Otoplasty

Otoplasty aims to create symmetrical ears of a natural size and shape by reshaping the cartilage.

The most common abnormalities of the ear:

• the auricles are at a greater than normal angle to the skull (“bat ears”);
• the ear cartilage is too large, which protrudes the ear, increasing the protruding shape;
• normal cartilaginous folds do not develop, the auricle is not bowed.

If possible, surgery is recommended at a younger age, when the cartilage and the auricle are easier to operate on and more flexible.

Consultation

During your personal consultation, we will discuss your ideas and our plastic surgeon will examine the shape, position and symmetry of your ears.

The surgery

The aim of the surgery is always to improve the condition and position of the ears.

1. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia under surgical conditions and can last from 30 minutes to 1-2 hours. It is also possible to use anaesthesia or intravenous sedation (awake sedation).
2. Our plastic surgeon will make an incision in the natural crease behind the ear and then reshape the cartilage to create the desired ear shape. The natural convexity of the ear canals is created or corrected by thinning or bending the cartilaginous skeleton.
3. In some cases, cartilage excision, partial removal of cartilage, may be necessary.
4. Once the auricles are in their normal position, deep stitches are used to fix the cartilage and close the skin.
5. After surgery, an elastic wrap is placed over your head to keep the ears in the correct position.
   The nature of the surgery does not require close hospital attention, so you can return home on the day of surgery.

The dressing is usually removed seven days after surgery. After that, you will still need to wear an ear protection headband at night for a period of time determined by your surgeon to allow the ear cups to heal properly. The stitches are removed on the 7th day after surgery.

With a balanced lifestyle and careful, gradual exercise, you should be back to your normal routine within 2 weeks. To ensure a speedy recovery, please note the following:

• you should sleep with your upper body upright for a few days after the procedure;
• Avoid any major physical exertion, sunbathing, tanning beds, saunas or any strong heat that may cause flushing of the ears and face (e.g. spicy foods, alcohol).

Possible complications

Although complications are very rare, you should be aware of the following possible complications:

• persistent bleeding after surgery (if it is not a blood spot on the dressing, further surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding and prevent swelling – haematoma);
• infection (rapid and radical treatment is needed to prevent the infection reaching the cartilage – chondritis);
• abnormal scars (despite careful follow-up of the sutures, any ear scar may become hypertrophic or develop into a “scar swelling” – keloid – whose development is unpredictable and difficult to treat;
• skin necrosis and cartilage necrosis;
• asymmetric auricle;
• overcorrected auricle.

The final shape will be visible one year after the procedure.

Our patients who have undergone surgery report a feeling of confidence and increased self-esteem. They feel better because

• aesthetic,
• more symmetrical,
• natural shape and position of their ears after surgery.