Prominent ears can affect just one ear, or more commonly both. The developmental problems that cause the prominence are varied, and the underlying problem determines exactly what surgery is required to create a more pleasing looking ear. Typically, there are two main causes:
• A prominent conchal bowl, otherwise known as cup of the ear.
• A poorly developed or unfolding of the antihelical fold can create a significant prominence.
Some patients have a combination of these two problems.
Otoplasty is best performed when the child is old enough to understand the procedure and why it’s being done. Additionally, if a child is too young their ear cartilage is too soft and thin to surgically manage. An ideal age is not until they are at least 8 years old. Otoplasty surgery does not interfere with the growth of the ear. Adult patients have less pliable cartilage than children, but they can still obtain a good result.
The operation is performed under general anaesthetic in a private hospital. You are able to go home the same day as surgery.
The ear is incised from behind and the cartilage is displayed, and its shape altered by undertaking a number of surgical technical manoeuvres.
The surgery required to correct prominent ears is determined by the underlying cause and frequently involves correcting one or more components of the ear. The main and often only incision is hidden behind the ear. Through the incision behind the ear, the ear can be moved closer to the head by suturing down the conchal bowl. Additionally, the cartilage is displayed, and shaped adopting a number of techniques to help better define the antihelical fold.
All wounds are sutured using dissolving sutures the other ear is then performed to match. A head bandage is applied following the procedure.
The head bandage stays in place for 1 week and is then taken down in the office. The ears will still be swollen and discoloured at this stage and typically the ear pinning appears a little “too corrected”. However, this will settle, and it will be at least 4-6 weeks before they completely settle. The front of the face remains unaffected.
For the first four weeks you will need to wear a surgical ‘head band’ which affectively sits over your ears to apply ongoing compression. This is to be worn when at home and sleeping.
You can return to normal physical activities after four weeks.
You need to avoid any activities which forcibly pulls on the ear for at least three months.
More information on general potential complications can be found on our site. LEARN MORE
Whenever someone is having an anaesthetic, no matter what it’s for, then things can potentially go wrong. That is why no surgery should be considered “minor”. Of course, whilst the chances of the following potential problems occurring are extremely small, you still need to know about them:
All these potential problems are standard for any operation, although some operations and some patients have an increased risk of developing them.
Specific complications include: