DR FAIZAL ALI       

PLASTIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE AND COSMETIC SURGEON

Prominent ear is a condition where the ears excessively protrude outwards causing embarrassment for some people. This is usually a congenital condition involving the maldevelopment of the ear cartilage. It is not usually associated with any hearing loss. It can be easily corrected by surgical procedure to “pin back” the ears or otoplasty. The surgery re-creates the normal curvature of the ear cartilage and position the ears to a more “natural” position.

 Ideal Candidates

Children of at least 9 years and adults.
No serious medical conditions.
Non-smoker.
Not on any blood thinning medications.

 

Procedure

The surgery is done under general anaesthesia with the patient fully unconscious. An incision is made behind the ear. The cartilage is reshaped to create the missing folds and repositioned closer to the side of the head. A protective dressing is then applied which the patient is required to wear for 5-7 days.

 

Recovery

The ears will be swollen and tender for a few weeks. The patient is prescribed painkillers and oral antibiotics. After the bandage is removed the wound can be washed daily during shower time and an antibiotic ointment is applied over it regularly. Patient is advice to avoid any physical sports for 6-8 weeks. Full recovery should be around 2-3 months.

 

 
Risk of Surgery

Any surgery comes with it some inherent risks. For otoplasty possible complications of surgery are,

Infection.
Bleeding or blood pooling under the skin of the ear.
Failure of surgery where the sutures might become loose and the ear forming it’s old shape.
The surgical scars behind the ears becoming red and raised.
Asymmetry of the ears.
Skin discolouration and contour irregularities.
Possibility of revision surgery

OTOPLASTY (SURGERY FOR PROMINENT EAR/ EAR PINNING)