Ear pinning (pinnaplasty): Protruding ears surgery

Ear pinning is a surgical procedure to correct protruding ears. At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Specialist Care, we offer ear pinning to adults and children to help you regain confidence.

What is ear pinning? 

Ear pinning is an otoplasty (ear surgery) used to treat an ear deformity that causes protruding ears. Our highly skilled plastic surgeons perform ear pinning and deliver permanent, natural-looking results. 

Ear pinning is most commonly performed in children and teenagers, but many adults also choose to have it. 

Why might ear pinning be performed? 

Ear pinning reduces the appearance of protruding ears, which make some people feel self-conscious. Correcting them through ear pinning can be a great way to boost your confidence. 

We can perform ear pinning in children, but they are usually over 5 years old because their ears will continue to grow and develop until this age. In addition, by the age of 6 or 7, they are more mature and can be more involved in decision-making, helping with long-term opinions. 

Preparing for ear pinning 

Before an adult, teenager or child has ear pinning, a consultation with the surgeon will be carried out.  

The surgeon will perform a physical examination of the ears and discuss the desired results, even showing you the potential end result in a mirror. They’ll also consider your medical history and determine if you’re a suitable candidate for ear pinning. Your surgeon will confirm whether your desired results are achievable and give you realistic expectations.  

Once we have booked your ear-pinning surgery appointment, we’ll give you specific instructions to follow about the operation day and post-op follow-up.

Helping your child prepare for ear pinning 

Before your child has ear pinning, make sure that they:  

• avoid contact with people who have been unwell 1 to 2 weeks before their procedure  
• do not have routine vaccinations 2 days before their appointment  
  

Going to the hospital can make some children nervous, so do your best to explain what will happen on the day to help them feel relaxed about attending. Our team will let you know what to expect to help with this process. The below video can help you and your child understand what to expect at our day surgery unit. 

How is ear pinning performed? 

Surgeons perform ear pinning under general anaesthetic (although in some minor ear protrusions, it can be done under local anaesthetic), so you’ll be asleep throughout and won’t feel any pain. It takes around 2 hours to complete. 

First, your surgeon will make an incision (cut) on the back of your ear. Next, they will reposition your ear and sew permanent stitches to hold them. They’ll repeat the procedure on your other ear. Even if only one of your ears sticks out, they’ll usually pin both to ensure they’re symmetrical.  

The surgical team will apply a dressing and compression bandage to your incisions to support healing and hold your ears in place while you recover for 1 week.   

Ear pinning in children 

At Guy’s and St Thomas’ Specialist Care, we perform ear pinning in children as a day-case procedure at our Children’s Day Surgery Unit at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. We perform ear pinning on children over 5 years old to ensure they receive the best lifelong results.  

Our team creates a child-friendly environment so your child feels comfortable when they arrive. We’re committed to your child’s safety, so you can feel confident in choosing us to perform their ear pinning procedure. 

Recovering from ear pinning 

After your ear pinning is complete, we’ll take you to a recovery room where you’ll slowly wake up from the anaesthetic. Your ears may feel uncomfortable and slightly painful, but we’ll give you pain relief medication to reduce these effects.  

Most people can go home on the same day, but you will need someone else to drive you as it can take at least 24 hours before the anaesthetic completely wears off.  

You must leave your bandages on for 1 week, as they keep your wounds protected and safe from infection. All the outside stitches dissolve but most people return for an appointment after roughly 1 week to check that everything is healing as expected. 

It usually takes a couple of weeks to recover fully from ear pinning as your incisions must heal.  

Helping your child recover from ear pinning 

Your child may be confused or groggy when they wake up from their procedure. We’ll provide them with pain relief while in the hospital so they feel as comfortable as possible. Make sure you have paracetamol and ibuprofen at home so you can help your child manage their pain. 

Most children can go home on the same day and our team will tell you when your child is ready to head home with you. We’ll provide specific aftercare advice so you can help your child recover at home.  

Benefits of ear pinning 

Ear pinning is a cosmetic procedure that can create a symmetrical, balanced appearance for you or your child. It can also help to boost self-esteem and support mental wellbeing.  

Risks of ear pinning 

Ear pinning is generally a safe procedure. However, as with all surgeries, risks can occur. 

Some risks associated with ear pinning may include: 

• scarring 
• reduction of sensation around the incision site 
• the need for further corrective surgery
  

Rare complications may occur, such as: 

• bleeding 
• general anaesthetic risks 
• infection 
• recurrence of prominence 
• suture rupture
  

Our team is highly trained in otoplasty procedures and does everything possible to minimise risks for you or your child. 

Ear moulding for babies 

We also offer ear moulding for babies. It involves a soft plastic mould placed over your baby’s ear and taped into place. The mould holds their ear in place and encourages it to stop protruding or being misshaped. This is ideally done within the first 6 weeks of life when their cartilage is easily mouldable. 

Your baby will usually wear the mould for at least 4 weeks.