A new implant could make cosmetic surgery for those unhappy with their prominent ears quicker and easier.

Protruding ears have traditionally been treated with surgery known as otoplasty, which requires general anesthetic and takes up to 90 minutes.

But a device being piloted among private patients at London’s Royal Free Hospital – developed by consultant plastic surgeon Norbert Kang – can be implanted in 15 minutes with only local anesthetic.

The earFold implant, which is inserted under the skin and folds the ear into a pre-determined shape, has been in development for the last decade.

Kang, who has already treated over 50 patients in clinical trials, said he hopes the device will eventually be used more widely.

“I am looking forward to treating more patients as well as gathering further clinical data from the initial group of patients who have been treated,” he said.

“In time, I hope to share the knowledge within the rest of the surgical community.”