Otoplasty London
Prominent Ear Correction (Pinnaplasty)
Prominent ears can draw attention and leave some people feeling self-conscious. The cause may be genetic, an injury, or earlier surgery, and while it rarely affects hearing, it can affect how comfortable you feel. Ear pinning surgery, also known as otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is a lasting way to reshape and reposition the ears, softening the appearance of protruding ears and restoring facial balance.
This procedure is about more than setting the ears closer to the head. It addresses size, proportion and symmetry, and sometimes the results of previous surgery. Macrotia (overly large ears), misshapen cartilage, congenital ear deformities, and asymmetry can all be treated. Pinnaplasty surgery in London is planned around subtlety and precision, shaping each ear to suit the individual.
Otoplasty London
The Procedure: At a Glance
Procedure Length:
Typically 2 to 3 hours
Cost:
Starting at £4,500 (local anaesthetic) or £6,000 (general anaesthetic)
Day Case:
No overnight stay is required
Anaesthesia:
Performed under local or general anaesthesia
Downtime:
Typically 1 to 2 weeks
Sleeping:
Keep your head elevated and sleep on your back during early recovery
Showering:
Can resume 48 hours post-procedure, taking care to keep the ears dry
Smoking:
Avoid for at least 2 weeks before and after the procedure
Sun Exposure:
Use a high SPF and cover the incisions for the first few weeks
Makeup:
Avoid near the incisions until they have healed, usually 1 to 2 weeks
Driving:
Avoid for at least 48 hours, or while taking pain medication
Benefits of Otoplasty
Otoplasty does more than move the ears closer to the head. For many people, prominent ear correction in London brings the face into better balance and restores everyday confidence. The main benefits of ear correction include:
Correction of Prominent Ears
Otoplasty repositions ears that sit beyond the typical 25 to 35 degree angle from the head, reducing the look of ears that stick out. Where the ears are large, ear reduction surgery can bring them into proportion, for greater symmetry and a more balanced appearance.
Improved Self-Confidence
There is a well-recognised link between how we feel about our appearance and our confidence. Many patients, adults and children alike, feel more comfortable and self-assured in the way they look after ear correction.
A Natural Facial Appearance
Otoplasty can reshape and resize the ears, addressing concerns such as unusually small or large ears or ears that appear folded or cupped. Where the main fold of the ear is absent or poorly defined, it can be recreated.
Lasting Results
The results of otoplasty are long-lasting and, in most cases, permanent, so the change achieved during your procedure continues to benefit you for years to come.
Otoplasty Procedure
Mr Yapa will perform otoplasty in a sterile surgical setting, with patient safety and careful technique at the centre of the process. The main steps are outlined below.
Anaesthesia
Your anaesthesia, either local with intravenous sedation or general, is agreed at your consultation and given just before surgery so that you are comfortable throughout.
Reshaping the Cartilage
A precise incision is usually made on the back of your ear to keep scarring discreet. Mr Yapa reshapes the ear using techniques suited to your anatomy, often adjusting the antihelical fold and the conchal cartilage. Any incision at the front of the ear is hidden within the natural folds, and internal sutures hold the new shape in place.
Closing the Incisions
Once reshaping is complete, the incisions are closed with fine external sutures, using techniques that keep the ear looking natural rather than overly pinned back. Dissolvable sutures reinforce the skin and disappear on their own as healing progresses.
Results
The change is visible soon after surgery, particularly once the initial dressings are removed. The ears sit closer to the head, with any scars kept discreetly behind the ear or within its natural creases.
Risks & Complications of Otoplasty
Every surgical procedure carries some risk, even with careful planning and skilled execution. Mr Yapa reduces these risks through a meticulous approach and close attention to safety, though no procedure can be entirely without risk. The risks and complications to be aware of include:
Infection
A rare complication that is usually treatable with antibiotics.
Haematoma
Occasionally, blood can collect in the ear, which may require drainage and can prolong recovery.
Over-Correction
Uncommonly, the ear may sit too close to the head, which can call for further adjustment.
Under-Correction
The ears may not be set back far enough, which can occasionally require a minor further procedure.
Palpable Sutures
Long-lasting sutures can sometimes become noticeable or work their way towards the surface over time and may need to be removed.
Gradual Change Over Time
Over the years, the cartilage’s natural elasticity can allow the ears to shift slightly towards their original position.
Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Result
Rarely, the outcome may not fully match your expectations, and a further adjustment can be discussed.
Otoplasty Recovery
Some tenderness is normal in the hours immediately after otoplasty. Mr Yapa may use a long-acting anaesthetic to ease discomfort for the first three to five hours. Any further pain tends to be mild, eases considerably after the first day, and can be managed with prescribed pain relief.
A bulky dressing stays in place for the first three days, holding gentle compression around the ear. It can feel awkward, but it plays an important part in early healing. You may then be asked to wear a headband at night, often for one to two months, to protect the ear as it settles.
Any bruising or discolouration usually fades within around ten days, and most patients return to work about a week after surgery, depending on how they heal and the nature of their job.
Every surgical patient is given a direct line to our specialist cosmetic nurse, on call around the clock from the day of your surgery, so aftercare support is there whenever a question or concern arises.
Book your consultation
If you would like to discuss this procedure in detail and understand if it’s the right procedure for your goals, book a consultation with Mr Kshem Yapa.
“I feel fantastic, look fantastic and natural. I can’t praise Mr Yapa enough. From the moment I met him I felt I am in good hands. I had many questions and he was always happy to provide answers and advice. He is very knowledgeable, professional and caring for his patients.”
