Otoplasty in Manchester and Cheshire

Otoplasty, also known as pinnaplasty or ear pinning, is a surgical procedure to correct prominent ears. It works by reshaping the ear cartilage — creating or enhancing the antihelical fold — and/or using sutures to set the ear closer to the head. The result is a more balanced, natural ear position that is in better proportion with the rest of the face. It is performed as a day-case procedure under local or general anaesthetic.

Otoplasty is suitable for adults and older children — typically from around 5–6 years of age when the ears have largely completed their growth. Good candidates have prominent or asymmetric ears that cause self-consciousness, are in good general health, non-smokers or willing to stop, and have realistic expectations. Mr Nassab will assess your ear anatomy, skin quality and overall suitability at your consultation.

Scars from otoplasty are placed in the natural crease behind the ear and are therefore virtually invisible in normal circumstances. With good wound care and scar management, they typically fade to fine, pale lines that blend with the surrounding skin over 6–12 months. Mr Nassab will provide detailed scar care advice following your procedure.

An incision is made in the natural crease behind the ear. The cartilage is then reshaped by scoring or folding to create or enhance the antihelical fold, and/or permanent sutures are placed to draw the ear closer to the head (concha-mastoid technique). The skin is closed and a head bandage applied. The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours and is performed as a day case.

A head bandage is worn for approximately one week after surgery. Most bruising and swelling settles over 1–2 weeks. A supportive headband is often recommended at night for several weeks to protect the repair. Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 weeks, and strenuous exercise is avoided for around 4–6 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for longer — Mr Nassab will advise at your post-operative appointment.

As with any surgery, otoplasty carries risks. These include recurrence of ear prominence (partial relapse), scarring, numbness or changes in sensation, asymmetry between ears, bleeding or haematoma, infection, wound breakdown, suture extrusion, and ear deformity. Anaesthetic-related risks also apply. Mr Nassab will discuss your individual risk profile in full at consultation and operate in an accredited clinical setting to minimise risk.

Yes. Otoplasty can be performed on one or both ears depending on your anatomy. If only one ear is prominent, unilateral otoplasty is performed. Mr Nassab will assess both ears at consultation to plan the most appropriate treatment for symmetry and balance, even if only one ear requires correction.

Otoplasty results are generally long-lasting. The cartilage is permanently reshaped and/or sutured in its new position, and the improvement in ear position is maintained over time. There is a small risk of partial relapse in some patients, which can be discussed and addressed at your follow-up. The vast majority of patients enjoy sustained, natural-looking results.

Otoplasty starts from £5,000 under local anaesthetic at CLNQ. General anaesthetic is available at an additional cost. The final price depends on whether one or both ears are treated and the technique required. A personalised quote is provided after your consultation with Mr Nassab. Finance options are also available.