Ear Pinning

Approximately 1% to 2% of the population of the United Kingdom consider their ears to be too prominent. In many cases the shape and lie of the ears is inherited, and a family trend can be seen. The most prominent ears often lack a normal fold, and sometimes one ear is more prominent than the other. People with prominent ears are sometimes teased, particularly during their school years, and this can lead to a loss of self confidence.

What can be done?

When an ear is noted to be prominent within the first few weeks of life, it is possible to reshape it by applying a small splint to the rim. The cartilage or gristle of a new-born's ear is very floppy and easily remoulded and after several weeks of splintage a permanent correction can be achieved. As the child gets older the cartilage becomes stiffer and this requires a longer period of splintage. By the age of six months the cartilage is too hard to be remoulded and a surgical solution is required.

Pinnaplasty or Otoplasty is an operation which adjusts the shape of the cartilage within the ear to create the missing folds and to allow the ear to lie closer to the side of the head. Because the operation is carried out from behind the ears, a small scar is left close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head. The procedure can be carried out under local anaesthetic, but in young children a general anaesthetic is usually required. Where the lobe of the ear is especially large, a small procedure to reduce its size may also be required.