Protruding ears ("sail ears") are usually caused by a malformation of the cartilage. In most cases, the so-called anthelix fold is insufficiently developed or missing completely, so that the ears bend forward and stick out. Particularly in childhood, protruding ears can lead to teasing. But also in adolescence or adulthood, protruding ears can have a negative impact on self-confidence. This causes many parents to have their child's ears corrected before he or she starts school. After the age of 5, the growth of the auricle is complete and ear correction is possible from this age.
During the correction of protruding ears, technically also called earplasty, otoplasty or otopexy, the ear cartilage is reshaped and the ear is put on.
Dr. Lüdi offers the procedure in her Clinic for Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Basel for adults under local anesthesia or, if desired, in twilight sleep. For children, the operation is usually performed under a gentle general anesthetic.
The consultation for correction of protruding ears
In an initial detailed consultation, Dr. Lüdi will take the time to address your concerns, analyze the findings together with you and advise you on treatment options. Furthermore, Dr. Lüdi will explain the surgical technique and the exact incision with the help of pictures and drawings and discuss the aftercare as well as possible risks and complications with you. It is very important to us that you are well informed about the procedure, that all open questions are answered and that your wishes are taken into account.
On the day of surgery
On the day of surgery, Dr. Lüdi will prepare a photo documentation before the operation. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation - how to put on protruding ears?
The earplasty is performed by Dr. Lüdi in the clinic's own operating room in Basel on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia (adults) or under a gentle general anesthesia (children). The incision is hidden behind the ear so that there are no visible scars. By selectively weakening the cartilage of the ear, the new anthelix fold is formed and stabilized by means of U-sutures. In certain pronounced cases, an auricular reduction by removing a piece of the cartilage is also necessary. At the end of the surgery, the incision is re-sutured with self-dissolving sutures and a head bandage is applied.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- The operated ears are immobilized with a stabilizing head bandage for 3 to 4 days.
- Subsequently, the bandage is removed and changed to a headband.
- The headband should be worn day and night for the first 2 weeks to protect the freshly operated ears and then only at night for another 4 weeks. The headband protects the ears from kinking and tearing of the sutures, especially at night.
- Hair washing is allowed again from the 3rd postoperative day.
- Suture removal is not necessary because the suture material used is self-dissolving.
- Sports are allowed again after 4 to 6 weeks. If possible, you should refrain from contact sports for 3 months.
- The final shape of the ear is only achieved after about 3 months due to the still slight residual swelling.
Risks and complications
Overall, ear correction is a thankful operation with very manageable risks. Complications occur only very rarely. As with any surgical procedure, secondary bleeding, infections or wound healing problems can occur. In the first weeks after the operation, the ears may be more sensitive to touch, but this subsides without any problems in the course of the operation. During the consultation, Dr. Lüdi will discuss the possible risks and complications with you in detail and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Costs
The costs for an ear correction depend on the type and extent of the operation as well as the type of anesthesia. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
In certain, pronounced cases, the health insurance (usually supplementary insurance) covers part of the treatment costs after prior approval of the costs.
Frequently asked questions
Ear correction is possible for children from the age of 5, as ear growth is usually largely complete by this time. In consultation with the parents, a correction before school enrollment often makes sense to spare the child teasing.
In the case of protruding ears, the natural bend of the anthelical fold is missing. This bend is surgically restored and the ear subsequently appears naturally contiguous.
The incision is hidden behind the ear, so there are no visible scars.
After one week, the head bandage is removed and the symptoms have subsided to such an extent that the child can go back to school. In order to avoid absences from school as much as possible, it is also advisable to schedule the operation at the beginning of school vacations.
As a rule, you can return to your everyday work without any problems after 3 to 4 days. A slightly longer rest period is recommended for very strenuous physical activities.
This depends, among other things, on the extent of the ear malposition. In certain severe cases, the health insurance (usually supplementary insurance) will cover part of the treatment costs after prior approval of the costs.
The result is permanent.
Simona Lüdi, MD, will be happy to welcome you for a personal consultation at our clinic in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.