Pinnaplasty vs. Otoplasty

Pinnaplasty and Otoplasty are both surgical procedures which address common ear concerns.

Otoplasty is an umbrella term describing a wide range of ear surgeries that address ear size, shape, position, and deformities. Pinnaplasty is a specific procedure that pins the ears back to address prominence and over-projection.

The ears are a prominent feature of the face, and their shape, size and position can be influenced by genetics or injury.

Irregularities in the contours of the ears can affect:

• Confidence
• Quality of life
• Physical comfort
• Interactions in professional and social settings
• How an individual presents themselves, dictating hairstyle choices, or keeping their ears covered

Although the terms Otoplasty and Pinnaplasty are often used interchangeably, there are variations between their meanings. It is important to understand the applications of both Otoplasty and Pinnaplasty to determine which may be suitable to achieve your desired results.

Cadogan Clinic have brought together a team of the UK’s best Consultant Ear and Face Surgeons who are all highly experienced in addressing ear concerns with comprehensive assessment and a bespoke treatment plan, all undertaken at our award-winning surgical centre of excellence, based in Chelsea, London.

What is an Otoplasty?

An Otoplasty is a surgical procedure which reshapes and repositions the ears.

During an Otoplasty, incisions are made in the affected areas of the ear, and the skin and cartilage are manoeuvred into the desired placement.

Otoplasty surgery may be combined with other facial procedures, such as a Facelift or Brow Lift, to enhance the final results of the surgery.

Typically, an Otoplasty procedure takes 1-2 hours to complete, and depending on the extent of the procedure, can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.

What is a Pinnaplasty?

A Pinnaplasty, also known as Ear Pinning, is a type of Otoplasty procedure that specifically addresses ear prominence. 

Pinnaplasty surgery involves a small incision behind the ears, after which excess cartilage and tissue are removed, resulting in the ears sitting closer to the head.

Other types of Otoplasty, such as Ear Reduction surgery may be combined with Pinnaplasty, and some patients may opt for other complementary facial procedures as well.

Pinnaplasty surgery is usually completed in up to 2 hours, and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic, depending on the specifications of the procedure.

Pinnaplasty vs. Otoplasty: Differences in Results

Although both Otoplasty and Pinnaplasty address the shape, size, and position of the ears, their distinct purposes result in different outcomes.

Your surgeon will discuss these results and show you a range of before and after photos to illustrate how Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty may work for you.

Otoplasty Results

Otoplasty reshapes, resizes, reconstructs and repositions the tissues of the ear to address a wide range of common concerns.

Otoplasty results typically include:

• Reduced ear size – The overall size of the ears can be reduced by removing excess tissue and cartilage
• Enhanced ear shape – To address asymmetry or create a flattering ear shape
• Improved ear position – Repositioning the ears can improve facial balance and symmetry
• Corrected ear piercing concerns – Closing stretched piercings, or restoring the appearance of the ears, can increase comfort and confidence

Pinnaplasty Results

Pinnaplasty addresses the prominence and projection of the ears to address facial balance and confidence.

The results of Pinnaplasty usually include:

• Flatter ears – Following Pinnaplasty, the ears are typically flatter to the head, reducing prominence and projection
• Improved facial balance – Pinning the ears back draws focus to other facial features and improves the proportions of the face
• Increased confidence – Correcting over-projected ears can have a significant impact on an individual’s confidence and quality of life.

Pinnaplasty vs. Otoplasty: Differences in Recovery

Otoplasty and Pinnaplasty recovery times are comparable because they are similar procedures performed with many of the same techniques.

Your surgeon will thoroughly discuss your expected recovery timeline during your consultation to allow you to fully prepare ahead of time.

It is vital that you closely follow your surgeon’s recovery and aftercare recommendations to prevent complications and ensure you achieve the best possible results.

As part of our ongoing dedication to the highest patient care and safety standards, Cadogan Clinic provides an all-inclusive recovery and aftercare service as part of every Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty procedure:

• Follow-up appointments – All Otoplasty and Pinnaplasty patients will have two appointments after their procedure. The first is 7-10 days after their surgery, with a specialist nurse. The second is 6 weeks after their surgery with their surgeon.
• 24-hour support – Our specialist surgical nursing team provides a 24/7 phone line, ensuring you can seek assistance as quickly as possible
• Post-operative garments and medication – If you require any post-operative garments or medication following your procedure, these will be provided ahead of your discharge by your medical team

Otoplasty Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – It is normal to experience swelling and bruising following an Otoplasty, which may take 10-14 days to resolve
• Sleeping position – You will be asked to sleep on your back for up to 3 weeks after your Otoplasty to prevent irritation to your incisions
• Garments – You will be asked to wear an Otoplasty headband, which will cover your ears for several hours a day, and potentially overnight, to protect your ears during your recovery
• Hair – If you have long hair, you may be asked to keep it tied up during your initial recovery to protect your incisions
• Exercise – You should avoid any strenuous activity, including exercise and heavy lifting, for at least 4 weeks after your Otoplasty to allow for complete healing
• Full recovery – Full recovery after an Otoplasty is usually expected within 4-6 weeks

Pinnaplasty Recovery

• Swelling and bruising – Swelling and bruising are a regular part of the Pinnaplasty healing process, and should resolve within 2 weeks
• Sleeping position – To protect the surgical area, you will need to sleep on your back for up to 3 weeks after your surgery
• Garments – Following your Pinnaplasty, your surgeon will provide you with a compression headband to protect and hold them in their new position while they heal
• Hair – Keeping long hair tied up during the first week of Pinnaplasty recovery is advisable to prevent your incisions from being irritated
• Exercise – You will be asked to avoid exercise and strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks after your Pinnaplasty
• Full recovery – Full Pinnaplasty recovery is usually expected to take 4-6 weeks

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