Prominent ears (Otoplasty)

Significant prominent ears or other deformities of the ears are normally corrected within the public services in early age. The framework of the ear consists of one single piece of cartilage with a complicated relief covered by skin. There are multifold different deformities of the cartilage giving the ears aberrant look. In prominent ears the cartilage fold is missing in the upper part of the ear making the edge of the ear stand longer out from the scalp or in combination with a deep cavity of the ear. There are many methods described to correct protruding ears. The method mostly used at our clinic will be described. Sometimes other techniques can be more suitable.

Technique: A strip of skin on the back of the ear is excised and the cartilage is separated, making access to the anterior surface of the cartilage which is attenuated at a proper area making the cartilage bend. If the cup of the ear is deep, a strip of cartilage is removed to lower it. The skin is sutured with absorbable threads. The ears are packed very accurate in a headbandage that looks like a turban. This is very important in order to prevent blood accumulation that can produce eardeformities.

Anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic.

What happens afterwards?

	When the anaesthetic subsides, an intensive pain is experienced. The pain can continue for some hours due to the tight bandage that can press. Sometimes the bandage has to be loosened.
	The greatest inconvenience is to be bandaged.
	The bandage is removed after 6 - 7 days and the hair can be washed.
	Bruising might discolour the ears.
	The normal swelling will gradually disappear and after a month everything looks normal. It is very important to use a brow-band covering the ears when sleeping. This should be worn for 3-4 weeks.

This text is edited and controlled by Dr. Per Gunnar Opitz, Opitz plastikkirurgiska klinik i Malmö Sweden