Prominent Ear Correction Surgery (Pinnaplasty)
Prominent ear correction or pinnaplasty is a procedure used to correct ears that stick out.
Is Prominent Ear Correction for me?
Many people have prominent ears. Some have had theirs corrected in childhood, whilst many others live with the stigma for years: women may grow their hair long and men become increasingly self conscious. Correction of prominent ears can be a very rewarding procedure at any age, and while we will consider surgery on teenagers, younger children are best treated in the NHS, or waiting till they are older.
What is involved?
The correction of prominent ears is carried out as a day surgery procedure, where you leave hospital on the same day as your plastic surgery. The operation involves making an incision along the back of the ear, adjusting the cartilage to its normal place and stitching the skin again. The cartilage adjustment can be made by either scraping the cartilage or shaping it with stitches. Scraping the cartilage is quicker, but can leave an unnatural contour to the ear: our Lead Cosultant, Vivek prefers a modern technique that uses stitches and the body’s own tissue to give a better contour to the finished result. Unlike many surgeons, Vivek also uses glue to minimise skin stitches and the need for bulky, uncomfortable dressings.
What are the risks of Surgery?
Ear surgery is of undoubted benefit to the vast majority of patients, however, as with all procedures, complications can occasionally occur. After the operation it is possible for blood clots forming under the ear skin, although by avoiding bulky bandages of the past it is easy to see if there is an abnormal amount of bleeding and this can be removed avoiding further problems.
The ear correction leaves scars on the back of the ear, which in most patients are very well hidden with the new position of the ears. However, scarring is very individual and very occasionally bulky scars may result. This is known as keloid scarring and will be discussed with you at your consultation.
How long will it take to recover?
Patients can normally get back to work after a week. It is important to wear a head sweat band at night for the first 4 weeks to avoid the ear curling over whilst you are asleep, and contact sports should be avoided for six weeks
Your new ears
Patients tend to be extremely happy after their ear surgery. The results are long lasting and you will be able to forget the stigma of having stick-out ears.