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OTOPLASTY
On Correcting Protruding Ears
Notes for Guidance
The most common of all operations on the ear is to ‘pin back’ protruding ears. The surgical name for this operation is
Otoplasty. The operation can be usually performed quite effectively as early as the fifth year as by that time the ear itself
has already reached almost adult size so there would be little if any subsequent change. There needs to be a careful
evaluation of the ears.
Disparity in size as well as shape needs to be addressed. Contour distortions or asymmetric (not matching) corrections
may be handled at the initial surgery or require a second procedure. Sometimes surgeon and patient can foresee the need
for a second procedure prior to the first surgery but often it’s the new refined ear and its placement that need to be
addressed. The new positioning changes what was not obvious before. Disproportion’s may not be so clear until after the
first surgery’s results can be viewed. A cupped ear when flattened may now need trimming.
The operation involves the repositioning or otherwise altering of the flexible cartilage structures of the ear. There are
many variations of this problem and each must be treated in a different manner. Very simply, the surgical objectives are
to reduce the protrusion and at the same time to provide a normal outline when the ear is viewed from the side. Surgical
incisions are usually hidden behind the ear, where any remaining surface scars will not be visible. Occasionally external
incisions are required, and these can be placed inconspicuously within the normal contours.
Otoplasty is normally regarded as a ‘day case’ operation carried out under general or twilight anaesthetic. Post
operatively a dressing is worn usually for seven days. After this time any remaining swelling gradually disappears.
When the dressing is removed the ears will be in their new position. It is most important to follow the surgeon’s
instructions on post operative care.
The resulting hazards or risks in this operation are few. As the skin has been lifted during the operation some collection
of fluid or blood (haematoma) may occur. This is indicated by immediate pain from the pressure of the leaking blood.
The wound would be opened and evacuated; bleeding points identified and stopped. This is guarded against by the
special padded dressing that is applied following the operation. This dressing may not be disturbed in any way, until
removed by the Surgeon at seven days.
Hypertrophic scars are frequently seen in the line of the skin incision. They would tend to be more apparent in deeply
pigmented patients. They usually resolve with conservative treatment but in some case steroid treatment may be
employed. Minor adjustments in ear lobes may be considered and desirable afterwards. Probably the most common concern is some remaining irregularity in the cartilage when the ear is viewed from either the front or the side. It should
be noted however that both ears are never exactly alike, even in the normal state, and that perfect symmetry is therefore
not a reasonable expectation. In cases where significant differences occur, however, secondary treatment may be
performed.
The operation has no adverse effects upon the hearing mechanism, as it does not actually involve the inner ear structures
of the organ itself. Finally, the otoplastic operation is generally most successful and most rewarding for the patient in
terms of improved personal appearance, confidence and self esteem.
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This leaflet has been prepared to give a basic understanding of the procedure before a consultation takes place, and to
encourage and answer many of the questions frequently asked about this type of cosmetic surgery. Final decisions should
not be made until an individual assessment has taken place with the surgeon. There is no obligation on the part of the
patient to undergo surgery by attending for consultation. If you have further questions or would like to arrange a
consultation, please do not hesitate to call us.
For a pdf copy of the above, please click here.
For pre- and post-operative instructions, please click here.
For pre- and post-operative photographs, please click here. |
