Skip to content
Waterfront Hospital

Prominent ear correction in Edinburgh

Sets prominent ears closer to the head, aiming for a shape that looks natural rather than corrected. It is done under local anaesthetic, and you go home the same day.

Book a consultation Prefer to ask a question first?
Your consultants
Nurse applying a small dressing behind a patient's ear
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthesia
Surgery time
1.5 hours
Recovery
Few days off work, non-contact exercise within a few weeks, 6 weeks before contact sports
Guide price
From £4,500

Contents

Who is an ideal candidate?

Suitable candidates for prominent ear correction:

  • Are adults aged 18 or over (we do not offer otoplasty to patients under 18 at Waterfront — see the FAQ below for why)
  • Are self-conscious about the appearance of their ears or notice asymmetry between the two sides
  • Are in good general health with realistic expectations about the outcome
  • Understand that the aim is a natural-looking correction, not pinned-flat ears

A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment to surgery. If we feel a smaller correction would suit your case better, or that your current ear position is well within normal anatomy, we will say so honestly.

What the procedure involves

Otoplasty (prominent ear correction) at Waterfront is performed under local anaesthesia as a walk-in walk-out procedure, typically lasting around 90 minutes. The procedure involves:

  • Incision: a single incision is made behind the ear so the resulting scar is hidden in the fold between the ear and the side of the head.
  • Reshaping the cartilage: the underlying ear cartilage is reshaped or, where appropriate, a small amount removed, to create the desired contour. This is the part of the operation that determines how the ear sits.
  • Repositioning the ear: if the ear needs to be brought closer to the head, internal sutures are used to hold the new position.
  • Closing the incision: the skin behind the ear is closed with sutures.

The aim is a result that looks like a normally proportioned ear, not an obviously corrected one. Over-correction is a recognised pitfall of otoplasty, and conservative, considered cartilage reshaping is the technique we prefer.

What prominent ear correction can and can’t do

Ear correction brings ears that stand out closer to the head. It aims for normal proportion, not flat ears, and we would rather you knew its limits now than found them out afterwards.

It can

  • Bring ears that stand out closer to the side of the head, in proportion with your face.
  • Reshape the ear cartilage so the ear has a more usual contour.
  • Reduce a difference between the two ears, where one stands out more.
  • Make it easier to wear your hair back, or to wear hats and helmets comfortably.

It can’t

  • Pin your ears flat. The aim is normal proportion. Over-correction looks artificial and is hard to reverse.
  • Make the two ears identical. Small differences between the sides are part of normal anatomy and remain after surgery.
  • Promise the correction will never relax. In about 1 in 20 people part of the correction relaxes over time, and some choose a revision.
  • Be reversed. Cartilage that has been reshaped cannot be returned to its original shape.
  • Repair a split or stretched earlobe. That is a separate procedure, split earlobe repair, which can sometimes be done in the same session.

Your consultant will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

Before and after prominent ear correction

These are photographs of patients treated by our surgeons, taken before surgery and at follow-up. Each patient gave written consent for them to be shown here.

Prominent ear correction before and after, photo 1 of 2
Prominent ear correction before and after, photo 2 of 2
1 / 2

Prominent ear correction

Results vary from person to person. Your consultant will show you more examples at consultation and explain what is realistic for you.

What is the cost of prominent ear correction?

For asymmetry or split earlobes, see our split earlobe repair page — that procedure is priced separately and can be performed in the same session in some cases.

The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery.

Free · anonymous

Questions before you book?

Ask anything about prominent ear correction, its recovery, risks or cost, any time and in plain language. If you would like, our team can contact you afterwards.

Start the free AI consultation

General information, not a substitute for a consultation.

Patients often ask

The free AI consultation on a phone

Quick answers

How much does prominent ear correction cost?
The guide price is listed in the Cost section above. The full price for your individual case is confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery.

