Ears are a very visible part of the face. People born with protruding or abnormally shaped ears are very self-conscious and often experience bullying as children. This is not only a source of anxiety for the children but also their parents. Dr. Faisal recommends that children be at least 5 years before attending a consultation
There are typically 2 fundamental issues which can cause prominent ears
The fold within the ear may be absent or underdeveloped, or the cartilage in the back of the ear may be overdeveloped causing the ear to rest further away from the side of the head
Otoplasty or pinnaplasty aims to fix issues with the appearance of the ears, and it does that through a variety of techniques that all address a certain issue about a person’s ears, be it asymmetry, size, or deformity.
Otoplasty or pinnaplasty is performed under general anaesthetic
The incision is concealed in the crease behind the ear
The absent fold is simulated and its position marked. Sutures are then carefully placed to recreate the fold
If there is excess cartilage also contributing to the problem then this is carefully removed.
Dissolvable sutures are used to close the wound
A bulky helmet-shaped dressing is then applied. This is designed to protect the ear, maintain the shape of the ear and to help minimise any bleeding
The patient will awaken with a large dressing wrapped around the ears and head
Local anesthetic applied to the ears will minimise the pain. Pain killers and antibiotics will be given on discharge despite the procedure not being associated with pain
Dr. Faisal recommends that the patient rest for the following week
The dressing will be removed at 1 week
It is normal for there to be a lot of swelling at this time and the ears to look unusual
The dressing will be replaced with a sports headband. This needs to be worn at all times for the next 3 weeks and at night for the 2 weeks following this
The patient must not engage in any sport or contact activity for the following 6 weeks
A further clinic visit will be done at 2 weeks and 6 weeks
Dr. Faisal recommends that children have the surgery during the school holidays, as a recovery period of 4 weeks will be necessary
Adults would require a 1-week vacation from work
Purchase a sports headband
Adults are asked to stop smoking 3 weeks before the procedure as smoking harms wound healing
Send us a message and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible