Otoplasty in Geneva - Dr. Prevot, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

OTOPLASTY

Many children suffer from bullying because of their prominent ears. Parents sometimes choose to bring their child in for consultation before even being asked. The consultation will help determine whether the operation is needed and, if it is, will be conducted based on the child’s desires. Certain serious malformations linked to other anomalies or to the development of the ear are generally diagnosed at birth and have to be treated early. It is always better to come in for a consultation if there are any uncertainties.

Overview

Correction of prominent ears, also known as otoplasty, focuses on two malformations which often occur simultaneously to varying degrees in individual patients ; the external ear is positioned too far forward, forming too wide an angle with the head, and the fold of the ear is defective, making the « protrusion » of the ear look worse.

Otoplasty is a relatively simple procedure which is effective and not associated with any major risks.

Is it for you?

Certain anatomic factors of the head and the ears have to be considered to determine whether the operation is adequate and, if it is, which technique should be used.

Technique

In about 50% of the cases, it is sufficient to use a mini-invasive technique consisting of placing a shaper, the Earfold clip, under the skin.

The invasive technique consists of reshaping and stichting cartilage and is effective in all cases but comprises risks of infection.

Procedure

It is generally carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation or light general anaesthetic.
Patients leave the clinic the same evening. The procedure takes about one hour.
The patient is positioned on an operating table, lying on his back with his head turned to one side.
The anaesthetic is injected into the outer ear. Defects of the rim of the ear are corrected by folding the cartilage. The position of the middle part of the ear is corrected, and sometimes oversized ears are remodelled at the same time.
The surgeon uses non-dissolvable stitches.
In some cases, general anesthesia may be preferable, the patient will then have to stay at the clinic overnight.

After the operation

Patients may return home the same day if the anaesthetist agrees. They must wear a dressing and a compression headband.
The dressing is generally worn until the stitches have been absorbed, usually on the 7th day.
The elastic headband, which looks like the sort of headband used by skiers, needs to be worn for another two weeks, particularly at night while the healing tissue is still fragile. Analgesic medication is routinely prescribed for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Results

This procedure corrects the twin deformations of the outer ear. The results are permanent and restore self-confidence and wellbeing to children and adults alike. Patients feel better about themselves and can wear short hair or tie their hair back because there is no longer anything to hide.