Ears (Pinnaplasty/Otoplasty)

Ear Reshaping (Pinnaplasty/Otoplasty)

This is surgery that aims to reduce the protrusion of the ears. This is one of the most common procedures Mr Fattah undertakes in the NHS and he has applied a number of innovations to streamline the patient experience and reduce complications. In addition, Mr Fattah is often asked to revise complications from elsewhere as a consequence of previous surgery.

The surgery involves a small incision behind the ear and using a minimal access technique, the cartilage of the ear is exposed and strong sutures are used to reshape the ear into a natural shape avoiding the tell-tale postoperative appearance of the ears being flat against the head or the natural curves of the ear being squared-off. Dissolving sutures are used to close the incision and a layer of glue is used as a dressing. The procedure is performed as a day case and most patients are able to go home within an hour or so of the surgery.

Pinnaplasty

Watch a Pinnaplasty being performed

I have a new confidence I’ve never had, being able to wear my hair up is amazing!

AB, Pinnaplasty patient

I feel much more confident now, many people say that it looks weird when I put my hair down now as I put my hair up so often.

LH, Pinnaplasty

Earlobe Procedures

Split earlobes and tribal earlobes as a result of the large “flesh tunnel” piercings are among the most requested procedures in Mr Fattah’s practice. Typically, a new job or relationship prompts a rethink about the suitability of the large earlobes. The procedure is quick and simple being performed in the minor ops clinic and taking under an hour using local anaesthetic. For a split earlobe, the area of scar tissue is removed and the earlobe sutured back into a natural shape, often a small refinement at the margin avoids a notch occurring once the ear heals. In the case of tribal earlobes, the procedure is more technical but is still performed in the clinic. The excess tissue is removed and the earlobe repaired into the most natural shape possible depending on the size of the piercings. After the procedure the sutures are removed at two weeks and the scar is allowed to mature until barely visible. This small procedure gives a huge amount of confidence to those whose professional appearance matters.

Earlobe Reduction

Earlobe reduction

Mr Fattah was very professional, but importantly also friendly and approachable. He was thorough and explained everything prior to the surgery and in good detail, making the experience pleasant and stress-free.

OR, Tribal earlobe repair

I feel the care and attention to detail and professionalism in my procedure was second to none. I felt confident and relaxed. My aftercare again was very good, I am very happy and pleased with the result.

AC, Split earlobe repair

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to wear a head bandage?
No. The glue dressing is used to stick the ears to the side of the head temporarily so a head bandage is not required. Additionally, it acts like a sealant meaning you can wash your hair from the following day and is much less conspicuous. Children that have this surgery often return to school after 48 hours. After a week, the glue is released, suture knots are trimmed (no need to remove sutures) and a sweatband is only worn at night for a further 5 weeks.
Will it hurt?
Mr Fattah uses long-acting local anaesthetic whilst the patient is asleep so that when they wake up at the end of the procedure, their ears are numb and pain-free for several hour afterwards, typically only simple pain killers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are required.

The combination of minimal dissection, long acting local anaesthetic and glue dressings have made this procedure straightforward with rapid recovery, minimal impact on lifestyle and high patient satisfaction.

I’ve hear about implants for pinnaplasty, does Mr Fattah use them?
The “earfold” implant is a nickel-titanium alloy that is inserted under the skin on the front of the ear. The metal is bent to try and shape the ear. Mr Fattah does not use them: Firstly, the earfold implant only works well in a specific type of prominent ear. Secondly, Mr Fattah avoids placing implants under the skin where there is a risk of it wearing through the thin ear skin leaving a visible scar (rare but possible). Finally, the incision is made on the front of the ear; if you had a scar complication then it would be visible, in contrast to a scar on the back of the ear.
My child has prominent ears, shall I bring him to your clinic?
Children are usually eligible for surgery on the NHS without cost and you should ask your a GP for a referral. Alder Hey children’s Hospital that serves the North West carries out numerous procedures each year by experienced paediatric plastic surgeons.