Ear reshaping surgery, also known as otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is used to improve the appearance of the ears and make them as symmetrical as possible. It can be carried out under local anaesthetic. This means the area is numbed and a small cut is made behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage is repositioned and shaped by removing small pieces, then scoring and stitching the remaining structure into the desired shape and position.
The procedure can usually be done as a day case. An overnight stay in hospital may be required if general anaesthetic is used.
The stitches are removed 5 to 10 days after surgery, and you may need to wear a head bandage for a short period to support and protect the ears in their new position.
What are the risks?
- As well as the general risks of surgery, specific risks of ear reshaping surgery include:
- your ears may protrude again in the future
- your ears may be slightly asymmetrical after surgery
- your ears may feel numb and tight for weeks or months
- a blood clot may develop in the skin of your ear, which may need to be removed by your surgeon.
More information can be found at the following websites:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ear-reshaping/Pages/Results.aspx
http://www.baaps.org.uk/procedures/setting-back-prominent-ears
http://www.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/ear-surgery