When correcting a protruding or disproportionately large ear, not only can the angle of the ears with the skull be reduced or the cochlea arch be refined, but the earlobes can also be made smaller. At the earliest, the procedure can be performed from the age of 5, which has the advantage that the ear can be shaped even more easily due to the flexibility of the cartilage and the cochlea at a young age. There are no visible signs of ear surgery as the scars remain hidden.
Ear surgery
When is ear surgery warranted?
The shape of the ears affects the character of the whole face. In addition, if the earlobe is too large or the ears stick out, it can not only be aesthetically bothersome, but can impinge on one’s quality of life. Protruding ears can make it harder to sleep and can even deprive a person of the experience of motorcycling, as wearing a helmet can be painful. In childhood, many become targets of ridicule. Although many people - especially women - try to cover their ears with their hair, this is not possible for everyone. If the ears are causing a self-esteem problem, the only way to resolve the situation is with plastic surgery.
What happens at the first consultation?
Our plastic surgeon will examine you during a personal consultation and, based on their references - as well as an assessment of your needs - will show you what your best outcome will be if you decide to have surgery. They will also inform you about possible methods, surgical procedures and preoperative tests.
Preparing for surgery
As with any surgical procedure you will need to undergo a full examination, which includes laboratory tests, before undergoing ear surgery under local anesthesia. In our private hospital, we perform all the necessary tests at the same time to save you time and to make your preparations for ear surgery more convenient. You then receive some lifestyle tips to help you prepare for surgery and to speed up your recovery. These include quitting smoking - at least temporarily - as nicotine slows the healing processes, consuming adequate amounts of fluids, vitamins and trace elements (vitamin C, selenium, zinc) and avoiding the use of aspirin, ginkgo biloba and other natural remedies, because these affect blood clotting.
What happens during surgery?
Our plastic surgeon aims to set the ear at the ideal angle of 15-20 degrees with the skull. During the procedure under local anesthetic - or general anesthetic for children - our plastic surgeon removes the appropriate amount of cartilage through an incision in the back of the ear, corrects for unevenness, removes any excess skin and then fixes the ear at the right angle. If the deformity of the ear is the result of a previous accident or a developmental disorder and the cartilaginous part of the cochlea is damaged, a new cochlear arch may be formed with a cartilage transplant. The whole intervention takes 1 hour.
Recovery, regeneration
After ear surgery you will spend a few hours under observation in our private hospital, where you can relax in pleasant and comfortable surroundings. The day after ear surgery, our plastic surgeon puts a pressure bandage over the surgical site. Upon returning home, a headband must be worn 24 hours a day for two weeks to keep the tissues from moving. During the first two weeks you should avoid any strenuous physical activity. You can then gradually resume your previous rhythm of life, and after three weeks light exercise is allowed. Neither the solarium, sunbathing nor the sauna are allowed for two months. Our plastic surgeon will call you back for a postoperative examination at specified intervals. The visible scars heal in approximately 6 months, while those under the skin heal within about 2 years. Although we try to eliminate all risk factors during preoperative examinations for ear surgery, unforeseen complications may occur. At the first consultation your plastic surgeon will inform you about these and how to avoid them.