Ear Correction Surgery

During your private consultation we will:

• Take a thorough medical history and perform an examination.
• Discuss realistic expectation of final outcome.
• Advise on anaesthesia and the ear correction procedure.
• Ensure you understand any risks or complications that could arise.
• Generally, we will take photographs before and following surgery.

There are several surgical procedures designed to bring the ears closer to the head:

• A basic procedure involved an incision made at the back of the ear to expose firm pliable tissue called cartilage.
• The surgeon may either fold down the cartilage or use sutures to keep the folds together or remove excess cartilage.
• After reshaping the cartilage, the incision are closed with small sutures and the ears are covered with bandages.
• The procedure can take up to 2 hours or more depending on complexity of surgery.

• Pain related to the surgery is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication.
• Bandages are removed within a few days but may be replaced with a lighter head dressing.
• Wearing a tennis headband for a period for time to hold back the ears may also be recommended.
• Bruising will fade within a few weeks.
• Temporary swelling can be alleviated by keeping the head elevated when reclining.
• Patient may be advised to sleep on a soft pillow (not directly on the ears).
• 6 to 8 days after surgery patient may be able to wash their hair.
• Scars from incisions will fade significantly over time, and for the most part will be inconspicuous due to their location within the creases of the ears.
• Normal activities can be resumed as determined by the surgeon and based on the extend of surgery and patient healing progress.

Every year thousands of ear correction surgeries are successfully performed.

• Occasionally a second procedure may be necessary if an ear begins to protrude again.

Other complications which can be minimised by carefully following the surgeon’s instructions are:

• Bleeding.
• Unsightly scar.
• Numbness of ear.
• Relapse.
• Asymmetry.

Immediately following surgery:

• Your head should be elevated by 2 or 3 pillows to 45 degrees for 3 or 4 days.  This will help with swelling and enhance healing.
• Take antibiotics and pain killers as prescribed.

Dressings and bandages

• A head bandage is usually worn after the surgery until the stitches are removed.  You will be informed about the timing for this.
• Once the dressing has been discarded, it is wise to wear a protective head-band or bandage when sleeping to avoid the ears being bent forward against the pillow.
• Sometimes the dressing can chafe the ears to produce a break in the skin which can take a while to heal.

Pain and medication

• The ears are often sore and tender for several weeks and painkilling medication such as Paracetamol or Codeine may be required. Other drugs such as Aspirin or Nurofen can occasionally cause unwanted bleeding following the surgery and should be avoided.
• A small amount of blood may ooze post-operatively. This is quite normal.  However, in the unlikely event that heavy or persistent bleeding occur, please telephone for advice immediately.
• The ears are often a little numb after the procedure and this usually takes several weeks to settle.

Hygiene

• The hair can be washed after the dressing and the stitches have been removed. It is important to keep the grooves behind the ears clean.
• Infection is rare, but should this occur it would require treatment with antibiotics and regular dressing changes.

If you have any problems or concerns, please telephone The Wentworth Clinic on 01202 422171 for advice.

Ear Correction Surgery or Ear Reshaping Procedures at Wentworth Clinic start at £3000. You’ll first need to undergo an initial consultation with our trusted Plastic Surgeon who will then have a better understanding of what ear surgery is required.

Arrange your consultation today.