Ear Pinning Surgery (Pinnaplasty) in Cardiff

Permanent correction of prominent ears under local anaesthetic — same-day procedure, no hospital stay, consultant-led from start to finish.

Surgery fee from £1495

Pinnaplasty - At a glance

Duration

60-90 mins

Anaesthesia

Local Anaesthetic

Return to Work

3-5 days

Full recovery

2-4 weeks

Who needs Pinnaplasty?

Prominent ears might seem like a small thing to those who’ve never had them. But for many people — adults and children alike — they have a lasting effect on confidence, self-image, and everyday choices.

You style your hair specifically to cover your ears — and have done for years
You avoid certain photos, angles, or hairstyles without thinking twice
Your child is becoming withdrawn, self-conscious, or is being teased at school
💭 You’ve thought about this for years but assumed surgery was too drastic, too expensive, or too risky
You want a permanent fix — not a splint, not tape, not managing it

Ear pinning surgery (pinnaplasty) is one of the most straightforward cosmetic procedures available — performed under local anaesthetic, in under 90 minutes, with results that are permanent. If any of the above describes you, a consultation is the best next step.

What is Ear Pinning Surgery (Pinnaplasty / Otoplasty)?

Ear pinning surgery — known medically as pinnaplasty or otoplasty — is a minor surgical procedure that permanently reshapes and repositions prominent or protruding ears. It is one of the most reliable and rewarding procedures in cosmetic surgery, with a very high patient satisfaction rate.

At Excel Clinic Cardiff, the procedure is performed entirely under local anaesthetic as a day-case — meaning no general anaesthetic, no overnight stay, and no hospital admission.

Through a small incision hidden in the natural fold behind the ear, your surgeon reshapes the cartilage and uses permanent internal sutures to bring the ear closer to the head. The antihelical fold — the ridge of cartilage that is often underdeveloped in prominent ears — is recreated or strengthened, giving the ear a natural shape and position.

The result is permanent. Once fully healed, the correction does not reverse or require maintenance.

Picture 1. Shows the before and after Pinnaplasty.

Pinnaplasty vs. Otoplasty — is there a difference? No. These are two names for the same procedure. “Pinnaplasty” is the term used predominantly in the UK; “otoplasty” is more common internationally. At Excel Clinic we use both terms — they mean the same thing.

Why Choose Surgery over other options?

Ear splints, taping, and non-surgical methods are sometimes suggested — but they are effective only in newborns (within the first few weeks of life, when cartilage is still soft). For anyone over the age of 5, surgery is the only reliable, permanent solution:

Permanent Correction The cartilage is reshaped and held with permanent internal sutures — designed to last a lifetime. Unlike taping or splints, the result does not reverse.
Local Anaesthetic Only No general anaesthetic risks or recovery. You remain comfortable throughout and go home the same day. No fasting, no hospital gown, no overnight stay.
Virtually Invisible Scar The incision sits within the natural crease behind the ear. Even with short hair, the scar is barely perceptible — and fades significantly over 12 months.
Minimal Downtime Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. A discreet protective headband is worn for two weeks — most people manage it comfortably around daily life.
Genuine Confidence Change Hair up, short hairstyles, photos without anxiety — patients consistently describe pinnaplasty as one of the most confidence-altering decisions they’ve made.
Full Aftercare Included Aftercare pack, protective headband, 4-week follow-up appointment, and direct WhatsApp/phone support throughout your recovery — all included in the fixed fee.

Meet Your Surgeon

Mr Abu Feroz MBBS FRCS

Consultant Surgeon · NHS & Private · 30+ Years Experience

Mr Abu Feroz is a Consultant Surgeon with 30+ years’ operative experience. Alongside his NHS role at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, he performs hundreds of cosmetic facial procedures each year, including split earlobe repair, pinnaplasty and upper eyelid surgery, under local anaesthetic.

Philosophy: He is known for an approach that is calm, honest, and patient-led. At your consultation, you will receive a thorough assessment and straightforward advice — including where surgery may not be appropriate for you.

What our patients say

I spent years hiding my ears under my hair. Within a week of my pinnaplasty I wore a ponytail for the first time in my adult life. The whole team were calm, reassuring, and professional throughout.

💯 brilliant service. Well explained and taken care of. Thank you to all at excel Clinic

I was nervous about having any kind of surgery but the local anaesthetic option made a real difference. I was home by lunchtime and back at my desk within four days. The fixed, all-in pricing meant no surprises.

Why Choose Excel Clinic?

Expert Surgeons

Our Surgeons are highly experienced, empathetic and gentle when it comes to facial and ear surgery.

Highly Rated, Award Winning Clinic

Trusted by patients - our clinic is highly rated for providing excellent private patient care in South Wales.

Transparent and Affordable Pricing

Prices are fixed, with payment plan options available.

Dedicated Aftercare Support

Ensuring you recover smoothly with expert guidance every step of the way!

