Contact number: 020 7806 4060
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in London, we provide private pinnaplasty for children and adults who feel that their ears stick out more than usual, or who are experiencing significant distress related to the shape or appearance of their ears.
Our consultants will take the time to understand your concerns, review your medical history, and discuss whether this surgical procedure is suitable for you or your child. Located in St John’s Wood (NW8), our hospital serves patients across North West London, including those in Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6).
Also known as:
- Ear pinning
- Ear pinning surgery
- Ear correction
- Otoplasty
What is Pinnaplasty?
Pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure that adjusts the position and shape of the ears by modifying the underlying cartilage. It’s usually carried out to correct ears that stick out, improving symmetry and overall appearance. A small cut is made behind each ear, through which the cartilage is reshaped and held in its new position using stitches.
This procedure is most often performed under a local anaesthetic, although general anaesthetic may be considered in younger patients. The surgery can be carried out from around the age of five, when the ears have reached near-adult size.
Pinnaplasty is not medically necessary, but for many patients, it can ease long-standing discomfort or distress linked to how their ears look, especially if they’ve been teased at school, feel self-conscious, or simply want their ears to be more in balance with their face.
Pinnaplasty at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
We provide private pinnaplasty in a safe, calm setting led by highly trained consultants who are registered on the specialist register for plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Expert Consultants – Our surgeons offer thoughtful, personalised care and have experience performing pinnaplasty using different techniques. Every treatment plan is tailored to your needs.
- Prompt Appointments – We offer timely access to consultations and surgery, helping you avoid long waiting lists and plan ahead with confidence.
- Comfortable, Professional Setting – Our NW8 hospital offers modern facilities with kind and experienced teams to guide you through the procedure, recovery, and follow-up care.
- Accessible Location – We are based in St John’s Wood (NW8), with easy access from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and wider areas across London.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinnaplasty
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), near landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easy to reach from Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6).
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a short 5-minute walk. Finchley Road (Jubilee Line) serves Hampstead (NW3), while Kilburn (NW6) is also on the same line.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop close to the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop near the Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near Grove End Road and Abbey Road.
By Car:
Accessible via Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road.
Pinnaplasty usually takes between one to two hours. It is most commonly performed under local anaesthetic, though some patients may be advised to have a general anaesthetic depending on age, medical history, or other factors.
The healing process varies, but most patients return to everyday activities within the first week. A protective dressing or headband may need to be worn, especially at night, for a few weeks to protect the ears’ new position.
You might notice some swelling or discomfort in the early days. These symptoms generally ease with rest and appropriate pain relief. You’ll be given specific guidance on what to wear, what to avoid (such as contact sports), and how to support your recovery at home.
Any stitches used are often dissolvable, though some patients may need a brief follow-up visit for removal. Your consultant will keep a close eye on your progress during the recovery time.