Ear Reshaping

Results

Protruding ears are rarely too big. The problem is that the cartilage of the ear has not developed properly which means that the natural puckering of the cartilage which draws the ears in is missing. Many patients feel stigmatised with their ‘sticking out’ ears and find a new confidence with their appearance following the operation. In extreme cases all costs are covered by the National Health Insurance Fund. During ear reshaping surgery the form of the ear is corrected. Cartilage is weakened and removed from behind the ear in order to correct the shape of the ear. In extreme cases it may be necessary to remove excessive muscle tissue from behind the ear. A successful ear reshaping operation results in a natural looking outer ear, not looking too flat or having abrupt corners and edges.

The Operation

This operation can be carried out under a local anaesthetic, apart from when small children are being operated on. The surgeon reaches the cartilage by making a small incision along the natural crease behind the ear (scarring is therefore minimal). The cartilage is then adjusted/weakened using a small trephine and is then re-formed with sutures. In order to protect your ears from any unnecessary pressure bandages need to be worn for about a week. Following this a comfortable headband should be worn for around 3 weeks.

What a patient should know?

Ear correction surgery is a short and straightforward procedure, which can improve a patient’s quality of life. Postoperative complications are rare, as long as you follow all instructions given to you by your surgeon. Scars rarely bother the patient as they are hidden behind the ear. In some cases, the misshapenness returns after a while. A similar operation then has to be carried out again. Should operational wounds become infected a course of antibiotics will prescribed by your surgeon in order to prevent further infection of the cartilage.