Protruding ears – Otoplasty

Protruding ears are common and during childhood this surgery is performed at a plastic surgery clinic within the county council-funded healthcare. A common time to operate during childhood is just before children become aware of each other's differences which can result in bullying. Between the ages of 5-7 is usually a good age to perform the surgery. 

If the ears have never been operated on during childhood and it is experienced as a concern, we can have an operation to bring the ears closer to the head. Most often, it is both ears that stand out and sometimes it is only one ear that needs to be operated on. There are different types of abnormalities that are common when an ear stands out and depending on what the ear looks like, the surgical technique may vary. 

This is how the operation works

The operation can be done under general or local anesthesia and takes about 1-1,5 hours for both ears. The most common and simplest technique involves removing a small piece of skin from the back of the ear and then scraping or grinding the cartilage on the front of the ear under the skin. We then bend and force the cartilage into the correct position with threads and small “tufts” of compresses that will be left in place for 2 weeks. If the ear itself is felt to be too large, the cartilage can be reduced in size. The skin is sewn together with threads that disappear.

Follow-up and convalescence

The first few days, you often need a stronger painkiller, especially at night. After that, most people can manage with regular over-the-counter tablets. After your operation, you will be given a dressing that you should keep on for the first 3 days. You will return to your surgeon after 3-7 days to check the wounds. After 2 weeks, you will return to our nurse for another check-up and removal of the earwax. During the first 2 weeks, you should wear a headband around the clock to hold your ears in, then at night for another 3 weeks. You will be called for a final visit after about 12 months to see the final results and that everything has gone as expected.

Book a consultation and talk to a specialist to find out what is best for you.