Ear Surgery

Usually the ears are little noticed. They only become conspicuous and disturbing if they are protruding or have an unusual shape. Often it is children who are bothered by this problem. A well-formed ear can be obtained with ear surgery.

Ear surgery, also called otoplasty, can correct the position, the shape and the proportion of the ears. Defects present at birth, such as protruding ears, or deformities caused by injury or disease can be corrected. The correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.

If ears are aesthetically or functionally disturbed in their shape, form or position there is an indication for correction in both children and adults.

After ear surgery, the ear will fit better to the head and show a harmonious, aesthetically pleasing form.

During the consult we will first assess the problem by close examination of the shape and position of the ears and discuss your goals and wishes. Then, we will explain all corrective possibilities and decide which techniques to use. A digital photograph helps us to work out an exact treatment plan. We also get a thorough picture of your medical history to identify any possible contraindications at an early stage.

Most ear corrections are aesthetic procedures. Depending on the degree of severity, the health insurance can cover part of the costs. In this case, we will inquire at the health insurance company beforehand.

The operation takes 1-2 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis in our certified operating theatre. In children it is performed under general anaesthesia, in adults it is performed under local or general anaesthesia, as desired. After the surgery you will have a bandage covering your operated ear(s). Once you have recovered from the operation and eaten a bite, you can return home on the same day. We recommend that you be picked up by an accompanying person and not be alone in the first postoperative night.

As with any surgical procedure, you will feel slight pain in the first few days. We will give you adequate painkillers and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Intensive cooling is necessary in the first day. After 2-3 days we remove the head bandage and change it to a small bandage with headband. We recommend wearing this for 3 weeks. We usually remove stitches already after 7-10 days. Further checks are carried out after 2 weeks, 3 and 6 months.
As soon as the swelling has subsided approx. 2 weeks after the operation, the new ear shape becomes clearly visible. After about three months, the new shape has stabilized.

Every operation involves surgical and anesthesia-related risks. There is an increased risk of surgical complications, especially for patients who smoke or suffer from obesity or diabetes.

Risks associated with any surgical procedure

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Unfavorable or excessive scarring
• Poor wound healing
• Thrombosis

Risks of earplasty

• Recurrence of protrusion of the ears
• Asymmetry
• Visible and palpable, possibly painful cartilage edges
• Thread granulomas and thread fistulas
• Pressure marks
• Auricular cartilage inflammation

If you are interested in an ear surgery, we will be happy to assist you as an objective consultant. It is important for us to give you a comprehensive picture of the procedure. In a non-committing consultation we therefore discuss all possibilities and risks with you. This discussion provides you with a serious basis on which to make a fundamental decision for or against an intervention.

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