Can I spread the cost?
Yes. You can pay in full two weeks before your procedure, or spread the cost with interest-free finance through Omni Capital Retail Finance over 6 or 10 months, with a deposit of between 10% and 50%. There is no interest and no hidden fee, and most applicants get a decision straight away. We do not accept private medical insurance for cosmetic treatment.
Can my child have their ears pinned back?
Waterfront offers ear correction to adults only. For a child, speak to your GP about NHS options and specialist children's services.
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my otoplasty?
Yes. The consultant who assesses you at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your procedure, performs it, and follows you through every post-operative review. There is no handover between assessment and surgery, no patient coordinator, and no surgeon rotation. At Waterfront, otoplasty is performed by surgeons who specialise specifically in ear surgery.
Why does Waterfront only offer otoplasty to adults?
Otoplasty in children is medically appropriate from around age 5 (when the ears reach near-adult size), but it is normally performed in NHS or paediatric specialist settings rather than in adult plastic surgery practice. We are an adult practice, and operating on under-18s requires specific paediatric surgical and consent pathways that we do not offer. If your child needs otoplasty, your GP can refer them appropriately.
Is prominent ear correction painful?
The procedure itself is not painful — the ears are numbed with local anaesthetic before surgery begins. Afterwards there is some discomfort and a tight feeling for a few days, manageable with paracetamol and ibuprofen.
How old do you have to be for otoplasty?
The cartilage is fully mature from around age 5, so otoplasty can be performed safely on children from that age in appropriate paediatric settings. At Waterfront we only offer surgery to patients aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit in adults provided general health is good.
Will I have scars after otoplasty?
Scars sit behind the ear, in the natural fold between the ear and the side of the head. They are inconspicuous in everyday life and usually not visible from the front. They fade over several months but are permanent.
How long do the results of otoplasty last?
The results are permanent for most patients. The changes made to the cartilage do not reverse over time. A small proportion of patients, around 1 in 20, notice that part of the correction relaxes over months or years and may consider revision.
Can otoplasty be reversed?
Generally no. Cartilage that has been reshaped or partially removed cannot be returned to its original position. This is one reason why we take a conservative approach during the procedure — aiming for natural correction rather than over-correction that would be difficult to revise.
What about split earlobes?
Split or stretched earlobes are addressed by a separate procedure — see our split earlobe repair page. In some cases the two procedures can be performed at the same time.
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
All patients are seen by a nurse at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant reviews you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between those reviews, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
What is recovery like after prominent ear correction?

Recovery from otoplasty is quick because the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and the incision is small. A protective dressing is usually worn for the first 5 to 10 days to support the ears in their new position; once removed, a soft headband is typically worn at night for around 4 weeks.

Most patients return to desk-based work within a few days. Non-contact exercise can usually resume within a few weeks. Any activity that risks knocking the ears (contact sports, swimming) should be avoided for around six weeks, longer for rugby, martial arts or boxing. The final shape settles over three to six months as any residual swelling resolves.

A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.

Our prominent ear correction specialists

We are lucky to have some of the country’s most experienced and reputable ear surgeons, Mr Ken Stewart and Mr Will Anderson.

You meet your consultant at your first appointment. The same consultant plans your treatment, carries it out and sees you afterwards.

Mr Will Anderson

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)BAAPS

Book a consultation

Mr Ken Stewart

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)BAAPS · BAPRAS · Board Certified in cosmetic surgery (ICSB)

Book a consultation

Risks, and how often they happen

Every operation carries risk. Here they are in three groups. The figures come from UK national guidance and published studies, averaged across many patients, so your own risk may be higher or lower. Your consultant will go through what applies to you, and every risk is in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • Discomfort and a tight feeling for a few days, eased by paracetamol and ibuprofen.
  • Swelling and bruising of the ears, with the final shape settling over three to six months.
  • A protective dressing for the first 5 to 10 days, then a soft headband at night for around 4 weeks.
  • Numbness around the ears, usually temporary.
  • A scar behind each ear, hidden in the fold and fading over months. It is permanent.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Part of the correction relaxing, so the ear stands out a little again. Some people choose a revision.
    About 1 in 20
  • Bleeding under the skin (haematoma), which may need draining.
    About 1 in 50
  • A stitch working through the skin behind the ear, which may need removing.
    About 1 in 50
  • A thickened or keloid scar behind the ear, more likely if you have had one before.
    About 3 in 100

Rare but serious

  • Infection, treated with antibiotics.
    Under 1 in 100
  • A true allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic.
    Very rare

For the long term

  • The shape settles over three to six months as the last swelling goes.
  • The scar behind the ear is permanent, but it sits in the fold and is rarely seen from the front.
  • A revision is possible if part of the correction relaxes, and your consultant will assess it with you.

More from BAAPS on setting back prominent ears.

Where these figures come from

Aftercare and recovery

Your recovery is led by the consultant who performed your surgery. A nurse reviews you at one week, and your consultant sees you again once everything has settled. Between appointments, our team are available whenever you have a concern — you do not need to wait for a scheduled review. Practical guidance on dressings, activity and returning to work is in our aftercare guide.

  1. Day of surgeryHome within the hour. Ear correction is done under local anaesthetic.
  2. Days 5–10Dressing off and stitches out with the nurse.
  3. Several weeksThe ears stay tender; protect them at night.
  4. 6 monthsYour consultant reviews the settled result. Sooner if you need it.
  5. 12 monthsNurse reviews, dressing clinics and the treatment of any complications are included.

Typical timings. Your consultant and nurse will tailor them to you.

A Waterfront nurse with a tablet talking with a patient

Written by

Mr Will Anderson, consultant plastic surgeon

Mr Will Anderson is a fully accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Edinburgh on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (3679250). Having served as an NHS Consultant since 2008, he specialises in advanced reconstructive, cosmetic, and laser surgery. With global training and an MSc from University College London, he is renowned for his patient-centred care at Waterfront Private Hospital. He is a full member of BAAPS.

The Waterfront Private Hospital sign on the curved glass front of the building

Ready to talk it through?

Book a consultation online, call the team, or send us a question first.

Book onlineChoose your surgeon and a timeSee live availability and book in a few minutesCall us0131 376 3785Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pmSend a messageAsk us a question firstThe team will reply by email or phone