EAR CORRECTION
What is correction of protruding ears?
The correction of protruding ears or floppy ears is sometimes called otoplasty. This procedure is carried out almost exclusively for aesthetic reasons and is possible from the age of 6 onwards. Performing the procedure before that age is strongly discouraged as there is then a risk of further ear deformity during the child’s later growth.
When will you benefit from correction of protruding ears?
Protruding or ‘floppy’ ears are very common and are often the result of a congenital malformation of the cartilage in the auricle. So it is quite possible that if you have floppy ears, this is a family trait. You will only benefit from surgery or operation if you see it as an aesthetic problem. After all, the abnormality does not restrict your hearing in any way.
Protruding ears can come in different forms:
- The crease in the centre of the ear is underdeveloped, causing the auricle to stand too far from the head. This form is the most common.
- The auricle may be overdeveloped, causing the entire ear to stand too far from the head.
- The edge of the ear is too short. This shape is the rarest and the most difficult to correct.
Several weeks before the procedure, we advise against taking blood thinners or blood-thinning painkillers or eating a lot of garlic to avoid excessive bleeding. A few days before the procedure, it is recommended to wash the hair and auricles thoroughly with an antiseptic soap to reduce the risk of wound infection.
During the procedure, a small incision is made at the back of the auricle and the cartilage is modelled until it has a normal shape. The incision is then carefully stitched and a special dressing is applied to reduce swelling and keep the ears in the correct position. The auricles are operated on one by one.
The procedure takes about an hour and a half and can be performed under local anaesthetic in older children and adults. In smaller children, full anaesthesia is often preferred and it is recommended to leave the child in hospital overnight.
After the procedure, you should wear the bandage for at least a week. You should also take care not to get the bandage wet. When sleeping, make sure your head is higher than the rest of your body. You should avoid heavy physical exertion or bending deeply forward for a while.
The pain after the procedure is usually bearable or can be suppressed with a simple painkiller. After removing the dressing, you will experience immediate results: the ears are now closer to the head. You may still see some bruising or some swelling but these are temporary. The scar is barely visible as it is behind the auricles.
Het is veilig om gedurende twee weken na het verwijderen van de hechtingen (een tiental dagen na de ingreep) nog een elastische haarband te dragen en eventueel ook later, indien u een intensieve sport beoefend zoals een gevechtssport. Indien mogelijk mijdt u dergelijke contactsporten gedurende een maand.
U kan na de behandeling ook altijd nog terecht bij Dr. Lemmens met vragen en advies. Hij volgt tenslotte ook uw genezingsproces grondig op.