Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Surgery)
Restore balance, symmetry, and confidence
Refined, natural results for adults and children — delivered by consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeons.
Otoplasty, also known as prominent ear correction or pinnaplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and repositions the ears to create a more balanced, proportionate appearance. For many patients — children and adults alike — prominent or asymmetrical ears can be a lasting source of self-consciousness. Otoplasty offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution.
At Hillser, ear correction surgery is performed by consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeons with specialist experience in both adult and paediatric procedures. Every operation is individually planned to achieve subtle, natural improvement while preserving your unique appearance.
Procedure time
1-2 hours
Anaesthetic
General or local anaesthetic
Hospital stay
Day case
Time off work
Approximately 1 week
Return to exercise
3-6 weeks
Final results
6-8 weeks
What the procedure involves
Otoplasty is performed as a day-case procedure under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the patient's age and preference.
A small incision is made behind the ear, discreetly positioned within the natural crease.
The ear cartilage is reshaped and repositioned closer to the head using fine, permanent sutures.
Excess skin or tissue is removed as needed, and the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches.
A light, protective head dressing is applied to support the new shape during healing.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients return home the same day.
Benefits
Sets back protruding ears for improved balance and symmetry.
Refines ear shape and position with minimal visible scarring.
Provides lasting, natural-looking results that complement your features.
Delivers significant psychological benefit — particularly for children who have experienced self-consciousness or teasing, but also for adults.
Recovery and aftercare
A protective headband or dressing is typically worn for one to two weeks to support the new ear position and protect against accidental pressure during sleep. Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is normal and resolves within a few days. Most adults return to work after approximately one week; children can usually go back to school in the same timeframe. Contact sports and strenuous activity should be avoided for six weeks.
Hillser's nursing team provides detailed aftercare instructions and regular follow-up to ensure healing progresses smoothly.
Consultation and Candidacy
Your consultation at Hillser includes a thorough evaluation of ear structure, cartilage flexibility, and degree of protrusion. Our consultants discuss your goals, outline realistic outcomes, and explain each step of the procedure in full.
Children are typically suitable from around age five, once ear cartilage has sufficiently developed. Adults of any age may be candidates provided they are in good general health and have realistic expectations of outcome.
Individual factors including ear cartilage flexibility, the degree of protrusion, patient age and tissue healing characteristics all influence the surgical approach and quality of result — each of these is assessed carefully at consultation.
Why choose Hillser Clinic?
Consultant-led expertise – ear correction performed by consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeons with specialist experience across adult and paediatric otoplasty.
Advanced techniques – precise cartilage reshaping and suture methods for natural, proportionate results with discreet, minimal scarring.
Integrated care – paediatric and adult pathways managed within one coordinated clinical team.
Safety and clinical excellence – procedures carried out in accredited, CQC-certified facilities across leading London and South East hospitals.
FAQs
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Otoplasty repositions and reshapes the ears through a small incision hidden behind the ear, securing cartilage with fine permanent sutures to achieve a natural, balanced result.
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Discomfort is mild and well-managed with standard pain relief. Some temporary soreness or numbness around the ears is common during early healing and settles quickly.
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Most adults return to work after around one week, and children return to school in a similar timeframe. Contact sports and pressure on the ears should be avoided for six weeks.
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No. The incision is placed behind the ear within the natural crease and fades discreetly over time. Visible scarring is minimal.
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Yes. Once fully healed, the new ear shape and position are long-lasting. Natural ageing continues but does not significantly alter the correction.
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We can usually offer appointments within just a few days. Diagnostics and any procedures are coordinated promptly at our partner hospitals in London and the South East.
If prominent or asymmetrical ears are affecting your confidence — or your child's — our consultant surgeons can help. Subtle correction can make a lasting difference.
Begin your doctor-guided aesthetic journey today.