Otoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the ears, to either reduce their prominence (ear pinning) or reduce the size. It is often carried out during childhood, between the ages of 4 and 14, but ear surgery can also be performed on adults, although results may be more limited due to hardening of the cartilage. The aim of the procedure is to produce symmetrical ears which are nicely in proportion with the rest of the face and are aesthetically pleasing.

Ear surgery starts with the cosmetic surgeon making a small incision behind the ear, where it is joined to the head. To pin the ears back, cartilage and skin will be removed. The cartilage may also be reshaped if this is deemed necessary by the surgeon. He will then use stitches to hold the ears in place till healing has occurred. The procedure takes around 2 to 3 hours.

General anaesthesia is always used for young children. Older patients may prefer the use of a local anaesthetic - which carries less risk - combined with a sedative to help remain calm and relaxed throughout surgery.

Dressing will be applied after otoplasty surgery and this must be left in place for several days. The surgeon may recommend the use of headband to hold the ears in place for two weeks following the surgery. Some post-operative discomfort is common, but this should be easily controlled through the use of painkillers. Patients should sleep on their back to reduce the pressure on the newly-operated ears, which may cause disruption to their sleep if they are more used to sleeping on their side.

Adults can return to work after 5 days. Children may return to school after 7 days, but if they are of primary age a teacher should closely observe them during playground activity.

The risks of otoplasty are very small. On rare occasions, the incision behind the ears may develop an infection but this can be cleared with antibiotics. Scarring is an unavoidable part of cosmetic surgery, but in ear surgery this will be hidden and will also fade over time till it is virtually invisible.

There is no fixed cost for otoplasty surgery as prices are determined by the degree of work needed and there are wide variations between clinics. But as a guide, the average amount charged by a private clinic is £2,520. BUPA hospitals charges from £1,200 upwards, but it should not be assumed that they will always be the cheapest provider and you should always approach several clinics for a quote.