Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a blue suit writing at his consulting room desk.

Ear pinning (otoplasty)

Treats prominent ears that stick out from the side of the head.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

The term prominent ears usually describes ears that stick out from the side of the head. They are sometimes referred to as 'bat ears'. Prominent ears can be present at birth or can become apparent during childhood. Sometimes prominent ears can develop after injuries to the ears.

Being unhappy with the appearance of your ears can have a significant impact on your self-confidence and many people will change their hairstyle to conceal them. A surgical procedure called otoplasty can address these issues and help restore self-confidence.

In theatre
2 hours
Anaesthetic
Local
Downtime
1 week
Exercise
2 weeks
Price
From £2,495
Suited to
Prominent ears that stick out from the side of the head.
How it works
Sutures are placed on the back of the ear to shape its natural folds and make it less prominent.
The result
A normal and natural shape, size and contour of the ears.
Mr West at his desk in clinic, writing up notes.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    Local anaesthetic is injected into the area. Through the skin incisions on the back of the ear, Mr West places permanent sutures in the cartilage to reshape the ear and make it less prominent. The skin is closed with a single running stitch and a dressing is placed over the ears and around the head.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked and dressings removed after 5 to 7 days. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Exercise is fine after 2 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks.

When can I wear glasses again?

It is fine to wear glasses immediately after the operation, although it can sometimes be tricky getting them to stay on with the bandages.

Can the ears go back to their original position?

In very rare cases the ears can flip back to their original position. This can happen if the ears are knocked, which is why it is important to wear the bandage and avoid contact sports. It is usually correctable if it does happen.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.