CORRECTION OF PROTRUDING EARS
OTOPLASTY
Introduction
Otoplasty is the name given to the procedure used to "pin back" protruding ears. This condition is inherited and surgery can be performed as early as the fifth year of life to avoid classroom teasing. One or both of the ears may not grow into the normal shape during development and there are many descriptive terms applied to these abnormalities. In such cases surgery is often very helpful in making the ears look better although sometimes it may not be possible to achieve an entirely normal appearance, especially in the worst cases.
Nature of the operation
The patient is admitted on the morning of surgery. A general anaesthetic is given to young children whereas local anaesthesia and sedation is preferred in older children and adults.
Incisions are made in the groove behind the ear so that scars are hidden from view. At the end of the procedure a turban bandage is usually applied for twenty-four hours and removed before discharge home the following day. Thereafter a bandage is worn at night time until healing is complete. Dissolvable stitches are generally used.
Postoperative events
Bruising and swelling of the ears is inevitable. Usually this will resolve after about two weeks. If blood collects under the skin (haematoma) it may have to be removed.
Pain and discomfort is variable and medication is only required during the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours post operatively.
Scars Usually the incision is hidden in the fold at the back of the ear and is not easily visible.
Infection can sometimes occur and require antibiotic treatment.
Inadequate correction or recurrence of the problem
Sometimes the final position of the ears may prove to be unsatisfactory to the patient and a further procedure may be required. This is particularly so in cases of severe deformity.
Asymmetry It should be stressed that both ears are never exactly alike even in the normal state and that perfect symmetry is not a reasonable expectation.
Skin loss On rare occasions a small area of skin covering the ear may be lost as a result of impaired circulation resulting from bruising or infection. A tidy up procedure may be occasionally necessary to achieve the best results.
Ear deformity This is an extremely rare complication and can occur as a result of inadequate healing after the operation. A second procedure may have to be performed to improve the result.
Result
This is one of the most frequent and successful operations in cosmetic surgery. The result is permanent and if performed early in life will prevent classroom teasing which can lead to serious psychological disturbances in the child and heartache to parents.
