with consultant grade specialists. These are highly experienced consultants who have completed years of medical training.
All our consultant surgeons are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC), and many are also members of the UK’s leading cosmetic and plastic surgery associations.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
The procedure
We understand that having surgery can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you, holding your hand, every step of the way.
Ear pinning normally takes between one and two hours. It can be performed under general anaesthetic, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure, or under local anaesthetic. This means the area to be operated on will be numb but you'll be awake. If you have a local anaesthetic, we may offer you a sedative to help you relax.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make cuts behind each ear. The cartilage may be re-shaped, folded, or some of it removed depending on what you agreed with your surgeon. Stitches are then used to hold the ear back in its new position.
Aftercare
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home. You’ll usually be able to return home later the same day following ear pinning.
Pain relief
Your ears may be sore, tender and feel numb for a few days, and you may experience a tingling in your ears for a few weeks. You may particularly be aware of this during the night. You can use over-the-counter pain relief to ease these symptoms.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
After ear pinning surgery, your consultant will advise you on how to make your recovery as quick as possible.
You will need to wear a compressive garment over your head and ears for the first 24 to 72 hours. In the first week after the procedure the garment can generally be removed and the patient can return to work or school.
End results
You should be able to see the end results in six weeks or less, and any swelling should be completely subsided within three months.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive.
Looking after you
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After ear pinning, typically our consultants will want to see you after your procedure to see how you are doing. An appointment will be made for you before you leave hospital.
On rare occasions, complications following ear pinning can occur. If you experience any of these symptoms – redness and swelling around the scar or stitches being pushed out – please call us straight away. Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.
What is pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty, also known as otoplasty or ear pinning surgery, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reshape or reposition the ears for a more natural and symmetrical appearance. It can help reduce the prominence of protruding or irregularly shaped ears, improving facial balance and confidence.
Reasons for having pinnaplasty
People choose to have pinnaplasty to improve the appearance of their ears. The procedure can be performed on children and adults, helping to boost confidence and self-esteem.
Is pinnaplasty surgery right for you?
Pinnaplasty may be suitable if you’re unhappy with the shape or position of your ears and are in good overall health. However, it isn’t recommended if you have recurrent ear infections or hearing problems, for example. For children, it’s usually advised once the ears are fully developed (around age 5 and older).
Alternative treatments to pinnaplasty
Non-surgical options, such as ear moulding or splinting, can help reshape ears in very young children when the cartilage is still soft. These methods are less effective for older children and adults, where surgery may be the better choice.
Find your nearest Spire hospital
Many of our hospitals offer private ear pinning (pinnaplasty), performed by experienced consultant plastic surgeons specialising in cosmetic ear surgery.
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How pinnaplasty surgery works
During pinnaplasty surgery, small cuts are made behind the ears, usually in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. This allows the consultant to access the cartilage, which can then be reshaped, folded, or trimmed to bring the ears closer to the head and improve symmetry.
Once the desired shape is achieved, the ears are stitched into their new position, and the wounds are closed. The exact technique may vary depending on your goals and the work needed.
What to expect during the procedure
Pinnaplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic, depending on your consultant’s recommendation, and sometimes with sedation as well.
To prepare for surgery, it’s helpful to quit smoking, follow a balanced diet, and stay active, as this can support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
If your surgery is under general anaesthetic, you will need to fast (avoiding food and drink) for the period specified in your admissions letter.
When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown, and your care team will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have.
Most patients can go home the same day.
Who will be involved?
Your pinnaplasty will be performed by a specialist cosmetic surgeon who will be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Your care team will also include an anaesthetist and nurses.
How long does pinnaplasty take?
The duration of pinnaplasty varies depending on each case, but it typically takes 1–2 hours.
Anaesthetic choices
Pinnaplasty in adults is typically carried out under local anaesthetic with a sedative to help you relax. Children often need general anaesthetic to keep them asleep throughout the procedure. Your anaesthetist will discuss the best option for you before surgery.
Pain during and after pinnaplasty surgery
Local anaesthetic ensures you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, mild tenderness or swelling is normal and usually settles within a week. Your care team will advise on suitable pain relief and aftercare.
What to expect after pinnaplasty surgery
After your pinnaplasty, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where your care team will monitor you as the anaesthetic wears off. It’s common to feel a little drowsy, nauseous or light-headed at first, but this should pass within 24 hours.
