What is otoplasty, surgery for protruding ears?
Otoplasty is the surgical treatment of protruding or enlarged ears. In most cases, both ears are retouched, but sometimes only one ear needs to be operated on. It's important to note that otoplasty is purely cosmetic, and does not affect hearing. During otoplasty, the practitioner will correct abnormalities in the cartilage of the auricle, repositioning and reshaping the ears to improve their appearance.
Generally speaking, there are 3 types of abnormality:
- Burying the concha (the central cartilage) When the entire auricle is lifted from the skull
- Hypertrophy of the concha When the ears seem to project forward
- Defect in the folding of the anthelix (the folding of the cartilage) When the ear appears smooth and lacks relief
Cosmetic ear surgery: Practical information
All adults can undergo surgery for this type of anomaly by telling the practitioner what they wish to correct.
Otoplasty can be considered for children from the age of 7. By this age, the ear is almost fully grown (80% of its adult size). Even if the child is a minor, he or she must be willing to undergo the procedure. Parental authorization is required.
What is otoplasty, surgery for protruding ears?
Ears that stick out, are too big, not symmetrical... The initial consultation is an opportunity for the patient to explain to the surgeon what's bothering him or her, and why he or she is considering an operation.
These initial discussions help the surgeon to determine the goals of otoplasty. After a thorough examination of the ears and face, the surgeon can draw up a diagnosis and a preoperative assessment. The appointment is also an opportunity for the patient to understand in detail the principles of the procedure and the precautions to be taken.
The surgeon provides an estimate of costs, including the techniques used. The surgeon remains at the patient's disposal should he or she have any questions after the consultation.
Otoplasty: before the procedure
To facilitate the practitioner's work during the operation, we recommend a short haircut or tying up all the hair. The day before the ear-tightening operation, wash your head and hair thoroughly.
Ear surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthetic and sedation. This means that the patient can return home the same day.
In most cases, the incision is made at the back of the ear, in the retroauricular fold. Here, the surgeon removes an hourglass-shaped spindle of skin. If necessary, other small incisions are made on the front of the auricle, but these are not visible after healing.
To remove the skin, the surgeon dissects the cartilage to reshape it. At this stage, the surgeon will recreate or enhance the ear's natural contours. Using deep sutures, the surgeon will fix these cartilage modifications. Cartilage sutures are used to maintain the correct position with sutures. Deep stitches are used to reattach the ear close to the skull, adjusting the retroauricular angle. The corrections made during otoplasty are designed to create a natural result.
After the operation, the patient must wear a bandage for 3-4 days, and then a hair bandage for 3 weeks. During this period, the ears may still be swollen or sensitive. Standard analgesics are sufficient to relieve pain, which remains moderate for this type of procedure.
For facial surgery at Clinique du Lac, rates for otoplasty start from €2,050. During your consultation, the practitioner will draw up a precise, personalized estimate.
