Prominent Ear Correction | Otoplasty/Pinnaplasty
Prominent ears are noticeable often not because they are overtly large more that they are of a relatively normal size but they protrude from the head more than the average. The prominence is because a fold (anti-helical fold) usually found within the ear is missing or that the base of the ear (Conchal Bowl) is anchored to the head in a more prominent fashion.
The surgical treatment of prominent ears is to correct and address the underlying problem. This is either to recreate the anti-helical fold, to correctly inset the conchal bowl or as is often the case undertake both together.
The surgical correction of prominent ears we undertake by excising the cartilage of the ear so that the ear adopts a new position or by positioning the ear in the correct position through a series of sutures. The later suture option tends to have far less complications and is the one that Mr Potter undertakes.
If you would like to discuss potential treatment with Matthew Potter please contact us here.
The procedure we undertake under local anaesthetic however the majority of patients undertake pinnaplasty with a general anaesthetic.
We place incisions behind the ear and therefore are not visible. The cartilage of the ear we fold in the correct position and held in place with permanent sutures. If need be the conchal bowl is set back and the operative site closed with absorbable sutures.
The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours.
We discharge most patients on the day of the procedure.
This procedure is not usually associated with concerning pain. Simple oral pain killers for two days should suffice and we don’t remove any sutures.
There rarely can be some discolouration to the skin but this should settle within 3-5 days.
After two weeks we review the wounds in clinic and you are to use the head support band at night only. After the initial wound review at two weeks, we advise you to shower and wash the area every day getting all wounds wet and applying medicated moisturising lotion to the area.
Most people leave two weeks after surgery before returning to work.
It is advisable to avoid coughing, straining and bending down for at least a week following this procedure.
Ideally you should sleep on your back where possible. We will give you a medical balaclava to wear at night to minimise the chance of the ears from bending back when turning your head when asleep.
Lastly, you should avoid wearing earrings for 2 weeks after the procedure to minimise the risk of infection.
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Number of years undertaking ear reduction surgery
16
Long term pain experienced from patients
0%
Return to theatre for post operative complications
0%
Percentage chance of suture failure
0%