| Plastic surgery | Ears |
Surgical treatment to correct protruding ears is simple and remarkably effective. The malformation of ears can lead to psychological problems, especially in children, who often ask for corrective surgery to be done. This is possible once children are 6 or 7 years old and the ear has attained its final size.
Problems with protruding ears fall into different categories. Some are simply turned outwards but otherwise have a normal structure; others need reconstruction. This requires modifying the fold, remaking it or accentuating it while thinning or diminishing the cartilage. These interventions are carried out from 6 or 7 years of age. General anaesthesia is recommended for children, but adults may have the operation under local anaesthesia.
Duration:
1 day of hospitalisation in day clinic
After the intervention:
A soft compressing bandage must be worn for 4 days. In this period, no sports activities can be undertaken. Thereafter it is recommended to wear a headband at night for two further weeks.
Complications:
Minor asymmetry between the two ears may occur, or an insufficient degree of correction, requiring a second operation.