Ear surgery (Otoplasty)

During otoplasty with the removal of innate or acquired ear defects the patients also get rid of their psychological complexes. It is especially relevant to schoolchildren and youngsters. Ear correction is recommended to a child not younger than 7 years old. Degree of ear protrusion and type of deformation may be very different. During this surgery the most suitable shape of the ear is selected. If the surgery is performed to one ear only, the symmetry is restored.

Flash facts

• Duration of the surgery: approximately 1-2 hours.
• Anaesthesia: usually local anaesthesia. In separate cases general anaesthesia (narcosis) may be applied.
• Surgery: during otoplasty a new shape of pinna is designed; if necessary, defects of ear-laps are removed. Incisions are made in the back side of the pinnae. Therefore, scars become unobservable when the incision areas heal completely.
• Post-operative period:
  • After the surgery the head is bandaged in a way that keeps the ears in a new position.
  • Post-operative pain is small and lasts only 1-3 days. It is possible to take usual painkillers.
  • Regularly the dressings are changed every 5-8 days; during the change, the doctor examines the healing process.
  • Sutures are taken out 2 weeks later.
  • It is recommended to wear elastic band pressing the ears for 4-5 days.
• Efficiency:
  • Post-operative effect remains for the lifetime.
  • Secondary corrections are necessary only for 3-5 % of all patients.
  • Sometimes an increased sensitivity of the pinnae may occur.