Ear Aesthetics (Otoplasty)

Understanding Protruding Ears

Protruding ears are a common condition often mislabeled as simply having large ears. In reality, the issue is typically not size but structure. Protruding ears are the result of ear cartilage that is flat in areas where it should be folded. This structural difference causes the angle between the head and the ears to be larger than normal, making the ears appear overly visible when viewed from the front.

Otoplasty: The Surgical Solution

The surgical procedure to correct this condition is called an otoplasty. The goal of an otoplasty is to reshape the ear for a more natural appearance by narrowing the angle between the ears and the head, creating the missing ear folds, or in some cases, reducing the size of ears that are genuinely too large. The general technique involves the surgeon making an incision on the back of the ear. Through this discreet incision, the cartilage is accessed. It can then be reshaped by filing it down or by using special, permanent stitches to create a new, permanent fold that holds the ear in its corrected position.

Who is a Candidate for Otoplasty?

Otoplasty can be performed on both children and adults. The procedure is generally suitable for children from the age of 6 onwards, as the ears have reached most of their adult size by this point. The type of anesthesia used often depends on the patient's age:

• Young Patients: General anesthetic is usually recommended for children.
• Mature Patients: Local anesthetic combined with a sedative is typically preferred for older teens and adults.

The Otoplasty Procedure: What to Expect

Otoplasty is often performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day, though a surgeon may recommend the procedure be carried out in a formal operating theatre. The surgery itself typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. More complicated procedures may take longer to complete.

Recovery After Otoplasty

The recovery process is crucial for ensuring the ears heal correctly in their new shape.

• Immediately After Surgery: Patients can typically get up and move around a few hours after the operation and can then return home. The head will be wrapped in protective bandaging to help the ears adapt to their new position and to facilitate healing.
• The First Week: This initial bandaging is usually removed after 2-4 days and replaced with a lighter padding or headband.
• Returning to Daily Life: Most adult patients can return to work about 10 days after the operation. Children can typically return to school after about one week, but they should be reminded to be careful during normal school activities and play.
• Long-Term Care: For at least 1.5 months after the procedure, you must avoid any activity that puts your ears at risk of bending or injury. It is also highly recommended to wear a protective headband while sleeping during this period to prevent accidental folding of the ears. Using the headband during the day can also offer extra protection.

Special Cases: Ear Reconstruction for Microtia

In some rare cases, a condition called microtia occurs, where the ear fold has not developed at all, or only the earlobes are present. In these situations, a more complex ear reconstruction is performed. This generally involves using the patient’s own tissues (such as rib cartilage) to build a new ear structure, sometimes in conjunction with medical prostheses.