This is an overarching term for several surgical procedures related to the ear, such as ear correction, ear reduction and pinnaplasty (when the ears are ‘pinned’ so that they don’t noticeably stick out from the head). The aim of ear reshaping surgery is to make the ears look more natural and balanced with the rest of your features.

Ear reduction surgery reduces the size of the ears, while a pinnaplasty pins back ears which are protruding. Ear correction can help remedy deformities, both those present at birth and those caused by trauma later in life.

Examples of other kinds of abnormalities that this type of procedure can treat include reducing large or overstretched earlobes and smooth wrinkles or large creases in the ears.

This kind of surgery can help to improve how your ears look so that they fit in more naturally with the rest of your face and head.

Correcting prominent ears is the most common reason for having ear surgery. Ear pinning – pinnaplasty – can adjust how the ears sit to a more normal position.

Ear reduction surgery does exactly that – it makes the ears smaller so that they’re more in proportion – while ear correction can help to correct abnormalities which have been present from birth or have resulted from an injury, such as cauliflower ear.

Otoplasty can help to improve your self-confidence as it can make the ears less noticeable and more naturally in sync with the rest of your face.

Ear reduction surgery reduces the size of the ears, while a pinnaplasty pins back ears which are protruding. Ear correction can help remedy deformities, both those present at birth and those caused by trauma later in life.

Examples of other kinds of abnormalities that this type of procedure can treat include reducing large or overstretched earlobes and smooth wrinkles or large creases in the ears.

All surgical procedures carry a certain degree of risk and possible complications which you should be aware of before you decide to go ahead with treatment. They include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Asymmetry of the ears
• Inflammation
• Stiff ears
• Blood clots under the skin of the ears
• Pinned-back ears may start to protrude again

As otoplasty can be carried out using either general or local anaesthetic depending on the technique being used, your surgeon will let you know which will be used in advance of your procedure.

If you’re having pinnaplasty to pin back ears that protrude or to correct asymmetry, your surgeon will begin by making a small incision behind your ear at the crease where your head and ear meet. They’ll then reshape the cartilage in your ear, reposition the ear closer to your head and close the incision with sutures.

If you’re undergoing ear reduction surgery, excess skin and cartilage will be removed by your surgeon to change the shape and reduce the size of the ear – this could be the whole ear, or a certain area.

Ear correction surgery can address a number of deformity issues with the ear – these could have been present from birth or could have been caused by trauma or injury. The technique that your surgeon will use will depend on the condition being treated, and they will make sure that you have all the information you need regarding the procedure that they’ll carry out when you meet them at your consultation.

This kind of surgical procedure may be able to help you if you feel self-conscious because of your ears – you may believe that they stick out too far from your head, they might be too large, aren’t symmetrical, or they’re misshapen.

If you’re considering any kind of surgical procedure, you should be at least 18 years of age, be healthy both mentally and physically, and understand what can realistically be achieved from otoplasty surgery.

Following your surgery, you may find that your ears feel tender, painful or numb. Typically, this is temporary, and over the counter painkillers can help. You should make sure that you rest and avoid any strenuous activities in the first week. Sleep with your head raised above the height of your chest to reduce swelling.

You may have a dressing applied or a compression garment to wear, depending on the type of ear reshaping surgery you’ve had. This will be able to be removed a few days after your procedure.

While full recovery from ear reshaping surgery will normally take around 6 weeks, you should be able to return to work and begin to exercise lightly after a week or so – but be sure to avoid any contact sports during this time.

Bear in mind that it can take up to 6 months for you to see the full results from your ear reshaping surgery.