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Waterside Aesthetics
60 Waterside,
Bridge House,
Dickens Heath,
Solihull
B90 1UD
Tel: 0121 733 6195
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The main treatment for prominent ears is an operation called pinnaplasty or otoplasty, that reshapes the cartilage (gristly tissue) in the ear and uses plastic stitches to pin the ears back (or sometimes just by using the stitches alone). The procedure may also be known as "ear pinning".
There is no medical need to have a pinnaplasty, but people with protruding ears often feel unhappy with their appearance.
The Operation
A pinnaplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic. This means they are awake but feel no pain throughout the procedure. With a local anaesthetic, the skin around the area is cleaned and an injection is given. This numbs the ears, so that although the person is awake for the operation, they feel no pain.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon makes small cuts behind each ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped and special plastic stitches are used to hold the ear back in its new position. Occasionally, some cartilage may be removed to make this easier. Another option is to fold the cartilage back and use stitches to hold the ear in position.
Finally, stitches are used to close the cuts in the skin. These are usually dissolvable and do not need to be removed, but there may also be some stitches that need removing.
After the incision has been stitched closed, a tight and bulky bandage is wrapped around the head and over both ears, like a large sweatband. This is to protect the ears and keep them held in the new position while they heal.
What to expect afterwards...
Before going home, a nurse will give advice about caring for the surgical wounds and bathing and make an appointment for any stitches and bandaging to be removed in one to two weeks.
Once at home painkillers may be taken as required according to the advice of the the doctor or nurse. Simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are usually sufficient. It can help to sleep propped up on pillows the night after the operation. To help the ears settle in their new positions and to ensure healing, the bulky bandage should be worn for one to two weeks. This may cover the ears and make it difficult to hear. It will probably not be possible to wash the hair with this bandage in place, however it is an essential part of the healing process. The ears may itch as they heal but it is important not to reach under the bandaging to scratch as this can cause infection or poor healing.
Once this large bandage has been removed, it may be necessary to wear a smaller, lighter headband for another few weeks - some people need to wear this day and night, others at night-time only. The length of time the bandaging needs to be worn for depends on the exact type of operation carried out. The surgeon will give more advice about this.
It will not be possible to go swimming for at least two weeks and contact sports should be avoided for around eight weeks.
Most people experience no problems following a pinnaplasty, but the surgeon or nursing staff should be contacted for urgent advice if any symptoms of an infection or complications develop. These include persistent or increased pain or a high temperature.
Side effects
Side effects are the unwanted but usually mild and temporary effects of a successful procedure. In addition, there are some common side effects of pinnaplasty.
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The ears are likely to ache for the first few days after the procedure and will probably be tender for several weeks. |
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The ears may feel a little numb after the operation but this usually settles within a few weeks. |
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The procedure will leave a scar behind the ear that should fade over time. |
Complications
Specific complications of pinnaplasty are uncommon but can include:
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An infection in the wound that may make the ear swollen and weepy - this would normally be treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes, but in rare cases further surgery may be needed to drain the infected area. |
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A blood clot in the skin of the ear, which may dissolve naturally or may need to be drawn out with a needle. |
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Some loss of skin from the area, which may need a later skin graft - this is very rare. |
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The development of unusually red or raised scars (keloid scars), which some people have a genetic tendency towards. |
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Asymmetrical ear position - in a few cases further surgery may be necessary to readjust the ears. |
For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help
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