Protruding ears often become an object of ridicule ever since the childhood. This problem can therefore accompany the person from early childhood to adolescence. The stress can significantly affect psychological development of a child as well as an adolescent. Some people find it difficult to come to terms with this handicap and decide to solve the problem by aesthetic surgery.
The youngest patient in our care – her before and after photos. Operated by MUDr. Patrik Hudec.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty is a surgery that improves the shape, size or position of the ears. It is often performed in patients with protruding ears, asymmetric auricles or other deformities, which can cause physical discomfort or low self-esteem.
Otoplasty results in a more natural look of the ears, which is in harmony with the patient's facial proportions. The surgery can be performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the patient's age and extent of the surgery. The results are usually permanent and can significantly improve the quality of the patient's life and his self-esteem.
At eveclinic, we specialise in correcting protruding ears and ear holes (e.g. torn ear holes or misshapen earlobes caused by earrings). We do not reduce or correct congenital deformations (except for protruding ears). Such surgeries are carried out by specialized university hospitals.
Who is otoplasty suitable for?
Ear reshaping surgery, i.e. otoplasty, is beneficial to a broad spectrum of patients, including children, but also adults who suffer from protruding ears, large external ears or other ear deformities. We recommend it particularly to children 5 years of age, when the ear cartilage is already sufficiently developed and thus allows effective correction. A timely surgery can help children avoid mockery and improve their self-esteem. For adults, the surgery is beneficial if they look for aesthetic ear modification or deal with asymmetry or other aesthetic issues.
Otoplasty – ear surgery in children
Ear surgery in children is very convenient because the children tolerate it easily. It is usually performed under general anaesthesia to provide more comfort. An idea to leave potential correction of protruding ears to adulthood is wrong. On the contrary – if the problem is solved during childhood, the child is often spared mockery at school.
As MUDr. Patrik Hudec says: "Recovery after the surgery is rapid and the children can soon return to their normal activities."
How does the surgery proceed?
The initial and elementary step before undertaking the surgery is personal consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor will assess the current condition of the ears and familiarize himself with the client's state of mind and his motivation to undergo the surgery.
If the client decides to go ahead with the surgery, the doctor will provide detailed information and pre-operative instructions.
Before the operation, the doctor considers the condition of the external ear skin, the cartilage, height of the angular deviation and the potential ear deformations. The actual surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. The surgery involves loosening the back of the ear, breaching the auricular muscles, thinning the cartilage, modelling the external ear and stitching it in the correct area. It brings the protruding external ears closer to the head and/or reduces the size and modifies the shape of the ears. This surgery is most frequently performed in children aged 5–14 years. It takes about two hours.
Anaesthesia
Very small children are usually operated under general anaesthesia so that the surgery is as comfortable as possible. Otherwise, it is carried out under local anaesthesia.
Otoplasty: Healing and recovery
Otoplasty – Headband as a bandage
After an ear reshaping surgery, the client wears a bandage on the head for 2 to 3 weeks. This bandage is designed to keep the years in the new position and to promote proper healing. It does not limit the client in everyday activities, which he can perform without difficulties.
After removing the bandage, small children are advised to wear the headband during the night. It prevents breaking the external ear during sleep, which is important for keeping the correct shape of the ears. This procedure should be maintained for several weeks to ensure that the ears remain in the desired position.
When returning to physical activity, the clients should be cautious. Return to strenuous activities and contact sports is possible in about 1 to 2 months after the surgery. This time frame allows the ears to heal sufficiently and minimizes a risk of complications or damaging the result of the operation.
Possible side effects
- temporary pulsation
- soreness
- swelling
- redness
- numbness
Possible complications
- cartilage infection
- excessive scarring
- haematoma, which must be drained
- asymmetry
- unnatural-looking ears
- return to protrusion, which requires repetition of the surgery
Otoplasty – price
The price of ear reshaping surgery can vary significantly depending on numerous factors such as the complexity of the operation, the surgeon's experience, location of the clinic and the patient's individual requirements. It usually includes pre-operative examination, the actual surgery, anaesthesia and post-operative care.
FAQ
What is otoplasty?
- Otoplasty is a surgery that improves the shape, size or position of the ears.
How does otoplasty proceed?
- The surgery is carried out under local or general anaesthesia and includes adjustment of the cartilage and stitching the ears closer to the head.
How long does the ear surgery take?
- The operation takes about two hours.
What is the best time for otoplasty?
- The best time is in childhood, usually from 5 years of age, to avoid psychological consequences due to mockery.
How does otoplasty proceed in children?
- In children, the surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia to ensure comfort and rapid recovery.
Contact us
