Pinnaplasty Ear Correction
Some people are upset with the appearance or prominence of their ears. Pinnaplasty or ear-reshaping surgery, is performed to reshape the ear cartilage and allow the ears to sit closer to the head. This is a very powerful procedure with immediate results and which can transform one’s confidence. It is transformational for both children and their parents, relieving anxiety and distress.
Asymmetry can affect one or both ears and achieving a natural result requires the need to perform a number of procedures during the same operation.
Mr Adams will discuss the best procedure for you during your consultation, and use photographs to illustrate the likely outcome following this surgery.
The Operation
This operation is best performed under a general anaesthetic as a daycase procedure. Sometimes in adults there may be an agreement to perform the operation under a local anaesthetic if applicable. The cause of the prominence is often attributed to a deficiency in or a total lack of the antehelix (the ridge noted within the ear framework). Occasionally, a large cartilage “bowl” is noted which may be reduced or set back at the same time. The exact details of the procedure required will be explained to you before the operation.
To gain access to the cartilage, a small amount of skin is removed from behind the ear. The cartilage is exposed and permanent clear stitches are used to mold or bend the antehelix to create a natural shape. It is important that this is performed so that the helical rim of the ear is still noted when looking directly in the mirror. If over-corrected, the ear will look unnatural. The skin is closed using absorbable stitches and none need be removed.
Before and After Gallery
23 year old with prominent ears. Before, and 8 weeks following pinnaplasty.
23 year old with prominent ears. Before, and 8 weeks following pinnaplasty.
Pinnaplasty Ear Correction
What You Need to Know
As with all surgery, complications can occur, including bleeding or infection. Fortunately, these are rare with pinnaplasty operations. Wound oozing may occur from under the dressings. This usually resolves spontaneously by keeping the head up. Occasionally, some asymmetry may be o on bserved initially and is attributed to differences in swelling and local anaesthetic. This can be more likely if there is asymmetry noted pre-operatively, and this will be discussed with you before the surgery.
The main concern relates to the small risk haematoma (blood clot) behind the ear. This can be recognised by worsening, throbbing pain on one side compared to the other. This is very rare. Prompt and expert management of this complication should lead to complete recovery.
Asymmetry can still persist depending on the nature and severity of the pre-operative differences. Recurrence of the ear prominence is an uncommon but recognised complication. Scars behind the ears can get red, lumpy and itchy.
