Ear Surgery (Otoplasty & Pinnaplasty) In Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire

Surgery of the ear, also known as otoplasty or pinnaplasty, is a procedure that helps reduce protrusion of the ear to allow it to lie closer to the head. It can be performed on children from the age of four. Ears that “stick out” are often the source of teasing and ridicule in young children. This teasing can have a devastating effect on the child’s psyche and confidence and treatment is often considered pre school.

If the problem is identified in the first few weeks after birth, splintage of the ear may be curative without the need for surgery.

Reasons for Considering Ear Surgery:

• Bring proportion to the face if the ears “stick out” too much.
• Correct folded ear tops (lop ear).
• Reshape long or offset earlobes.

General Procedure

Ear surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia for small children and local anesthesia for older children and adults. Individuals often feel nauseous after a general anesthetic and so local is preferred, when possible. Surgery is carried out through an incision hidden in the crease behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped in order to position the ear closer to the head.

Recovery Process

After ear surgery a head bandage is put on, which is usually removed within a week. A sweat band is then used during the day whilst any swelling remains and at night for 3-4 weeks to prevent any discomfort from the ears catching on the pillow. Whilst the ears are often tender for a few weeks afterwards, it is not a painful operation and only simple analgesia is required.

Patients can return to normal day to day activities once they feel comfortable with the bruising settling. Contact sports are best avoided for 4 weeks.

Limitations and Complications

Otoplasty is usually a straight forward operation, producing happy patients. Occasionally revision procedures are required to optimise the result. Ears, though, are never symmetrical.

Infection and problems with bleeding are uncommon.

Occasionally the scars can thicken up and require further treatment. Pressure problems from the bandage being too tight can occur which can lead to breakdown in the skin. If the ears are very painful then the bandage should be changed.