EAR CORRECTION

Ear correction (otopexy) is generally used to correct protruding ears or to reduce the size of particularly large ears. Children between the ages of 4 and 14 are usually treated. The ears reach their final size at the age of four. Ear correction is still possible at any adult age. The procedures are basically identical for adults. From a functional point of view, protruding ears have no disadvantages. They work just as well as “normal” ears. Since it is generally considered a cosmetic defect, many people prefer the simple surgery of ear correction (otopexy).

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During the operation, the back of the ear is exposed through a suitable incision (skin cut). The shape of the ear cartilage is then changed and created as desired. Durable stitching firmly anchors the ear cartilage in its new position. Sometimes it may be necessary to remove parts of the cartilage in order to obtain the most natural and attractive looking auricle. A variant of the former technique does not require a long skin incision. Using only short cuts in the skin on the back of the ear, the cartilage tension over the cartilage fold is weakened with a special file without cutting into the ear cartilage. The ear is shaped and fixed with new cartilage folds using durable sutures without additional skin incisions.

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Other methods are possible depending on requirements, such as rebuilding lost cartilage tissue through implants and moving skin tissue from around the ear to replace parts of the skin layer. Ear correction usually leaves a narrow scar behind the ear, which becomes less and less visible over time.

Risks and recovery

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications such as bleeding or infection. Most pain occurs immediately after treatment. You will be prescribed pain relief for this. There is a very small chance that sensitivity to touching the ears or swelling behind the ear will last longer. A pressure bandage must be worn for two days, after which a hair band is sufficient, which must be worn continuously for the first week and only at night for the next five weeks. The auricles may be swollen and tender for several weeks. Any bending, straining or strain on the operated auricles should be avoided for one month. A few days after the operation you will be social again. Avoid exercise for the next 3-4 weeks as there is a risk of bruising your ear.

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