Ear reshaping

Large, prominent or protruding ears are a common problem for many people, causing stress and in some cases emotional problems. It affects the confidence of individual people particularly children. otoplasty (also known as pinnaplasty) is the surgical procedure that can help people overcome these problems and in doing so makes the ear less obvious or prominent.

otoplasty is a procedure which can be carried out from the age of 5. This has allowed enough time for the ear to fully develop and the cartilage is strong enough to repair itself and hold any stitches.

As with other forms of cosmetic surgery anyone considering Otoplastry should consider the full implications and benefits. It is worth bearing in mind that not many of us are born perfectly shaped, we all have minor imperfectations, slightly different sized ears, slightly deformed nose. But in cases were the ear is particularly large or prominent, this can cuase the individual embarrassment, leading to confidence problems and can cause those afected to seek cosmetic changes to their ears. It is for this reason that Otoplastry is considered to be a purely cosmetic procedure although can carry huge pyschological benefits.

The McLean Academy will help you consider your options and will fairly assess the degree of imperfection that you are experincing.

Preparation and Procedure

The otoplasty procedure takes approximately 3 hours to peform and is usually done so with the patient under local anesthtic. in some cases, particulaly where children are concerned it may be less stressful for them to undergo the surgery whilst under general anesthtic. In most cases, the patient is allowed to leave the hosptial on the same day surgery was peformed.

There are different techniques which may be used by the surgeon, these techniques will be full discussed with the patient during your consultations. The techniques are dependant upon the required result and individual problems being experienced. The most common technique involves a small cut being made to the back of the ear. Cartilage is then taken from the ear allowing the ear to be pushed backwards towards the head reducing the level of prominence. Small stitches are applied to hold the ear in place and create the desired look.

After the operation

• Usual risks exist during any surgical procedure, risk of infection or reaction to anesthetic
• A small scar may be visible behind each ear after the operation.
• In rare cases, the patient may develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue.
• A hematoma (blood clot) can sometimes develop in the ear. This usually disappears over time, should this not occur a simple procedure can be undergone to remove it.
• The ears can feel a little numb for a short period following surgery.

Recovery

It is likely that you will have a small dressing over the ear immediately after surgery and until the stitches are removed. It is possible that you will wear a bandage around the head to protect the area from accidental knocks and to ensure the area remains clean through out.

Where ongoing pain to the area is suffered simple pain killers can be used to ease the pain experienced.

Through out the period stitches remain in the ears and for a period following their rmoval, it is important to keep the area clean and free from infection.

While the majority of people do not experience any complications during the brow and forehead lift procedure, it is important to bear in mind the points covered on this page. Please discuss any concerns you may have over the procedure or risks involved with a member of staff at the McLean Academy.