Otoplasty (Ear Correction)
This is a surgical procedure which involves reshaping the ear and setting it closer to the head – commonly known as a procedure for ‘bat ears’ or ‘ears that stick out’ aiming to ‘pin them back’.
The actual size of the ear will not be changed significantly – this requires a different procedure.
Otoplasty simply means surgery to change the shape of the ears. While correction of prominent ears is the commonest procedure – this term applies to any operation to reshape the ears and would apply to cosmetic reshaping of the ear lobe & careful repair of torn ear-lobes where ear-rings have been dislodged. The remainder of this advice sheet relates to prominent ear correction (the commonest otoplasty carried out).
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Who is conventional Otoplasty surgery for?
This is an operation designed for those with prominent ears (‘bat ears’ or ‘sticking out’ ears) who would prefer for them to be set closer to the head. It is most commonly performed for children between the ages of 7-14 giving consideration to the age they may become socially stigmatised i.e. school age. It can be performed for adults who are self-conscious about prominent ears. The ear prominence may be on both sides or one side may be more prominent.
Possible Complications
Your particular procedure will be selected according to your particular presentation and discussed in the consultation. In general terms: the procedure may be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. The incision is generally placed behind the ear – but some techniques require a small incision in front of the ear too. The cartilage folds inside the ear are then re-shaped – or a small piece is removed – and sutures (stitches) placed to hold the new position and close the wound. In some cases this allows the ear to lie in a new position closer to the head and this is all that is required. In other cases, additional sutures (stitches) are required in the groove behind the ear to anchor the ear closer to the head.
What does otoplasty surgery involve?
Your particular procedure will be selected according to your particular presentation and discussed in the consultation. In general terms: the procedure may be performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia. The incision is generally placed behind the ear – but some techniques require a small incision in front of the ear too. The cartilage folds inside the ear are then re-shaped – or a small piece is removed – and sutures (stitches) placed to hold the new position and close the wound. In some cases this allows the ear to lie in a new position closer to the head and this is all that is required. In other cases, additional sutures (stitches) are required in the groove behind the ear to anchor the ear closer to the head.
What happens after the surgery & what is the recovery time?
A head bandage will be placed at the end of the operation which must stay on for a week day and night and will be removed in the clinic. At that time, the ears will still be a little bruised and swollen (for a total of 2-3 weeks) but most of the result will be visible at that stage. It is important that you continue to wear a supportive head band at night for a further 4 weeks after surgery to help support the new ear position during this early phase of healing.
Get in touch
To arrange a consultation please contact Serryth Colbert on 01225 838869