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Ear correction
What are the options?

Pinnaplasty or otoplasty are the interchangeable medical terms for ear correction. The operation adjusts the shape of the cartilage within the ear to recreate the underdeveloped folds and to allow the ear to lie closer to the side of the head. Because the operation is performed from behind the ears, a scar is left close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic. However, in young children, a general anaesthetic is usually required.

The folds of the ear may be created either by inserting some permanent sutures within the cartilage or by scoring the cartilage on the front of the ear to selectively fold certain areas. The ear can be rotated towards the head by inserting some further sutures between the head and the back of the ear, by removing a small piece of cartilage, or through a combination of both techniques. Your surgeon will advise you on the best option, depending upon the individual characteristics of your ears.

Where the lobe of the ear is especially large, a small procedure to reduce its size may also be performed. When the ear itself is disproportionately large, it may be reduced in height through scars well hidden in the groove on the front of the ear.

Surgical correction of ‘cauliflower ears’ requires a different surgical approach. Most commonly, an incision is made within the rim of the ear on the front. The thickened cartilage is then thinned and sculpted to restore as much of the original shape as possible. The skin is then re-draped and cotton wool dressings are stitched in place to apply gentle pressure for one week.

Split ear lobules can be fixed fairly simply under local anaesthetic. The surgeon will often produce a stepped scar to reduce the possibility of notching on the earlobe. The piercing may be preserved at the time of surgery but it is often simpler to allow the skin to heal and have the ear re-pierced at a later date.

Surgical reconstruction of partially or completely absent ears most commonly involves harvesting some of the patients rib cartilage. This is carved into the shape of an ear and buried under the skin on the side of the head. For more detail, please visit our specialist website at www.earreconstruction.biz

 

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