Ear correction

Specialists answer your questions

At what age can protruding ears be corrected?

Otoplastyka

Why does the surgeon draw on you with a marker before surgery? | Dr Biegański

What is ear surgery and what does the procedure look like?

Surgical ear correction, professionally called otoplasty, is a way to correct certain defects directly related to the organ of hearing. Ear surgery can be performed on both adults
and children (not earlier than at the age of 7). Depending on the problem and needs, one or both ears may be operated on. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia
and takes about 1-2 hours.

Ear plastic surgery can be divided into several categories, depending on the type of problem and the goal of the procedure.

Auricle deformities requiring an individual correction plan include, among others, microtia, folded ears, as well as deformities referred to professionally or colloquially as satyr ear and wrestler's ear. The approach is selected according to the type and degree of the deformity.

Correction of protruding ears

This is the most common type of ear plastic surgery. The procedure involves cutting the skin behind the ear and exposing the cartilage, then shaping the cartilage using special surgical techniques. Fixing the cartilage with sutures is aimed at achieving a natural adhesion of the ear to the head.

The effect of the procedure is to reduce ear protrusion and improve facial aesthetics. In addition, in some cases, the surgery can also reduce the visibility of such anomalies as Darwin's nodule (a thickening at the top of the auricle's clavicle).

Ear reconstruction (microtia)

Ear reconstruction is performed in cases of congenital defects, such as microtia – underdevelopment or absence of part of the auricle. The procedure involves recreating the shape of the ear from the patient's rib cartilage. The aim of the operation is to achieve the most natural appearance of the ear possible.

The procedure is performed on children over 12 years of age, when the development of bone and cartilage structures is at the appropriate stage.

Constricted ear correction

This surgery applies to cases in which the auricle is malformed and curls inward or outward. Sometimes the entire auricle can be almost completely curled up.

The procedure involves restoring the correct shape of the auricle by properly shaping the cartilage and skin. The goal is to improve the aesthetics and symmetry of the ears..

Surgery to separate the auricle from the skull

In some cases, the defect involves a partial fusion of the auricle with the skull, which prevents free adhesion and can cause deformities. The operation involves separating the auricle from the skull and shaping it to achieve a natural appearance.
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Such a procedure is one of the less common ones, but may be necessary in cases of congenital defects or trauma.

Reconstruction of a torn earlobe

In the case of a torn or significantly elongated earlobe, e.g. after an earring has been torn out, its continuity and shape can be surgically restored. The scope of correction depends on the size of the defect or tear
and is planned individually during the consultation.

Ear reduction (macrotia)

In patients whose auricles are excessively large in relation to the proportions of the head and face, the correction may involve reducing their size and reshaping them accordingly. This variant applies, among others, to macrotia, i.e. excessive size of the auricle.

How to prepare for ear correction surgery?

Ear correction is preceded by an initial consultation, the necessary tests and qualification for the procedure. Three weeks before the planned procedure, you should stop taking medications that reduce blood clotting and hormonal medications. A week before the procedure, it is recommended to stop or limit stimulants such as alcohol
and cigarettes. If general anesthesia is planned, the last meal should be eaten about 8-10 hours before the surgery, while with local anesthesia a light meal is allowed.
On the day of the surgery, do not apply makeup or other cosmetics to the face.

Recovery from ear correction surgery?

After the procedure, the ears may be slightly swollen and bruised, but any discomfort should subside within 2 weeks after the procedure. The dressing is changed 2-3 days after the operation, and the skin sutures are removed between 8 and 10 days after the procedure. A special bandage must be worn for 2 weeks, and for the next 4 weeks it should be worn at night. For 3 weeks after the procedure, you should not participate in sports, use a sauna or solarium.

What are the contraindications to ear surgery?

Contraindications for ear surgery include vascular blemishes, coagulation disorders, unregulated hypertension, diabetes, skin and mucosal infections, pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain autoimmune diseases and cancer.