Facelift patient
“Fantastic experience that I couldn’t fault what so ever! From the consultation to the operation to the anaesthetist and to the after-care has been nothing but exceptional, Dr Yapa an amazing Surgeon who achieves exactly what you ask for. I would have no hesitation what so ever recommending him to anyone.”
Browlift and upper blepharoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa understood what I wanted and went above and beyond to make it happen. During our consultation, I wanted a slight change in my nose, not to be a swoop just straight and he did just that. He understood what I wanted and just went above and beyond for it. This beyond what I expected. He is an amazing, empathetic surgeon.”
Rhinoplasty patient
“Mr Yapa completely changed my life – I can finally wear my hair up!
I would highly recommend considering this surgical procedure with Mr Yapa because my ears were completely different due to the shape of my ears and one stuck out more. I am unbelievably amazed by the outcome of the surgery and how my ears now look. “
Prominent Ear Correction patient
As seen on
Otoplasty FAQs
How much does otoplasty in London cost?
Otoplasty at Yapa Plastic Surgery starts at £4,500 under local anaesthetic, or £6,000 under general anaesthetic. As with any cosmetic surgery, the cost of ear surgery in the UK varies with the anaesthetic used and the complexity of the case. The price includes fees for the surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist and equipment, and your final quote is confirmed after your consultation with Mr Yapa.
Who is a good candidate for otoplasty?
Ear correction surgery in London suits patients in good general health with fully developed ear cartilage, usually from around the age of five, and with realistic expectations. Many come to us after feeling self-conscious about how their ears look in photographs, or a long-held wish for less prominent ears. At your consultation, Mr Yapa will assess your anatomy, discuss your concerns, and recommend the right approach, including any alternatives that suit you better.
How long do the results of otoplasty last?
Unlike some cosmetic procedures that fade over time, otoplasty results are long-lasting and often permanent. Once the cartilage is reshaped and secured with internal sutures, the ears reliably hold their position, and the structural nature of this ear pinning procedure means revision is rarely needed. The cartilage can change slightly with age, but the ears are unlikely to return to their former state. Mr Yapa uses precise techniques to reduce the chance of revision.
Is otoplasty surgery painful?
Most patients describe tightness or a dull ache rather than sharp pain, around the ears and sides of the head, managed with pain relief for the first few days. You may notice mild pressure or throbbing when lying down or changing position, which eases as swelling settles; keeping your head elevated helps. Temporary numbness is also common and can last a few weeks as the nerves recover.
Will the results of prominent ear correction look natural?
A natural result is the priority in prominent ear correction surgery. The aim is not to draw attention to the ears but to bring balance to the face, so Mr Yapa focuses on subtlety and symmetry, avoiding an overly tight or pulled look. Internal sutures stay out of sight, and the antihelical fold can be refined or recreated to reduce prominence. He will show you examples of previous cases at your consultation.
How long does it take to recover from otoplasty?
Otoplasty is usually a day case, so you go home the same day. Most otoplasty patients return to everyday activities within seven to ten days, so it helps to arrange time off work in advance. Mild bruising, swelling, and discolouration usually settle within seven to fourteen days. The dressing comes off after about three days, and many patients then wear a supportive headband at night for four to six weeks.
How long does it take for otoplasty results to show?
The change from ear reshaping surgery is visible as soon as the dressing is removed, with the ears already sitting closer to the head. From there, the refined shape and symmetry continue to emerge as swelling settles, and the final result is usually clear between eight and twelve weeks after surgery.
Can otoplasty be combined with other procedures?
For some patients, otoplasty is carried out alongside other facial procedures to bring the features into balance. A rhinoplasty can refine the shape of the nose, for example, or a chin augmentation can improve overall facial proportion. Any combination is discussed in detail at your consultation, where safety and suitability come first.
What surgical techniques are used in otoplasty?
The approach is tailored to your anatomy and goals, and several types of ear correction may be used together:
- Placing long-lasting internal sutures to hold the new shape in place.
- Adjusting the antihelical fold, the fold just inside the rim of the ear, to reduce how far the ear projects.
- Reshaping or reducing the conchal cartilage, the deepest hollow of the outer ear, to change the angle of the ear against the head.
- Resizing or repositioning the ear and earlobe as needed.
- Removing a small amount of skin and cartilage from behind the ear to achieve a smooth finish.
How do I prepare for otoplasty?
Mr Yapa will give you a tailored preparation plan at your consultation. In general, it helps to stop smoking for at least two weeks before surgery, as it supports healing, and to protect your skin from strong sun in the lead-up to your procedure. It is also worth arranging a week away from work and organising any support you may need at home during the early days of recovery.
Ear Correction CONSULTATION LONDON
Book Your Appointment
If you are considering otoplasty, a consultation is the right place to start. Mr Yapa takes the time to understand what is concerning you, explains what the procedure can and cannot achieve, and gives you an honest view of your options. Mr Yapa is a GMC-certified Consultant Plastic Surgeon and a member of BAAPS and BAPRAS, with experience across reconstructive surgery and aesthetic facial work. As an experienced otoplasty surgeon in London, he practises from Harley Street. Book a consultation to discuss the approach that suits you.
2026 consultation dates are now available to book online, costing £250 (redeemable against your surgery should you wish to go ahead). You can join our waiting list to be notified when new dates become available. For general enquiries or to learn more about our procedures and services, please use the form below to request a callback.
