Operation for protruding ears - Otoplasty

The procedure offers a solution to problems with inborn shape deviations, primarily so-called prominent ears or deformations of auricles (inborn, posttraumatic). It is done either on one or both the auricles subject to examination findings.

The first and essential step taken before any decision on operation is to go for personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon, and the patient should be in a good state of health. The lower age limit with children is five, before starting school, while the upper age limit is determined by the general state of health. Patients under eighteen years of age can have the operation only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

The operation is performed using local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is possible upon agreement with the surgeon and anaesthesiologist if the procedure with local anaesthesia would not be appropriate. With children, favourable reception for the stay at the department and the operation should be prepared and they should be relieved of fear.

The incision is conducted on the auricle rear side, then the skin is made loose and the auricle cartilage is moulded. Following softening and moulding, the cartilage is tightened and fixed with absorbable stitches. Then the skin behind the auricle is sutured, and patient will be given elastic bandage.

In the morning after the operation, a headband will be applied. You will be instructed on care, you need to clean the back surface of the earlobes every day, use a disinfectant spray. For the first week, you should wear an elastic headband all the time day and night. After 7 days, the hair should be washed and the cartilage should be protected with a headband for another 1 to 2 weeks during the night. If stitches are nonabsorbable can be removed after 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery. The reduced sensitivity of cartilage may continue for a couple of weeks. Therefore, the ears should be protected from cold (in winter) and it is recommended that any stay in the infection-risky areas (swimming pools, lakes etc.) be avoided.

On the first three to four days following the operation, slight pain of the cartilage will linger on, particularly with adults. If the pain becomes gradually more intense, if swelling in the face appears or if the temperature increases above 38° Celsius, it is necessary to report for a check-up at this department.

It is possible to get back to usual after the bandage or headband is removed, more strenuous sports activities are possible after 4 -6 weeks. The data presented is based on a common post-operation course. However, a recovery is an individual process depending not only on healing abilities of every individual body, but also on every patient´s conscientiousness. The patient is expected to set such conditions for a period of several days after her operation to be able, in case of any subjective problems or complication, to come as soon as possible for examination to our department. A positive operation result and mutual satisfaction is in your interest as well as in ours. Mutual trust and co-operation of the patient with the surgeon is a vital precondition.