Can my ear shape be corrected?

Just like our noses and eyes, our ears also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For those that are unhappy with the appearance of their ears, their shape or size can cause distress and they may start looking for solutions to alter the look of their ears. In most cases, an otoplasty procedure is the best way to reshape the ear to help achieve facial balance and harmony.
An otoplasty can pin back ears that are too prominent, reduce the size of enlarged ears and also correct any deformities. Our team of expert ear surgery specialists will be able to recommend the best techniques to suit you and help restore your confidence.

What type of ear shapes are there?

There are a wide range of ear shapes, and you can have more than one type. Such as a free lobe but pointed ear or a protruding, narrow and attached lobe ear.
Some common ear and earlobe shares are:

Protruding Ears

Protruding ears or prominent ears are ears that stick out from the side of the head by more than 2cm. In most cases protruding ears are caused by an underdeveloped antihelical fold.

Pointed Ear

A pointed ear is when there is a point at the top of the ear. They are often referred to as elf ears and can be form of ear deformity known as Stahl’s Ear which is when the ear develops a third fold of cartilage.

Square Ear

A square ear is an ear that is square in shape in the upper part of the ear, often with a long downward slope at the top of the ear which then points out when it gets to the mid ear. It is similar in shape to a pointed ear with the point being at the edge of the ear rather than the top.

Free Lobe

A free lobe ear, also known as a round lobe ear is the opposite of an attached lobe ear. The lobe of the ear is free and hangs slightly lower from where the lower part of the ear attaches to the head.

Narrow Ear

A narrow ear is an ear that is not very wide but often longer in appearance.

Attached Lobes

An attached lobe is when your earlobe looks like it is attached to your head from the bottom with no distinct ear lobe being visible.

Broad Ear

A broad ear is when the lobe of the ear is very distinct and large.

Can my ear shape be corrected?

An otoplasty procedure, also known as a pinnaplasty or ear correction surgery, is a surgical procedure that can change the position, shape and size of the ear. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your ears, then this surgery may be suitable.
We recommend having a consultation with an ear surgery specialist who will be able to advise if an otoplasty procedure can help give you the results that you hope for.

What is involved in an Otoplasty Procedure?

An otoplasty procedure is a surgical procedure to alter the shape, size or position of the ear.
Otoplasty procedures are usually carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation if requested but can also be performed under general anaesthetic.
Procedures can take 2-3 hours depending on the technique being performed and patients are able to return home the same day with no need for an overnight stay.
A head bandage or supporting garment must be worn for 1 week post-op and the patient must sleep elevated for 2-4 weeks. Patients are often able to return to work after 1 week, exercise after 6 weeks and travel after 4-6 weeks. The final results after otoplasty surgery are best seen after 3 months.

Can I change the shape or size of my earlobes?

Earlobe surgery is very common, we see many patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their earlobes.
Split earlobes occur when the ears are pierced but the hole rips, usually due to wearing heavy earrings or after injury. Split earlobe surgery can repair split in the earlobe and patients are usually able to re-pierce their ears shortly after surgery.
Tribal earlobe surgery is when patients with stretched earlobes want to decrease the size of their lobe and remove the hole. Tribal earlobe surgery involves removing part of the earlobe and reshaping it back to be more in proportion to the rest of the face.

Ear surgery at The Private Clinic

The Private Clinic are a multi-award-winning Cosmetic Surgery provider with over 40 years’ experience in Medical Cosmetic procedures and advanced non-surgical treatments.
We have world class ear specialist surgeons.
Consultations available in clinics nationwide in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Northampton.
We have one of the highest patients’ satisfaction rates, Trustpilot 9.4, 5-star rating and 96% of patients would recommend us to their friends and family.
Dedicated aftercare including a 24-hour helpline.
See our informative Otoplasty FAQs
View our Otoplasty before and after photos

Ear Surgeons at The Private Clinic

Our Ear Correction Surgeons are all highly experienced in ear surgery with many practising ear reconstruction procedures within the NHS.

Mr Mark Lloyd, BM MRCS (Eng), MSc IM&T (Health), MPhil FRCS (Plast), ECFMG – GMC Number: 4425050
Mr Adel Fattah, FRCS (Plast.) GMC Number: 4764599
Mr Philip Lim, BSc (Hons), MB ChB, AFRCS (Ed), MRCS (Eng), FRCS (Plast) – GMC Number:4219068
Mr Dario Rochira, BS, MD – GMC Number: 6130664
Mr Kenneth Kok, MBChB MRCS MSc(Hons) FRCS(plast) – GMC Number: 4701147
Mr Mrinal Supriya, FRCS, (OTOL-HNS) – GMC Number: 6066458
Mr Michael Mouzakis, S.C.F in Plastic Surgery – GMC Number: 7237640
Mr Khurram Khan, MBBS, BSc, MRCS(Eng), FRCS(Plast) – GMC Number: 6102778