Prominent Ear Surgery | London Facial Surgeons

WHY CONSIDER SURGERY?

Prominent ears is a common inherited problem affecting 1-2% of the population. Though prominent ears do not cause any hearing disability the psychological distress caused by prominent ears can be considerable. Children with prominent ears are often the victims of teasing and cruel nicknames like Dumbo, Mickey Mouse, pig ears etc resulting in short-term unhappiness as well as long-term impact on perception of self-image and confidence.

Surgery can, not only pin back ears, but ears can also be reshaped, reduced in size, or made more symmetrical. If you are considering surgery, you may want to know how the surgery is performed and what you can expect. Some aspects of surgery are discussed in the following section, however any specific questions pertaining to surgery will be discussed during your consultation.

SUITABILITY FOR OTOPLASTY SURGERY

Pre-requites for otoplasty surgery include good general health and realistic expectations. It is important to note that otoplasty will not alter hearing. Pinnaplasty or otoplasty can be carried out in the child from about 5 years of age. The parents should understand that there is a balance to strike between doing it before the child goes to school and allowing enough time to see if the child perceives it as a problem. Surgery is generally recommended around 5 -6 years of age. In adults the cartilage is firmer and does not provide the same moulding as in children.

BENEFITS OF OTOPLASTY SURGERY

Surgery helps to set back the protruding ears and corrects large floppy ears. It also offers great psychological benefits, particularly for children.

LIMITATIONS OF OTOPLASTY SURGERY

Absolute symmetry is rarely achievable and the goal of surgery is improvement and not perfection. Some ear irregularities are not completely correctable.

CONSULTATION FOR OTOPLASTY SURGERY

When considering otoplasty surgery, the choice of a qualified experienced surgeon is of paramount importance. Many otoplasty surgeons are trained in Ear, Nose and Throat as well as Facial Cosmetic Surgery, which means you can expect the highest level of expertise from your surgeon. During the consultation, a thorough medical history is obtained. The ear is examined in detail, both externally and internally. Aspects relating to hearing are also explored. Photographs are taken to explain surgery better to help you understand the surgical procedure and expected results.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

These include a degree of refinement. Age is an important concern as cartilage in young children has adequate strength to hold stitches and yet mouldable. Adult cartilage tends to be more resistant to moulding. Level of concern, particularly of parents often plays a major role in the eventual outcome.

HOW IS SURGERY PERFORMED?

The surgery in children is usually carried out under general anaesthesia, however a local anaesthesia maybe considered in adults. A skin incision is made behind the ear in the natural groove to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then sculpted as required and permanent stitches are inserted to help maintain their new shape of the cartilage. Any redundant skin and tissue is removed. The wound is then stitched and a turban-like head bandage is secured in place to help the moulding and healing.

POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD AND TIME OFF

Surgery is done as a day procedure. The turban like head dressing is maintained for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that an exercise headband is worn for a further two weeks. There may be some swelling and bruising around the ears, particularly the back with some minor discomfort. Simple painkillers will relieve this discomfort. Adults may return to work in about 48 hours, however children are advised to stay off school for about a week to 10 days. Any strenuous activity should be avoided for about three weeks and contact sports for six weeks.

COMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY

Complications are infrequent and usually minor, but include infection and rarely bleeding. The scar behind the ear usually fades well, but on rare occasions it can become red and lumpy. Overgrown, unfavourable scars are more common in Black or Asian patients. Loss of correction may occur especially if the ears are traumatised before healing is complete. The ears usually feel numb, sometimes for several weeks to months after surgery and the sensation is exaggerated when exposed to cold. Occasionally corrective revision surgery maybe required.