Ear surgery

The aim of an operation on prominent ears or otoplasty is to adjust the shape and line of the ears in such a way that the maximum symmetry and aesthetic harmony is achieved in the area of the head and neck whilst preserving the natural shape of the ears and their function.

Who is a suitable candidate for the ear surgery?

Most patients who want to have their ears adjusted by pulling them closer to the head or who want to have one ear corrected if their ears are not symmetrical are suitable candidates for protruding ears surgery. It is also possible to resolve prominent lobes. A sometimes requested decrease in size of the ears is not necessary in the vast majority of cases.The most frequent problem with aesthetically disturbing ears is not their size, but their incorrect position with regards to the head and/or their shape.

How does consultation take place?

The overall state of health and any possible contraindications to the procedure are ascertained in terms of consultation. After examination of the local finding on the face, it is determined whether the condition is suitable for surgical resolution and which technique will be used in terms of the operation. The procedure is performed on an out-patient basis under local anaesthesia and in the case of an operation on both ears, this lasts about one hour. In the case of flat ears (most frequently it is the upper third which is affected), the cartilage is modelled in the groove behind the ear using a burr or cutter and stitches in such a way as to achieve a natural shape. In the case of a deep auricle, the whole ear must be pulled towards the head using a stitch. The above-mentioned techniques must be combined very often. During consultation, it is always necessary to inform the doctor of all medicines which the patient uses. This especially relates to medicines which affect coagulation.

Pre-operative examination

With a view to the fact that in the vast majority of cases this concerns an out-patient procedure under local anaesthesia, pre-operative examination is not necessary

Post-operative care

In the case of adults, it is sometimes necessary to use analgesics for a period of one to two days. Children, whose cartilage is significantly softer, usually only feel the minimum of pain. Too much physical activity is not recommended in the period immediately after the ear surgery. The ear which has been operated on is covered with a bandage for a period of ten to twenty days. It is not possible to wash your head or hair over this period. Once the stitches have been removed, it is advisable to wear an elastic headband for another four weeks, which prevents accidental injury of the ears when sleeping.

Complications

Complications are rare in the case of otoplasty. Early post-operative complications include hematomas or accumulation of blood in the wound. Infection can also occur in the wound or it may burst. Late complications could include sensitivity, failure of the modelling stitches with the ear protruding from the air again, the creation of more rigid and protruding scars behind the ear or the creation of sharp edges on the ear cartilage.