Protruding Ear Surgery

How to solve the problem of protruding ears with cosmetic restorative surgery (otoplasty)

 

Which malformations related to protruding ears are corrected by otoplasty?

Otoplasty or cosmetic surgery of protruding ears, popularly called "cauliflower ears", or of other malformations, is an intervention whose purpose is to modify the anomalies of the auricular cartilage, in order to find a harmony of the face. These anomalies are sometimes sources of important psychological and social problems, in children, as in adults. Most often, both ears are symmetrically corrected (bilateral) but sometimes only one ear is treated. The result is often very satisfactory both aesthetically and psychologically.

This surgery can be performed from the age of 8 onward, when the child himself complains of his condition, at any age in the adult.

 

Surgery procedure

Compulsory preoperative assessments: photos, coagulation check-up, pre-anaesthetic appointment.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia in children and most often under local anaesthesia in adults. It takes about 1 hour. The cutaneous scar is placed behind the ear, in the furrow between the ear itself and the skull.

Hospitalization can last the whole day (ambulatory) or 24 hours (1 night at the clinic).

 

Post-surgery effects

Dressing: a tensor bandage for 15 days and a month for the night

The pain: slight for 24/48 hours and then tolerable

Haematoma behind the ear: rare

The oedema is very slight.

Absorbable threads.

 

Which are the restrictions following the surgery?

Avoid intense physical activity that can increase pressure in the head for 1 month. Avoid body contact sports for a month. Avoid swimming for 15 days. 

 

Recovery time

Recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. Patients feel comfortable returning to school or work after 7 days.

 

The result

It is necessary to wait until the end of the first month for the final result.

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Coverage of otoplasty by social security.

This surgery is covered by social security, but your head and neck ENT surgeon may request an additional fee.

 

Dr. Stéphane Hervé is an ENT specialist and head and neck surgeon, who graduated from some of the best universities in France. He uses a refined cosmetic restorative surgery technique that remodels the cartilage of the ear in a physiological way, using only resorbable threads.