The availability of otoplasty on the NHS in the UK
One of the most contentious subjects regarding otoplasty is the availability on the NHS. It seems that the surgery's availability varies dramatically from region to region depending on whether primary care trust in your area is willing to fund the operation.
There are two main criteria that the PCT will look at when determining whether you are eligible to undergo the surgery on the NHS. These are your age, the level of psychological distress being caused by your ears and whether there is any medical reason for the surgery. The cut-off age to be considered the surgery varies between different PCTs.
It is worth mentioning that almost all PCTs around the country do not support requests of otoplasty on the NHS. Over the past decade it has become increasingly difficult to get approval from the surgery on the NHS, and this is only becoming worse. Certain regions are more likely than others to grant the surgery, so it's always worth checking with your GP before dismissing the possibility of having the surgery on the NHS.
Even if you are fortunate enough to be one of the lucky few that are approved, it is likely that you will be waiting anywhere from 18 months to 3 years before the surgery is carried out. Again, however, this will vary significantly depending on your region.
There are two main criteria that the PCT will look at when determining whether you are eligible to undergo the surgery on the NHS. These are your age, the level of psychological distress being caused by your ears and whether there is any medical reason for the surgery. The cut-off age to be considered the surgery varies between different PCTs.
It is worth mentioning that almost all PCTs around the country do not support requests of otoplasty on the NHS. Over the past decade it has become increasingly difficult to get approval from the surgery on the NHS, and this is only becoming worse. Certain regions are more likely than others to grant the surgery, so it's always worth checking with your GP before dismissing the possibility of having the surgery on the NHS.
Even if you are fortunate enough to be one of the lucky few that are approved, it is likely that you will be waiting anywhere from 18 months to 3 years before the surgery is carried out. Again, however, this will vary significantly depending on your region.
