The surgery itself is done as a day case in one of the operating theatres in our minimally invasive treatment unit (MITU).
The surgery takes about one to one and a half hours and is usually done with a local anaesthetic and a sedative if required.
An incision is made just behind the ear in the natural fold where the ear joins the head. This allows the surgeon to remove cartilage and skin as required to achieve the desired effect.
Cartilage can also be shaped by trimming it and pinning it with permanent internal stitches.
A dressing that looks like a turban is then put on so that the ears can be kept in their new position. This makes you feel more comfortable and reduces swelling.
You will be asked to keep the dressing on for about 10 days and then come back to The Clinic for it to be removed and to have a check-up.
Full recovery only takes a month but we recommend that patients who have had a pinnaplasty avoid contact sports for another month after that.