Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty)

What is Prominent Ear Correction?

Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty), is a surgical procedure used to improve the position and shape of the ears.

Otoplasy can correct a birth defect of the ear structure that develops as we grow older, or can correct ear deformities caused either by injury or conditions such as lesions in the earlobe after piercing.

Especially in the case of misshapen (protruding) ears, where hereditary factors are involved and the majority of the problems are related to excessive cartilage formation, the correction of even minor deformities has considerable psychological benefits, improving self-esteem and social confidence.

In general, Prominent Ear Correction (Otoplasty) can treat:

• “protruding” ears (misshapen ears). The shape and size of the ears vary enormously between individuals, as well as between the two sides and are not associated with hearing loss.
•  Ears “sticking out”. This is a rare condition which is called macrotia.
•  Adults who are dissatisfied with a precedent ear surgical procedure
• Problems after piercing or injury.

Who is a good candidate for a Prominent Ear Correction?

Candidates for a Prominent Ear Correction are the following:

• people, whose concern is the appearance of their ears
• people, aged at least 5 years old or in case the ear cartilage in children is stable enough
• children able to cooperate and follow the instructions
• people without medical conditions that delay recovery
• people with realistic expectations

What to expect at your first appointment:

At your first appointment, you will discuss:

• what exactly is your concern in the appearance of the ears and if prominent ear correction is the appropriate treatment for you
• your medical record, if you are on any medication, vitamins or other herbal supplements, if you have any allergies or any other operations in the past
• if you smoke (if the answer is yes, how many cigarettes per day)

Afterwards, Dr Karmiris:

• will evaluate your general health condition and any other risk factors
• will examine you and will take all the detailed measurements of the anatomical structures that should be corrected, in order to achieve the best result.
• will take preoperative photographs
• will discuss with you all the possible surgical options, depending on your case

• will discuss with you all the possible results of the surgical procedure and any risks or potential complications, as described in the international literature

• will discuss with you about the anaesthetic plan

Preoperative check

Preoperative check includes mainly blood tests, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), if general anaesthesia is necessary. Any other specialized tests may be required, depending on the case.

Also, it will be necessary to stop smoking preoperatively, and immediately post-operatively as well as avoid taking aspirin and any anti-inflammatory medicine, since they increase the risk of bleeding.

The surgical procedure

Prominent Ear Correction is performed under local or general anaesthesia. However, for children, the procedure requires general anaesthesia.

The correction of misshapen ears is performed with surgical techniques designed to create or develop the antihelical fold, while reducing an enlarged cartilage in the conchal bowl.

In general, the correction is achieved via incisions at the back of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are performed as natural looking in order not to be detectable. The cartilage is moulded into its new shape using non removable stitches.

The wound is closed with non-absorbable stitches, which are removed after 7 days. The operating time is 1-1,5 hours.

Dr Karmiris will explain you the whole process in detail, and will discuss with you the appropriate technique, depending on your case, in order to have the best result.

Post-operatively

Immediately after the surgical procedure, a soft head band is required in order to stop the movement of the ears for 7 days. A soft head band ( “tennis headband”) is required the first 3 weeks post-op, in order to protect the ears from folding over, especially at night.

Patients are discharged on the day of surgery. Dr Karmiris will give you particular instructions on how to take care of your wound immediately post-op, what medication you should take and when you will be seen for a follow up.

Risks and safety information:

In general, prominent ear correction is a safe surgical procedure which is performed with great success. However, like any other surgical procedure, prominent ear correction has some risks, as well as potential complications that every patient should be aware of and should understand fully, before entering operating room.

The most important potential complications are the following:

• Bleeding, haematoma or bruises
• Wound infection
• Poor healing
• Asymmetry
• Hypoesthesia at the incision line, usually temporal
• Need for revision

Dr Karmiris will explain you, in detail, the whole surgical procedure and will answer any questions related to that. Contact him to learn more about the surgical procedure & its cost.