Ear Correction

Approximately 1-2% of the UK population have prominent ears. A family trend can be seen on occasions. This is a common operation that can be performed at any age from childhood. People with prominent ears are sometimes teased, during their school years, at work or even in relationships. This can affect self-esteem and lower your confidence. The satisfaction rate is very high after this fairly common surgery.

What is Pinnaplasty?

Pinnaplasty (pinning back of sticking out ears) is an operation that reduces or reshapes the cartilage (gristle part under the skin) within the ear, to create the missing folds and allow the ear to lie closer to the side of the head. It is recommended that the operation be performed after the age of 5 years, when the cartilage is more amenable to reshaping. It is also advisable to wait until the child recognises the problem and wants the ear corrected. Children are more cooperative and happy with the outcome when they understand the nature of the surgery. Correction of prominent ears can also be carried out in adults and in the elderly.

Reduction of the size of the ear lobule is also one of the frequently requested operations. A small procedure can be performed to reduce the size.

The Surgery

The surgery is carried out from behind the ears, leaving a scar close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head that is easily concealed. The procedure can be carried out under local (while awake) or general anaesthesia (while you are asleep), depending on the age and preference of the patient. The surgery is usually done as a day case.

Recovery

There will be a stitch behind the ear that requires removing 7-10 days after surgery. The ears will be covered by a crepe bandage (almost like a turban) for the same period. The area should be kept dry until the stitches are removed. Caution is thereafter required when drying the face (particularly behind the ears) after washing. It might be best to use a hair dryer to dry behind the ears for the first couple of weeks. Once the crepe bandage has been removed, it is wise to wear a protective head-band (sweat band) or bandage when sleeping for 4 weeks, to avoid the ears being bent forward against the pillow. It is advisable to avoid sports and strenuous work/exercise for approximately 6 weeks.

 

                        Before                                                     After

 

Potential Risks

Every surgical procedure carries a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved in pinning back prominent ears.

The scar may become thick and red. Asymmetry is not uncommon.  Sometimes the bandage can press on the front of the ear to produce a breakdown in the skin, which can take a long time to heal and in the extremely rare occasions may require a skin graft. Under or over correction of the ear are risks that may require further adjustment surgery. The ears are often a little numb after surgery. 

Bleeding, infection, blood clots in leg veins and/or lung and further revisional surgery are general risks that can follow any operation.

The information provided gives you a basic understanding of the ear correction procedure but it may not answer all your questions, a lot depends on your individual circumstances. It is not intended to be a substitute for a surgical consultation in Chester, Cheshire or Wrexham, North Wales.

For any enquiries, you can email Mr Fahmy on info@cosmeticplastic.co.uk or contact his secretary on 0800 756 9828 OR 0794 951 5013. Your consultation will be directly with Mr Fahmy and the treatment will be performed by himself at the hospital of your choice either Grosvenor Nuffield Hospital, Chester or Spire Yale Hospital, Wrexham. It is strongly advisable to bring a friend or a relative during your consultation, as this may further assist you in any questions you may have.

 

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