Otoplasty is in fact an intricate operation. Prominent ears are quite common and are mostly genetic in origin.
The 2 main features of a prominent ear are a lack of the fold in the ear (antihelical fold) and a deep conchal bowl. The operation to correct prominent ears involves excising an ellipse of skin behind the ear and this is where the eventual scar will be placed. The next step is to strategically weaken the cartilage and then use sutures to reshape the cartilage.
The figure above demonstrates anatomy of the external ear showing the features that are important to consider during surgical correction – the antihelical fold and the concha (conchal bowl).
It can be performed as a day case in hospital but all operations carry varying degrees of risk. The most significant of the risks are infection and bleeding and the consequences of these will be explained to you by your surgeon.
It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.