Prices and Fees

Consultation

Consultation only with surgeon, separate appoint to surgery (or if not proceeded to surgery). Video consult is available for £100

£150

Pinnaplasty - 1 ear

Including anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare pack, follow up and post-op support

From £1495

Pinnaplasty - both ears

IIncluding anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare pack, follow up and post-op support

From £2990

Pinnaplasty Cost in Cardiff & Finance Options

We offer transparent, fixed-fee pricing confirmed after consultation, which includes your surgery, standard aftercare and follow-up. Finance options to spread your payments out are available (subject to status). Enquire for more.

Your Earlobe Repair Surgery Journey

1. Submit Booking Form with Photo

2. Consultation

3. Day of Surgery

4. Recovery Period

5. Follow-Up Care

💻 1. Submit Booking Form

Submit our simply booking form with a clear photo, and then one of our facial cosmetic surgery team will contact you shortly afterward to arrange an appointment for your surgery.

🏥 2. Consultation

A thorough one-to-one assessment with Mr Feroz — your concerns are discussed, your ears examined, and a personalised plan agreed. All risks, benefits, and realistic outcomes are explained clearly and honestly. A video consultation is available if preferred.

🏥 3. Day of Surgery

Local anaesthetic injected — ears fully numb within minutes
Small incision in the natural crease behind each ear
Cartilage reshaped and repositioned with permanent internal sutures
Skin closed with fine sutures (absorbable in most cases — no removal needed)
Padded protective headband applied; you go home the same day

Duration: 60–90 minutes for both ears. Most patients need only over-the-counter pain relief that evening.

🩹 4. Recovery Period

Days 1–3 — Mild throbbing, managed with paracetamol. Headband worn full-time. Sleep on your back.
Days 3–5 — Most return to desk work. Swelling visibly settling.
Weeks 2–6 — Headband at night only. Begin scar care (silicone gel + SPF). Social activities resume.
Week 6+ — All activities including contact sport resume with ear protection. Final shape settles over 3–6 months.

📅 5. Follow-Up Care & Results

Your care doesn’t end with surgery:

Your 4-week follow-up allows Mr Feroz to assess healing and address any questions. Results continue to refine as swelling settles — fully evident at around 3–6 months. Scars fade significantly over 12 months and sit within the natural ear fold.

Results are permanent when healed and aftercare instructions followed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between pinnaplasty, otoplasty and ear pinning surgery?

These are all names for the same procedure. “Ear pinning” is the plain English term most patients use. “Pinnaplasty” is the standard UK medical term. “Otoplasty” is the international equivalent. At Excel Clinic we use all three — the surgery itself is identical.

Is ear pinning surgery painful?

No — local anaesthetic means you feel no pain during the procedure, only gentle pressure. Post-operatively, most patients experience mild throbbing for 2–3 days, easily managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen. The majority of patients are surprised by how comfortable the recovery is.

Is the result permanent?

Yes. The cartilage is reshaped and secured with permanent internal sutures. Once fully healed at 6–8 weeks, the correction is stable and does not reverse. Repeat surgery is not required.

Will I have visible scars?

The incision is placed within the natural crease of skin behind the ear — invisible from the front and barely detectable even from behind, even with short hair. Scars typically fade significantly over 6–12 months. Full scar care guidance is included in your aftercare.

How much does ear pinning surgery cost in Cardiff?

At Excel Clinic Cardiff, bilateral pinnoplasty (both ears) starts from £2990 all-inclusive — covering local anaesthetic, surgery, aftercare pack, headband, 4-week follow-up, and post-op support. Unilateral (one ear) starts from £1495. All fees are fixed and confirmed at consultation. Finance options are available.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Most patients return to desk work within 3–5 days. Light exercise resumes at around 3–4 weeks. Contact sport and activities with ear trauma risk (rugby, boxing, martial arts) should be avoided for 6 weeks minimum, with appropriate ear protection recommended long-term.

Want personalised advice? Book your Pinnaplasty Consultation today.

Areas we serve

Excel Clinic is proud to offer ear pinning surgery to patients across South Wales and South West England, with fast access and no waiting lists.

📍South Wales

✅ Cardiff
✅ Newport
✅ Swansea
✅ Bridgend
✅ Barry
✅ Caerphilly
✅ Pontypridd
✅ Merthyr Tydfil
✅ Cwmbran
✅ Llanelli
✅ Neath

📍South West England

✅ Bristol
✅ Bath
✅ Gloucester
✅ Cheltenham

✅ Swindon
✅ Taunton
✅ Weston-super-Mare
✅ Exeter
✅ Yeovil
✅ Bridgwater
✅ Torquay
✅ Barnstaple

Our convenient location near the M4 makes us easily accessible for patients across the region seeking prompt, expert treatment.

How to find us

We are conveniently located in Cardiff Gate Business Park, just off M4 Junction 30.

Ready to Explore Ear pinning surgery? Book your consultation at Excel Clinic, Cardiff. Quick access, clear pricing and specialist aftercare.

Booking form

Please complete and submit the booking form below, and a member of our facial cosmetic surgery team will be in touch with you shortly to book your appointment and answer any queries!