Otoplasty

Otoplasty begins with a detailed consultation, where your surgeon will discuss your medical history, examine your ears, and talk through the changes you’d like to achieve. We’re also able to offer computer imaging to help you visualise the expected outcome. Your surgeon will help you understand the procedure, the expected results, and the recovery process, so you can make an informed choice about whether otoplasty is right for you.

If you decide to go ahead, your surgery will be carried out in our dedicated Surgery Centre. When you arrive, you’ll be shown to your private patient pod, where you can get changed into a gown before being taken to the operating suite. 

Otoplasty is usually carried out under general anaesthesia, particularly for children, although adults may be suitable for local anaesthesia. During surgery, a small cut is made behind the ear so the surgeon can reshape the cartilage. This may involve folding, repositioning, or removing small sections of cartilage or soft tissue to create the desired contour. Stitches are used to hold the ear in its new shape, and once the reshaping is complete, the incision is closed using either dissolvable or removable stitches.

If both ears are being treated, your surgeon will carefully measure the first ear to guide the reshaping of the second, helping to achieve balanced, natural-looking results. At the end of the procedure, a soft bandage is wrapped around the head to support the ears in their new position and reduce swelling. You’ll return to your private patient pod to recover from the anaesthetic, supported by our dedicated nursing team. 

When you’re ready, you’ll be able to go home the same day. You’ll need someone to collect you if you’ve had a general anaesthetic, and you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours. Your team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you’re confident in managing your recovery at home.

All surgery carries risks, and your surgeon will explain these during your consultation. 

For otoplasty, possible risks include:

• collection of blood under the skin (haematoma), which may need to be drained

• temporary numbness behind the ear, usually improving within 6 months

• noticeable asymmetry, which may require further surgery

• infection

• scarring behind the ear

• changes in ear sensation

Most people have straightforward recoveries, and serious complications are uncommon. 

After surgery, it’s normal to notice slight differences between the ears, as most people naturally have some asymmetry. This usually settles as the swelling reduces. If a more noticeable difference remains once healing is complete, your surgeon may discuss whether a further procedure could help improve symmetry.

Your consultant will give you specific advice on how to prepare for surgery.

 This may include:

• avoiding smoking before and after surgery to support healing

• stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners

• stopping eating or drinking before a general anaesthetic 

• organising transport home, as you won’t be able to drive if you’ve had a general anaesthetic

On the day of the surgery, wear loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t need to be pulled over your head.

After surgery, you’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions and will be able to go home the same day. It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or tightness around the ears for 3 to 5 days, and this can usually be managed with simple painkillers such as paracetamol.

The bandage placed after surgery helps protect the ears and reduce swelling. If it becomes uncomfortable or feels too tight, you should contact your care team for advice. Your surgeon will tell you when the bandage can be replaced with a soft headband, how long you’ll need to wear the headband, and whether you should use any ointment on the incision area.

Moderate bruising and swelling are expected and tend to improve over 4 to 6 weeks. Your ears will continue to settle into their final position over the following months.

Most people can return to normal daily activities after 1 to 3 days, although strenuous exercise, contact sports, and any activity that might bend the ears should be avoided for several weeks. Children may need a short time away from school, depending on the type of surgery and how quickly they recover.

Your consultant will arrange follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove stitches if needed.

Please contact our Ear, Nose & Throat centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our ENT surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book otoplasty, you must be referred by either your GP or an ENT specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck ENT specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.