EAR CORRECTION
Ears that stick out or are too big are often a burden for those affected, because they can dominate the silhouette of the head and, especially with short hairstyles, are not well concealed. The most common cause of protruding ears is a missing inner ear fold and/or an oversized inner auricle that protrudes too far from the bony skull. The surgical technique differs depending on the severity of the ear deformity. The correction is made with a small, inconspicuous incision on the back of the ear. If there is no inner ear crease, also known as the antihelical crease, the cartilage is thinned out at this point with a file and then folded into the correct shape with special threads. If the inner auricle is too large, the excess cartilage is removed and the edges of the cartilage are then finely sewn up again.
So-called "jug ears" are usually surgically corrected in childhood in order to avoid the resulting psychological stress (e.g. through teasing). This procedure is called otopexy or otoplasty. It is usually carried out in a hospital and usually the costs are covered by the health insurance company in childhood. If this ear correction is not performed until adulthood, the costs must be borne by the patient.
Preparation
Before the procedure, we carry out a detailed analysis of the ear configuration with photo documentation, on the basis of which an individual ear correction plan is drawn up. It is important that you do not take any blood-thinning medication for at least 14 days before the day of the operation. You should also refrain from smoking during this period. There are also a few contraindications that we will discuss honestly and in detail when we get to know each other personally.
Technique
The procedure is performed under local anesthedis, possibly supplemented by sedation, so that it is almost pain-free for you. The incisions are inconspicuous behind the ear, so the scar is almost invisible. The degree to which the ears are "tucked in" can be adjusted or modified intraoperatively using specially placed threads in order to achieve an optimal, symmetrical result. The duration of the operation is about 60 minutes.
Costs & Financing
The costs of an ear correction are made up of the surgical procedure, the material, the anesthesia and the final examinations. The costs start at 3,000 euros, depending on the effort involved and combinations with other processes.
Risks
In the hands of experienced surgeons, surgical ear corrections are an effective procedure for protruding ears. As with all operations, complications such as bleeding, bruising or wound healing disorders can rarely occur.
Postoperative pain can be treated well with painkillers. However, removing the bandage or a special headband too early can have a negative impact on the result.
Aftercare
Since the duration of the operation is relatively short at around 60 minutes, as mentioned, you can usually return home after around 2-3 hours and the final check by the surgeon. It is important to wear a special head bandage for the following 4-7 days, which should not be removed. During this time, direct pressure on the ears must also be avoided. On the day of surgery, we recommend limited bed rest at home with your head elevated. Two days after the procedure, there will be a check-up appointment at our practice. You must refrain from intensive sport or physical exertion for four weeks in order to keep your blood pressure low and to minimize the risk of postoperative bleeding. After a week you can switch to a headband, which should be worn around the clock for another four weeks and at night for another two weeks.
Most of the time you are fully socially acceptable after a week. The stitches behind the ear are removed after about 10-12 days in the practice. In the course of the first six months you will come to our practice regularly for follow-up checks.
Are there reasonable alternatives to surgery?
There is no sensible alternative to surgery for adolescents and adults with pronounced “jug ears”. The shape of the ears can only be influenced in the first few weeks of life by shaping them with special splints in infants.
A simple procedure involving a special staple inserted under the skin has been widely used for a number of years. However, the long-term results could not convince us of this procedure, and the complication rate was very high. That is why we do not offer this method at JJPS, but use the procedure described above, which has proven to be permanent and low-risk. We would be happy to advise you on the correction of protruding ears during our consultation hours.
INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
Duration
Approx. 60 min depending on technology and complexity
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
Costs
depending on complexity starting from
3,000 euros
Technique
Depending on the findings, the ears may be repositioned (otopexy) and, if necessary, the shape of the ear may also be corrected with modeling of the ear cartilage (otoplasty).
Post-treatment
4-6 weeks no sport, no sauna
Financing
Financing is possible on request through one of our financing partners. External follow-up insurance should be taken out for all aesthetic operations. It protects you in the event of rare complications and the associated follow-up costs
Pain level
mild, well tolerated with normal painkillers
Presentability
After approx. 5 days (with headband)
Procedure
Outpatient
Risks
Secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders, swelling
SPECIAL TOPIC:
EARLOBE CORRECTION
"Yesterday's body cult becomes a burden today?"
In recent years, an increasing number of patients want a correction of acquired changes in the earlobe. Flesh tunnels, i.e. stretched earlobes with different jewelery applications, were very en vogue, especially in Berlin. Those affected often want symmetrical and natural earlobes again today. But even after a traumatic tearing out of ear studs, an unsightly gap formation or scar on the earlobe can be disturbing. This can be easily remedied under local anesthesia.
INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
Duration
About 30 minutes
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
Costs
Depending on complexity starting from
3,000 euros
Technique
Depending on the findings, reconstruction of the earlobe via wedge or stellate excision
Post-treatment
2-3 weeks no sport, no sauna
Financing
Financing is possible on request through one of our financing partners. External follow-up insurance should be taken out for all aesthetic operations. It protects you in the event of rare complications and the associated follow-up costs.
Pain level
Mild, well tolerated with normal painkillers
Presentability
Immediately
Procedure
Outpatient
Risks
Secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders, swelling