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This operation is performed to correct protruding ears. The operation may be performed on children and adults. There is no ideal age for this procedure but it is unusual to perform the surgery before the age of five years.
In children the operation is almost always performed under general anaesthesia. In adults the patient may choose whether to have the procedure under local or general anaesthesia. The operation is usually performed as a day case procedure.
The ears may protrude due to various anatomical variations in the structure of the ear. The technique used will therefore vary according to the abnormality encountered. There will always be some form of incision behind the ear. This incision will be closed with an absorbable stitch which therefore does not have to be removed. After the operation a dressing and bandage are applied to the ears and will remain in please for 5 days. There is minimal post operative pain but as the ears are covered for 5 days, the hearing will be reduced!
When the dressings are removed the patient will be asked to wear a "Netelast" dressing at night only for a further week. This is to prevent damage to the surgical result when turning over in bed.
Risks
Haematoma - very rarely there may be bleeding under the skin of the ear resulting in a haematoma (collection of blood). This will require surgical drainage and re-dressing of the ears.
Keloid scars - rarely the wounds may heal with excess scar tissue (keloids). This can be treated with steroid injections into the scars but the keloid may persist.
Unsatisfactory result - Cosmetic surgery is not an exact science and the result may not be to the total satisfaction of the patient. In addition the perceived "abnormality" and end result are often very subjective. I perform the surgery to the best of my ability and always endeavour to serve the best interests of the patient. An unsatisfactory cosmetic result may be amenable to further corrective surgery.
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