Children with protruding ears suffer are self-conscious of this deformity and may cause them significant psychological complaints. There are different patterns of protruding ear deformities that require different types of surgeries. Usually the distance of the helix from the scalp is exaggerated and the antihelix is poorly defined, the concha is large exaggerating the divergence of the auricle from the scalp.

The aim of the surgery is to redefine the auricle, decrease its distance from the scalp, define the antihelix and its relation to the helix. The aim of the surgery is not to reduce the size of the ear. By decreasing the divergence of the auricle from the scalp the ear looks less prominent.

The auricle reaches 90% of its growth by age 6 years. Surgery is performed after 6 years of age in order to decrease the psychological implications.

 

Many times this surgery is performed later in life in order to pin back the ears in case of moderate prominence or diversion.

 

Otoplasty is done through an incision behind the ear. The excess cartilage causing the prominence is reshaped and scored, definition sutures are used to reposition the auricle, excess skin is sometimes removed, the projection is assessed and the incision is closed. A pressure dressing is applied for three days.

What To Expect After The Surgery ?

 Dressing is applied is kept for three days. Patients experience mild discomfort for few days. Patients are asked not to sleep on the side. And to apply head bands for a period of two to three weeks during their sleep. Kids are asked to avoid any tyoe of wrestling activities in order to avoid disruption of the sutures.

Scarring behind the ears is usually minimal. The post auricular region can heal with keloid formation in patients who are keloid formers. This surgery is contraindicated in keloid former.