Otoplasty London

Ear shaping surgery can help to reduce the prominence of ears.

Ear reshaping (otoplasty) and Ear Fold in London and Harley Street

Mr Lakhani specialises in ear reshaping and the minimally invasive Earfold™ technique. Surgery to improve the appearance of the ears can be performed for one ear or both. The issue with the shape of the ears can often be due to misshapen cartilage. Mr Lakhani aims to treat the specific issues causing the ear to be misshapen whilst giving you the most natural result possible.

Who is suitable for otoplasty or ear reshaping surgery?

Mr Lakhani performs otoplasty in patients of all ages. It is sensible to wait until children are at least eight years old so that they can participate in the discussion. It is also important to have a realistic expectation with regards to this type of cosmetic surgery. Mr Lakhani will have a careful, honest discussion with you regarding your surgery and the type of outcome you can expect. The cost of ear pinning surgery will be discussed and Mr Lakhani’s office will provide you with a fully itemised quote prior to surgery.

Where can I have my pinnaplasty?

Mr Lakhani offers ear reshaping surgery at several locations in central London including Harley Street, The Lister Hospital in Chelsea, The Portland Hospital for Children or at St Anthony’s Hospital, Surrey.

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Ear pinning surgery

The procedure usually takes two hours for both ears and is performed under a general anaesthetic. In some cases, it may be possible to perform the surgery under local anaesthesia. During the procedure, the ear cartilage is reshaped using stitches or carefully moulded to achieve the desired result. You will usually wake up with dressings on the ear and a head bandage which will stay in place for a few days after surgery.

FAQs

Recovery from surgery

Pain is usually well controlled with simple pain killers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. The stitches used are fully dissolvable but can take a few weeks to completely disappear. Mr Lakhani will give you some antibiotics after surgery, but the chance of infection is relatively low. If you do notice worsening pain despite regular pain killers or smelly discharge from the wound, you should contact the office to arrange a review promptly. The wound itself will be waterproof for a few days after surgery. We recommend that you avoid swimming for 2-3 weeks and you should avoid contact sports for a minimum of 3 months. Non-contact exercise can resume 2 weeks after surgery.

What are the risks of surgery?

Otoplasty (ear pinning) is generally a low-risk procedure. There may be some mild bleeding, but this is not usually a significant problem. Blood collecting under the skin and forming a haematoma (blood clot) is a risk with otoplasty and this collection of blood can get infected, although this risk is low. Careful control of any bleeding at the time of surgery and ensuring that the head bandage is worn as advised after the procedure will help to reduce this risk. The scar is discreet on the back of the ear, however, there is a small risk of prominent scarring in some patients. There is a small chance of the cartilage becoming infected and you will be given antibiotics after the procedure to reduce this risk. The risk of infection is very low, however if you develop pain, fever or discharge from the wound, please contact Mr Lakhani’s office immediately. There is a chance that you may still notice some difference between each ear, as it is very difficult to make the ears fully symmetrical. The chances of there being a noticeable difference is extremely low, however.

Risks Summary:

How long do results last for?

Overall, the results from otoplasty are long-lasting. The stitches used in the suture technique of otoplasty are permanent. There is a small chance that these sutures can spring open, either over time or with trauma to the ear, but this is unusual. The rate of revision surgery needed for otoplasty where the original surgery was conducted by a suitably trained Otoplasty surgeon is very low.

Ear Fold

Earfold™ is an excellent option for ear reshaping. It is performed under a local anaesthetic and has a shorter recovery time compared to more formal reshaping surgery. Mr Lakhani will be able to show you the likely result you can expect with Earfold™ during your consultation. The procedure involves careful placement of extremely thin, discreet clips under the skin of the ear to bring the shape of the ear into a less prominent position and shape. Mr Lakhani Is able to provide the Earfold™ procedure at the Harley Street clinic, the Lister Hospital, Chelsea and at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Surrey.