Ear Surgery

• Prominent ears • Reduction of ears and lobes •

Prominent ears – Otoplasty

Cosmetic ear surgery aims to correct protruding ears or may be done to reshape them.

In children, prominent ears are a source of ridicule and humiliation that can lead to psychological and academic difficulties. In adulthood, protruding ears can impede self-esteem and affect socio-professional development.

A simple and effective correction is possible from the age of 7 years. This otoplasty may relate to both ears, or just one ear if there is asymmetry.

Guidelines for the procedure

Through an incision hidden behind the ear, the surgeon gives the ears an acceptable shape by folding them so they lay closer to the skull. Sometimes, more complex changes are made to the cartilage.

The procedure is performed under assisted local anaesthesia (diazepine-induced analgesia) or under a short general anaesthesia for the child’s comfort. The procedure lasts about 1 hour.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Post-operative effects

The patient leaves the clinic wearing a helmet-shaped bandage which is removed between the 1st and the 6th day, exposing the scars to the air. The sutures are dissolvable.

Wearing glasses is permitted after removal of the dressing.

A band must be worn for 2 months (24 hours a day for 15 days, and then only at night).
Resuming intense contact sports (rugby, judo…) is permitted after 2 months.

Edema (swelling) of the ears along with ecchymosis (bruises) are temporary and mask the permanent result that is visible after 1 to 2 months.

Risk of complications

As with any surgery, a number of complications can occur. But the likelihood of these complications is reduced in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon and in the presence of a competent anaesthetist.
The patient’s compliance to instructions given by the surgeon is also essential and include :

  • stopping smoking 1 month before and after the procedure (reduction of all risks) ;
  • not taking aspirin for 10 days before and after the procedure (reduced risk of hematoma).

Fortunately, postoperative effects are generally manageable following an otoplasty that has been carried out properly, so serious complications are rare.
Rare complications that could occur include, but are not limited to risk of hematoma, infection and scarring.
In the event of a complication, appropriate measures will be taken.
In practice, the vast majority of cases take place without any problem and the patients are satisfied with the result.

Health insurance coverage
In certain cases, partial coverage for the procedure is provided by health insurance.

Reduction of ears and lobes

The size of the ears can be reduced as a whole, or specifically at either the level of the pinnae or the ear lobes.

Reduction of ear pinnae

The reduction of the ear pinnae can be achieved during an ear reconstruction surgery called Antia-Buch plasty. The scar is hidden in the hollow (cru) of the helix.
Simpler excision-suture techniques can correct some minor defects on the edge of the ears such as small cartilaginous growths or other irregularities.

Reduction of earlobes and split lobes

The reduction of the earlobes and/or the closure of split lobes are carried out through a small, very discreet incision.
Earlobe reduction can be performed alone or in combination with a cervicofacial facelift.

Guidelines for the procedure

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, or more uncommonly during general anaesthesia and lasts from 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours.

Hospitalisation takes place on an outpatient basis.

Post-operative effects

The scars are left uncovered and are protected by an ointment. The sutures are dissolvable.

There is almost no pain that is relieved by appropriate analgesics. An edema (swelling) of the ear and ecchymosis (bruises) of varying importance depending on the patient and disappear during the first 1 to 3 weeks.

Risk of complications

As with any surgery, a number of complications can occur. But the likelihood of these complications is reduced in the hands of a qualified plastic surgeon and in the presence of a competent anaesthetist.

The patient’s compliance to instructions given by the surgeon is also essential and include :

  • stopping smoking 1 month before and after the procedure (reduction of all risks) ;
  • not taking aspirin for 10 days before and after the procedure (reduced risk of hematoma).

Fortunately, postoperative effects are generally manageable following a mid-face lift that has been carried out properly, so serious complications are rare.
Rare complications that could occur include, but are not limited to risk of hematoma, infection and temporary skin sensibility.
In the event of a complication, appropriate measures will be taken.
In practice, the vast majority of cases take place without any problem and the patients are satisfied with the result.

Health insurance coverage

As this procedure is considered purely for aesthetic purposes, no coverage is provided by health insurance.

Before / After
Reduction of the earlobes
Chirurgie des oreilles - Oreilles décollées - à Cannes - Dr Laveaux

© Design by Lueur Externe Communication & Web Agency.