Around 1-2% of people in the UK consider themselves to have prominent ears. Most of the time, they develop due to genetic factors. However, they can also occur due to the fold that tucks the top of the outer ear in (the antithetical fold) failing to develop correctly. Additional cartilage within the concha area can also cause prominent ears.

Whatever the cause, protruding ears can lead to embarrassment and, in some cases, functional issues. However, the good news is there are treatments available that can help. Setting back prominent ears is one of the most common procedures used to correct the issue.

So, what does setting back prominent ears involve and is it the right option for you? Discover everything you need to know below.

How are prominent ears set back?

Prominent ears can be corrected with an ear reshaping procedure known as Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty. There are two surgical methods that can be used, and they can be carried out on both adults and children.

One procedure uses sutures to pin the ears back into place. The other procedure involves creating an incision behind the ear, then removing or reshaping cartilage and skin before pinning them back with stitches. These are permanent stitches, so the patient won’t need to have them removed.

Children undergoing the procedure will be placed under general anaesthetic. Adult patients can choose whether they want local or general anaesthetic.

What non-surgical options are available?

While some clinics do advertise non-surgical ear pinning techniques, unfortunately, they can be misleading. They include earfold implants, which are inserted through an incision located at the front of the ear. This is a fairly new technique, and it is still considered a surgical procedure.

Only surgical procedures can produce permanent results. Patients will need to undergo a consultation with an expert to determine which type of surgical treatment would be most beneficial.

Which treatment option is right for you?

If you are embarrassed by your prominent ears, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today. After an assessment, you will be advised which procedure is better suited to you. While there is a small chance protruding ears may recur further down the line, in most cases the treatment is permanent.

For the first week after the procedure, patients may experience some degree of discomfort. A bandage will also need to be worn until your follow up appointment. Mr Horlock will explain what you can expect from the recovery, alongside the potential risks involved with the procedure.

Setting back prominent ears is a straightforward procedure that has helped thousands of patients regain their confidence. Book a consultation today to discover whether ear reshaping could be a good treatment option for you.