OTOPLASTY

Otoplasty or correction of prominent ears is a procedure performed to correct prominent ears that stick out too much. There are basically two causes of prominent ears. The first cause is an underdevelopment of the antihelical fold which runs from one end of the peripheral fold of the ear. If this is underdeveloped, the cartilage does not kick back and one gets more prominence of the ear. The second cause is a prominent conchal bulb which is the area just outside the ear canal and if this is excessively deep or large, the ear would stick out more than it should. The otoplasty procedure is done through an incision over the back of the ear which is very well camouflaged and virtually never seen. There are numerous techniques which can be done to correct this type of ear deformity.

I prefer an anterior scouring with some small otoabraders to weaken the elasticity of the cartilage and then permanent sutures are used to keep the ear in a more natural position. I prefer using the otoabraders to a knife as I believe this gives a more round and natural curve to the anterior helical fold. If the conchal fossa is enlarged, I advance this rather than excising cartilage from this area. The operation takes approximately 45 minute to an hour per side. It is usually done under a local or assisted local or general anaesthetic as a day only procedure. I like patients to wear a head bandage for a week and thereafter to wear a headband for a month when sleeping. The results are usually excellent.