Protruding or prominent ears results usually in primitive development in intrauterine life and is a common problem. The deformity can be corrected any time after six years of age. There are two types of corrections. Most will need surgical but some can be helped with incisionless technique. The patient must consult the physician beforehand.
Description
Surgery is performed under local anaesthesia but can be done in sedation. It takes 60 – 90 minutes.
The surgeon makes an incision behind the ears. Shape and size of the cartilage is remodelled and fixated back. After the operation sterile dressing and bandaging is applied.
In incisionless technique (Fritsch otoplasty) which can be used to correct protuberant “lop” ears, special non-absorbable sutures are applied over cartilage. For that we use micro-punctures. It is important to note that this technique has more limited indications.
Postoperative recovery
- Day 2-3: Check-up
- Week 1: Bandages are removed
- Week 4: Final result and check-up. Normal physical activity.