30 - 120 minutes
Local anesthesia
Is not required
3 - 7 days
On their own within 14 days
3 - 7 days
Protruding ears or rather, auricles (the auricle is our visible part of the ear, which is located outside the skull) are the most common congenital deformity of the ears. It affects 5% of children in the Western world and has profound psychosocial effects. The cause of protruding ears is mostly genetic, as genes influence the formation of cartilage in the ear. As a general rule, the ears are shaped to lie almost flush with the head, but genetic factors or subsequent injuries can cause the ears to stick out more. We know the deformity, which is unilateral (one-sided) or bilateral (both sides). Most often, protruding ears are a bilateral deformity, where both ears are protruding.
In the case of a genetic cause, the deformity becomes more and more known throughout development. The ears become more and more protruding until they are formed into an adult shape.
In addition to protruding ears, we know of the following two rarer deformities, which can also be corrected:
- Oversized ears (macrotia): these are ears that are significantly larger in relation to your head and the rest of your constitution. With the operation, the outer part of the ear (auricle) is reduced and made more proportional.
- Ears that are too small (microtia): these are ears that are significantly smaller compared to your head and the rest of your constitution. In surgery for undersized ears, we use a special surgical technique to enlarge their appearance and achieve a more harmonious appearance again.
In addition, in some individuals, excessive fatty deposits around the ears can be found.
The fact is that you can physically live with protruding, too big or too small ears without any physical problems. These types of deformities rarely cause problems with hearing or balance. But we know that psychological well-being is also an important part of our overall health. People with protruding or irregularly shaped ears can often be the target of teasing and ridicule.
With ear correction, we take care of:
- "pinning" of protruding ears closer to the head (correction of protruding ears is also known as otapostasis),
- reduction of oversized ears,
- enlargement of undersized ears,
- and removal of fatty deposits around the ears.
Psychological problems due to the irregular shape of the ears are already observed among children in the early school period. This is when children begin to notice interpersonal differences, and those with unusual ears feel different and unaccepted due to exposure among their peers. For these reasons, we often recommend otoplasty for children to parents even before they enter school.
It can be performed from the age of 5 or 6 onwards, as this is when the ear reaches its final shape and almost adult size. With children, it is also important to us that the child himself wants to change and that he did not come to us only because of parental coercion.
Ear correction can be equally successfully performed on adults who are just now thinking about making a change and want to eliminate a problem that affects their self-esteem.
Every appearance change or treatment at Estetika Fabjan begins with an extensive and non-binding consultation. There you will meet our surgeon, who will examine you (or your child), listen to your wishes and present what results you can achieve.
Otoplasty or ear surgery is a simple procedure that takes about half an hour and is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's wishes. Most of the time, the surgeon makes an incision behind the ear to reach the cartilage. He then reshapes the cartilage, removing the excess or using a special suture to help create a new shape. In the case of protruding ears, it reduces the angle between the ear and the head. During cutting and sewing, pay attention to the proper technique so that the scars after the procedure are not visible.
In most cases, you will be able to leave the clinic immediately after the correction. We often combine the procedure with nose correction.
Ear correction in children is done in the same way as in adults. In most cases, the operation is performed under local anesthesia, with the exception of small children who do not yet participate, the operation is performed under general anesthesia.
Before the operation, we have a thorough discussion with the child and parents to explain how the procedure works and what they can expect. It is important to us that the child understands the entire procedure and agrees with it. After the operation, we carefully monitor the child's recovery and agree on further steps with the parents.
After the procedure, the ears are wrapped with a bandage, which must be worn for several days to ensure proper healing and shape. The discomfort that occurs immediately after ear surgery is normal and mild, so pain pills are usually not necessary.
You may have an itchy feeling under the bandages. Your ears will be completely bandaged for 3-7 days (night and day), then the bandages will be changed at your next visit. You will still need to wear a small headband at night for sleep protection (approx. 4 weeks) until the ears are fully healed.
The stitches dissolve on their own within 14 days. Noticeable swelling and bruising are present for up to 14 days, but may be to a lesser extent for up to several months.
In the first week after the procedure, we recommend resting and avoiding physical exertion. We advise absence from work for the same period, if it is of a more physical nature. It's also important to avoid wearing hats, caps and other headgear that could put undue pressure on the ears.
With children, we recommend special caution and prolonging the wearing of the tape during play, so as not to irritate the operated area with rough movements, rubbing or scratching by other children.
As with any surgical procedure, complications such as bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthesia are possible. However, otoplasty is generally a safe and effective procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. At Estetika Fabjan, we have not had any special complications after otoplasty so far. We boast many years of experience and expertise in the field of cosmetic surgery, which ensures the best possible results for our patients.
Ear deformities include an irregularly shaped earlobe. The earlobe, scientifically known as lobulus auriculae, is the lower, fleshy part of the ear that is devoid of cartilage. This is the part of the ear that is most often pierced for earrings. The cheekbones are very different from person to person, but they are always an important part of the overall aesthetics of the face. Correcting the earlobe, whether due to its size or shape, can help improve facial symmetry and boost self-confidence.
Earlobe correction is a procedure in which we reduce the size of large earlobes. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, where the excess part of the earlobe is removed and the remainder is sutured to achieve a more balanced appearance. The result is more proportionally shaped earlobes that better match the shape of the face and the rest of the ear.
Recovery from earlobe correction is quick and usually does not cause much discomfort. Immediately after surgery, the area of the earlobe is covered with a bandage, which helps reduce swelling and promotes proper healing. This dressing is usually removed after a few days, depending on the individual's progress in healing.
During the first week after the procedure, we recommend that you avoid intense physical activities and any situations that could cause impact or pressure on the operated area.
The price of otoplasty depends on the specifics of each individual and is determined at the end of the consultation.
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