Summary

• Otoplasty is a general term for a wide range of procedures which address the shape, size and position of the ears
• Otoplasty recovery time is typically 4-6 weeks
• To aid Otoplasty healing, it is important to wear an Otoplasty recovery headband as instructed, and avoid wearing jewellery or participating in strenuous activities
• Cadogan Clinic’s Otoplasty packages include all-inclusive recovery and aftercare support, including a dedicated 24/7 nursing phone line

What is Otoplasty Surgery?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure which reshapes and repositions the ears, addressing many common ear concerns which can affect confidence and self-image.

The term Otoplasty covers a wide range of procedures that address different aspects of ear appearance and form:

• Pinnaplasty: Also known as Ear Pinning, Pinnaplasty pins the ears back to address over-projection in the concha and antihelix
• Ear Reduction: Ear Reduction involves reshaping and resizing the external part of the ear, known as the pinna, including the earlobe
• Cauliflower Ear Treatment: A combination of non-surgical draining and ear reshaping to address the deformation of the ear cartilage resulting from trauma to the ear, known as cauliflower ear

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the UK’s best Consultant Facial Surgeons, who have performed thousands of Otoplasty procedures. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports that in 2025, Otoplasty was the fourth most popular facial surgery among men and women in the UK.

The ears are a prominent facial feature, and their appearance can be affected by a number of factors:

• Genetics
• Ageing
• Injury
• Piercing

Due to their visibility, concerns affecting the ears can have a significant impact on confidence, making individuals feel self-conscious.

Otoplasty is an umbrella term covering a range of procedures which address ear size, shape and position, improving confidence and quality of life.

Otoplasty Recovery Tips

During your Otoplasty recovery, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions to prevent complications and achieve your desired results.

Your Consultant Facial Surgeon will discuss what to expect from your Otoplasty or Ear Pinning Surgery recovery during your initial consultation and will also continue to support you in the run-up to your procedure, ensuring you are fully prepared.

What You Should Do During Otoplasty Recovery

• Wear your Otoplasty headband: If your surgeon has asked you to wear an Otoplasty recovery headband, it is important to wear it as instructed to control swelling and protect your ears in their new position
• Keep your head elevated: Sleeping on your back, slightly upright, will help to reduce swelling and aid healing
• Protect your ears: Once your dressings have been removed, it is important to be gentle around your ears, including being gentle when pulling shirts or jumpers over your head, and brushing your hair

What You Shouldn’t Do During Otoplasty Recovery

• Wear jewellery or glasses: To protect your ears, it is important to not place any pressure on them too early in your recovery, including wearing glasses or earrings. If you are a glasses-wearer, your surgeon will discuss options with you during your consultation
• Strenuous exercise: Resuming strenuous exercise too soon may increase the risk of complications developing after your Otoplasty procedure. Activities such as weightlifting and contact sports may need to be paused for a few months to protect your ears
• Tanning: While the area is healing, it will be more sensitive to UV light from the sun and from tanning beds, which may lead to the scars darkening and being more visible. It is essential to wear sunscreen and keep the area covered during your Otoplasty recovery to optimise your healing

At Cadogan Clinic, your surgeon will discuss the best Otoplasty recovery tips during your consultation to prevent complications and achieve the best results following your procedure.

Is Otoplasty Painful?

It is normal to experience some discomfort in the first few days following Otoplasty surgery, which is manageable with standard pain relief medication. Most patients experience some tightness, itching and numbness.

As with any surgical procedure, you should expect a degree of swelling and bruising after Otoplasty surgery, which may take around 2 weeks to fully settle. Wearing your compression headband and following your surgeon’s recovery instructions will aid the healing process.

It is normal for Otoplasty recovery to involve some slight discomfort, but this is usually easily managed and resolves within a few days. Your medical team at Cadogan Clinic will support you throughout your recovery period to ensure you are comfortable and achieve the best results.

What Otoplasty Recovery Support Does Cadogan Clinic Provide?

All Otoplasty surgical packages at Cadogan Clinic include full coverage recovery and aftercare support. Comprehensive aftercare is essential after any procedure to safeguard patients and prevent complications from developing.

When you are discharged after your Otoplasty procedure, you will be given the phone number for Cadogan Clinic’s specialist surgical nursing team, who will provide 24-hour recovery support if you have any concerns or questions.

In the weeks following your Otoplasty surgery, you will have at least 2 post-operative appointments with our nursing team and your Consultant Facial Surgeon to monitor your recovery and results. These appointments will be booked at the same time as your surgery to allow you to plan ahead. It is essential to attend your post-operative appointments in person to ensure your medical team has the most accurate information about your recovery.

Cadogan Clinic prioritises providing the best quality aftercare support following all Otoplasty procedures to maintain patient safeguarding and high-quality surgical outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions