Aesthetic surgery
EAR CORRECTION – METHODS FOR INCONSPICUOUSLY BEAUTIFUL EARS
Ear correction is an option for most people for two reasons. Either they suffer from deformities and congenital malformations, which can prove to be very stressful. The best-known example of this is so-called sail ears. Or an accident or illness has led to a deformation that requires reconstruction of the ear. As these types of ear corrections are the most frequently requested, they also form the two main areas of aesthetic and plastic reconstructive surgery.
Doctors use the term otopexy to refer to the correction of protruding ears. And otoplasty when it comes to small corrections such as torn earlobes through to reconstruction of the pinna or restoration of the entire ear.
At the ETHIANUM, our experienced specialists in aesthetic and plastic reconstructive surgery cover these two major areas of ear correction perfectly. Thanks to state-of-the-art equipment and experienced and skilled doctors who work with the latest methods, you can look forward to the best results after an ear correction. We can also offer ear correction for children.
We have summarised the services we provide in otopexy and otoplasty and the methods we can use to help you or your child achieve inconspicuous ears or reconstructed ears.
Aesthetic surgery
OTOPEXY – CORRECTION OF PROTRUDING EARS
Sail ears is the word that everyone knows when talking about large, protruding ears. The correction of these protruding ears is also the most common form of ear correction. And the good news is that the ideal time to perform an otopexy, i.e. ear pinning surgery, is in childhood and is recommended from the age of four. The decisive factor here is the child’s will. However, adults can also have their ears pinned at any time. It is worth noting that the operation is often covered by health insurance for children between the ages of four and twelve. For adolescents and adults, however, this only applies in exceptional cases if the psychological stress is proven to be particularly high. At the ETHIANUM, the specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery will forward a recommendation to your health insurance company to cover the costs of otoplasty once a more precise diagnosis has been made.
How does an otoplasty procedure work?
As a rule, an undeveloped or poorly developed anthelix and an enlarged, protruding pinna (concha) are responsible for the development of a prominent ear. This cartilage is therefore reshaped during the surgical procedure using various grinding and cutting methods. If the auricle is protruding or thickened, it is also reshaped and fixed to the skull with sutures. The incision is made behind the ears or at the back of the ear to minimise scarring. The aesthetic surgery specialist will provide you with comprehensive information in advance during a consultation. During this consultation, you will of course also have the opportunity to ask any specific questions or express any wishes you may have.
The operation takes one to two hours. It can be performed on an outpatient basis. In children, otopexy is performed under general anaesthetic. Adults can be given a local anaesthetic or the client can be put into twilight sleep. The anaesthetist in charge will of course advise and inform you in detail about all aspects of the anaesthetic. After the correction, the anthelix and possibly also the auricle are fixed with transparent stitches. The surgeon will then apply a padded and protective cap bandage. For spectacle wearers, care is taken to ensure that the glasses can be worn without any problems despite the bandage.
A follow-up visit is required on each of the next two days after the ear correction. The bandage is then removed and a soft headband is applied. You can obtain this from a medical supply store or sports retailer. A final check-up is usually carried out after 10 to 14 days. The plasters and stitches are also removed at this time. The headband must be worn for a further two to four weeks, especially at night, so that the ears do not bend when lying down and can heal properly. However, the effect of inconspicuous, pinned ears can be seen immediately after the operation.
Aesthetic surgery
OTOPLASTY – RECONSTRUCTIONS OF THE EAR
Otoplasty is used when small corrections such as torn earlobes are necessary, but also whenever, for example, the pinna needs to be reconstructed, deformities repaired or even the entire ear restored. These corrections or reconstructions may have been caused by accidents or tumours or are congenital.
At the ETHIANUM, you will find experienced specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery for all cases of ear reconstruction, who can (re)give your ears a natural shape thanks to their experience and state-of-the-art methods.
Each surgical form of ear reconstruction is preceded by a detailed consultation with the treating specialist. You will receive all the answers to your questions, can express your wishes and will be examined so that risks can be minimised. Below we briefly summarise all the aesthetic and plastic-reconstructive procedures that can be performed at the ETHIANUM.
Otoplasty for minor deformities:
Minor deformities include the correction of torn earlobes or enlarged ear holes. These tears are closed in an outpatient procedure to minimise scarring. After the healing phase, which lasts around two weeks, you can think about getting new pierced ears and wearing jewellery again. The operation takes about 30 minutes.
Otoplasty for small lumps, tumours or deformities following tumour removal:
When small lumps or tumours are surgically removed from the ear, there is usually scarring or deformation of the cartilage and earlobes. At the ETHIANUM, specialists can remove small tumours or lumps. On the other hand, deformities after tumour or lump removal can be aesthetically corrected. It is also possible to perform the removal of lumps and reconstruction in a single procedure. The duration of the otoplasty depends on its extent, but is usually between 20 and 60 minutes. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.
Otoplasty for pronounced deformities:
If significant features of the outer ear or the entire pinna are missing, the supreme discipline of otoplasty is required. This is when the human ear is reconstructed or replicated. This usually applies to people who suffer from congenital malformations such as microtia and anotia. However, ear reconstruction may also be necessary after accidents, burns or tumours. In these cases, your specialist will plan and discuss the exact duration, the recommended method and the anaesthetic with you on a very individual basis.
Aesthetic surgery
EAR RECONSTRUCTION – DIFFERENT METHODS FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Ear reconstructions can be made from different materials. The most common methods include reconstructions using the body’s own tissue, an implant or an epithesis. These methods can also be used on children from the age of four. You can find out here which plastic and aesthetic surgery methods are suitable and when.
Reconstruction of the ear with autologous tissue
Reconstruction with the body’s own tissue is a complex procedure. However, it has the great advantage that no rejection reactions are to be expected due to the use of the patient’s own tissue. The chances of recovery are therefore very good.
Parts of the rib (bone or cartilage) are removed to form an ear scaffold from the patient’s own tissue. Skin is placed over the scaffold from an inconspicuous area, e.g. the head, groin or thigh. As a rule, no more than 8 cm2 of skin is required. However, further corrective procedures may be necessary until the desired ear shape is achieved. The duration of the operation depends on the degree of deformity. It can take between 45 minutes and two hours and is performed under general anaesthetic.
Reconstruction of the ear using an implant
Reconstruction using an implant has the advantage that an additional operation to remove the rib cartilage is not necessary. This shortens the overall operation time and complications are less likely to occur. An argument against this is that the implant is a foreign body, which can lead to rejection reactions. The ear scaffold is therefore not formed from rib tissue, but the implant is placed. The body’s own skin is placed over this implant scaffold to give the ear as natural an appearance as possible. The operation takes one to two hours and is performed under general anaesthetic.
Reconstruction using the epithesis
In certain cases, the above-mentioned procedures cannot be used. The epithesis is then a good alternative. This is because the artificial ear is usually made of silicone beforehand and can hardly be distinguished visually from a real ear. The epithesis is customised to the client. There are two methods to ensure that the artificial ear remains in place. The surgical option is to attach the epithesis using magnets. For this, a metal pin is implanted into the skull bone. A special adhesive can also be used. The great advantage of this method is that no surgery is necessary.
Reconstruction of the ear in children
The ears are considered fully grown from the age of four. This means that all of the surgical methods presented here can theoretically also be used on children from this age. In most cases, reconstructive ear surgery in children is performed as an inpatient procedure. It is particularly important for children to have a carer around them before and after the operation. At the ETHIANUM, we offer rooming-in so that you can stay with your child and also spend the night at the ETHIANUM.
