Protruding ears are due to a congenital malformation of the ear cartilage or asymmetric development of certain parts of the cartilage. Corrective surgery will reshape the ear cartilage and “set the ears back” closer to the head.
For psychological reasons, we recommend the operation be performed at pre-school age so children do not suffer any teasing once they start school. However, some people affected by the problem do not seek corrective surgery until adulthood.
In addition to correcting prominent ears, procedures in ear surgery also include ear shaping and earlobe correction.
The Operation - Ear Corrections
Before the procedure our nursing staff and your specialist will prepare you for the operation ahead. This includes taking the “before” photos and marking the new ear contours on your skin. Depending on the age of the patient, the procedure will be performed under regional or general anaesthetic. One of our anaesthetists specialises in anaesthesia in children.
The operation for protruding ears takes around one and a half hours. An incision is made at the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage, which is then sculpted.
Follow-up care - Ear Corrections
After surgery you will need to wear a close-fitting head bandage for five to seven days, then a headband at night for another six weeks. After about two weeks, the incision site will have substantially healed. There will be virtually no sign of the operation apart from a faint scar line.
You will need about seven to ten days off school or work. Do not do any sport for three to four weeks and wash your hair carefully.
Facts and figures
Operation
1½ hours, under regional or general anaesthetic
In/outpatient
Post-operative treatment
Head bandage for 5 days, then a headband for 6 weeks
Back to school or work
Sport
Ready to socialise
Costs