Otoplasty – Protruding Ears
The procedure can be performed from the age of six or seven when the child expresses the need. It aims to correct the anomalies of the ear cartilage responsible for its protruding appearance.
Three types of malformations often associated with varying degrees can be described:
- Helix Valgus: excessive opening of the cephaloconchal angle (between the ear and the skull)
- Defect in the folding of the antihelix (the ear then has an unfolded appearance)
- Conchal hypertrophy projecting the ear forward
TECHNIQUE
This procedure, which lasts about an hour, can be performed under pure local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. The choice is made based on the age for children, and after discussion with the Surgeon, for adults.
A careful examination and a photographic assessment will be carried out by Dr. Zirak to plan the modifications to be made to the ear cartilage to give it a pinned-back appearance.
A pre-operative assessment will be carried out and if the procedure is done under sedation or general anesthesia, an appointment with the anesthetist will be organized.
An incision is made behind the ear to allow the cartilage to be reshaped. The ear is placed in the correct position relative to the skull and fixed with deep stitches. The cartilage will be reshaped as needed to restore the natural convolutions of an ear. The skin closure will be done with non-resorbable stitches that will be removed after ten to 14 days. A compressive dressing composed of pads and elastic band will be put in place and maintained for a week.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
The pain is usually moderate and does not exceed one to two days. Pain relief treatment will be prescribed by Dr. Zirak.
You are asked to sleep in a semi-sitting position for 48 to 72 hours.
The bandage is kept for a week at which time you will see Dr. Zirak again. Upon removal, the ears appear swollen with significant bruising; the situation returns to normal by the end of the second post-operative week.
Showers are allowed after a week and stitches are removed after two weeks.
A tennis headband should be worn at night for a month. All contact sports should be avoided during this period and special precautions should be taken when exposed to very low or very high temperatures.
RESULTS
Final results are obtained after three to six months. The satisfaction rate is generally very good and this procedure helps prevent psychological issues due to teasing or derogatory remarks.
Suboptimal results may occur due to an unexpected tissue reaction or excessive scarring phenomena. In rare cases, a recurrence may occur in the medium term requiring surgical revision.