A dressing or bandage will be placed around your head to protect your wounds.
You can usually go home the same day after you’ve had something to eat and drink, passed urine, and can move around comfortably.
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Recovering from pinnaplasty surgery
Most people recover from pinnaplasty within 4–6 weeks, with visible results appearing at around 6 weeks. It may take 3 months for swelling to fully settle.
At home
You’ll be sent home with dressings over your ears and a compression bandage around your head and ears. This must be kept clean and dry, and you won’t be able to wash your hair until the dressings are removed by your care team in a few days.
When your bandage is removed, you’ll wear a lighter headband at night while your ears heal to stop them from being pushed forward. Keep the area clean and follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions carefully.
Pain and side effects
It’s normal for your ears to feel sore, tingly, or tender. Stitches may sometimes cause mild irritation. Any discomfort can usually be eased with over-the-counter pain relief as advised by your care team. Avoid smoking, as it can slow healing and increase the risk of an infection.
Activity and recovery
Arrange for someone to collect you after surgery, as you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Avoid driving for 24–48 hours, especially if you’ve had a general anaesthetic.
Most people return to work or school in a week, though you may need longer if your role involves physical activity or wearing headgear.
Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, or contact sports for at least 4 weeks, and continue wearing your headband during sports for up to 8 weeks.
Treatment and recovery timeline
Although recovery times can vary between individuals, here’s a general guide to what you can expect after pinnaplasty surgery:
1–3 days
Around 8 weeks
1–3 days
Expect mild soreness, swelling and tightness around the ears — rest, keep your head elevated and take pain relief if needed.
3–7 days
Bandages and any non-dissolvable stiches are usually removed, though your ears may still feel tender and slightly swollen.
1–2 weeks
Most people can return to work or school and may be advised to wear a soft headband, especially at night, to protect the ears.
4–6 weeks
Swelling continues to settle and you can usually resume swimming and light physical activity.
Around 8 weeks
Your ears should be healed, and contact sports can normally be resumed — wearing a protective headband is recommended.
-
1–3 days
Expect mild soreness, swelling and tightness around the ears — rest, keep your head elevated and take pain relief if needed.
-
3–7 days
Bandages and any non-dissolvable stiches are usually removed, though your ears may still feel tender and slightly swollen.
-
1–2 weeks
Most people can return to work or school and may be advised to wear a soft headband, especially at night, to protect the ears.
-
4–6 weeks
Swelling continues to settle and you can usually resume swimming and light physical activity.
-
Around 8 weeks
Your ears should be healed, and contact sports can normally be resumed — wearing a protective headband is recommended.
Risks and complications
Pinnaplasty is a common, low-risk procedure with a high success rate. However, like all surgeries, there are some risks and potential complications.
Common and minor risks
- Infection at the wound site, usually treated with antibiotics
- Mild pain, bruising, or swelling around the ears, which usually settles within a few weeks
- Slight differences in ear shape or position (asymmetry)
- Temporary numbness, tingling, or stiffness in the ears — flexibility returns over time
- The ears gradually protruding again if they don’t heal properly
Less common/rare risks
- Allergic reaction or complications related to the anaesthetic
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Chest infection following general anaesthetic
- Excessive bleeding during or after surgery
- Inflammation of the ear cartilage
- Small blood clot under the skin of the ear (haematoma)
Most side effects are mild and temporary, and your consultant will provide clear aftercare instructions to help reduce these risks.
Frequently asked questions
Will the results of pinnaplasty be permanent?
Yes, the results of pinnaplasty are generally long-lasting. Once the ears have healed and settled into their new position, they should maintain their shape permanently.
Will there be visible scars after pinnaplasty surgery?
Any scars are usually very small and hidden behind the ears, where the cuts are made. They tend to fade over time.
Does pinnaplasty hurt?
You won’t feel pain during the procedure when you’re under anaesthetic. Afterwards, your ears may feel sore or tender for a few days, but this can be managed with pain relief as directed by your care team.
How soon can I return to work or school?
Most people return to normal daily activities after about a week, though strenuous exercise or contact sports should be avoided for several weeks.
At what age can pinnaplasty be carried out?
Pinnaplasty can be performed on both children and adults. For children, it’s usually recommended once the ears are fully developed — typically around age 5 or older.
When will I see the final results?
Initial improvements are visible once the dressings are removed, but the end results usually appear within about 6 weeks, as swelling continues to settle.
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.