Every three to five years, NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB review its clinical policies to ensure they reflect the latest evidence-based guidance and best practice. We are currently reviewing the following policies and would welcome your views on the proposed changes.
Please share your feedback by completing the short questionnaire.
Pinnaplasty is a surgical procedure to correct prominent or protruding ears, often performed on children and adolescents.
The proposed policy changes involve transitioning from a "not routinely funded” policy stance to establishing specific criteria tailored for children and adolescents. This aims to provide clearer guidelines and improved access to services or interventions for this age group.
The proposed policy update has the following wording:
1. Pinnaplasty is routinely commissioned in children and adolescents with prominent ear if they meet ALL of the following criteria:
a. The patient is aged 7 years to <18 years
b. The prominent ear, upper 3rd mastoid – helical distance is ≥21.5 mm
c. During the clinical assessment, a consultant surgeon can verify that the child is suffering from significant psychological distress due to their prominent ears (in cases of bullying/teasing at school, provision of documented evidence from the head teacher [or equivalent] will complement this assessment)
d. The child and parent understand the risks, likely outcome and are motivated to proceed with surgery.
2. Pinnaplasty is also routinely commissioned in children and adolescents if there are functional reasons for the procedure, such as the need to keep a hearing aid in place or ears folding over when asleep causing pain.
a. Otherwise, all other cases of pinnaplasty are considered to be cosmetic and will not be routinely commissioned.
Exclusions
· Children who require reconstruction as a result of trauma or cancer are excluded from this policy.
Please note this survey closes at midnight on Friday 26 December 2025.