Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Correction)

Surgery to correct prominent ears (‘otoplasty’) is performed only for cosmetic purposes. The most prominent ears often lack a normal fold and sometimes one ear is more prominent than the other.

People with prominent ears are sometimes teased, particularly during their school years and this can lead to a loss of self confidence.

The prominent ear correction surgery takes place in the modern Spire Little Aston Hospital near Birmingham.

The Operation:
This operation adjusts the shape of the cartilage within the ear to create missing folds and to allow the ear to lie closer to the side of the head. The operation is carried out from behind the ears and a small scar is left close to the groove behind the ear and the head.

The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic but in young children a general anaesthetic may be required. A small protective dressing is usually worn after the surgery until the first dressing change about 5 to 10 days following the procedure. Once the dressing has been discarded it is wise to wear a protective head band when sleeping for another 5 to 6 weeks to avoid the ears being bent forward against the pillow.

Limitations and Potential Problems:
Some patients may have red and elevated scars that require further treatment. Bleeding and infection are complications of this and other surgical procedures.

There is a small risk that the repair may not hold properly and further adjustment surgery is required. The ears are often a little numb after the procedure and this usually takes several weeks to settle.