Prominent Ears
Otoplasty with Mr Darryl Coombes: ears set closer to the head, with the scar tucked behind the ear
Starting From
£3,000
Treatment Area
Ears
Consultant Surgeon-Led
Mr Darryl Coombes
Otoplasty with Mr Darryl Coombes
Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning or pinnaplasty, is surgery to set prominent ears back closer to the head. Working through a small incision behind the ear, Mr Coombes reshapes the cartilage to create the natural folds that prominent ears often lack, and holds it in its new position with permanent stitches.
It can also correct a ‘lop’ ear, where the top of the ear folds down, and ears that are uneven. For adults, Mr Coombes can carry it out under local anaesthetic, and he usually completes it in under an hour, so you go home to rest the same day.
Mr Coombes describes otoplasty as one of his favourite procedures, because of the difference it can make to how people feel about themselves.
Otoplasty results
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfterPatients of Mr Darryl Coombes. Individual results vary.
What to expect
From consultation to confident
Consultation
A private consultation with Mr Coombes. He examines your ears, talks through what you would like to change and explains the procedure, recovery and risks. There is never any pressure to book, and he encourages time to think it over.
Your procedure
Carried out at Eastergate Medical Aesthetics. The incision is made behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped and held with permanent stitches, and a protective bandage goes on. You go home to rest the same day, with someone to drive you.
The first week
Keep the bandage clean and dry, rest with your head raised and use simple painkillers if you need them. Your bandage comes off at your 7-day review with Mr Coombes.
Settling in
Bruising usually fades within about two weeks and swelling settles over four to six weeks. Wear a protective headband at night for up to six weeks. Swimming is usually fine after 4 to 6 weeks and contact sports after about 8.
Prominent Ears and Otoplasty
Does it hurt?
The procedure is carried out under anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during it. Mr Coombes says patients typically do not feel pain afterwards, although some soreness, tightness or numbness around the ears is common for a few weeks and is usually eased with simple painkillers.
Will the scar show?
The incision is made behind the ear, close to the natural crease, so the scar sits out of sight and fades over time. Occasionally a scar can become thick or raised, and Mr Coombes will talk this through with you.
How long do the results last?
The cartilage is reshaped and held with permanent stitches, so your ears are designed to stay in their new position long term. Occasionally the correction does not hold fully and a further adjustment is needed.
Will it affect my hearing?
No. Otoplasty only involves the outer ear, so it is very unlikely to affect your hearing.
What are the risks?
The NHS lists occasional problems such as inflammation of the ear cartilage, a small collection of blood under the skin, stiffness that eases over months, ears that do not match exactly, or ears starting to stick out again, as well as the general risks of any operation such as bleeding and infection. Mr Coombes goes through these with you at your consultation.
How much does it cost?
Otoplasty with Mr Coombes is £3,000. Your consultation is £250.
All services are provided by The Croft Practice on behalf of Eastergate Medical Aesthetics.
Book Your Consultation
It begins with a conversation. Let's discuss your concerns and create a personalised treatment plan just for you.