Ear Correction (Otoplasty)
Prominent ears are one of the most common congenital anomalies that people desire to improve. Characteristics perceived as odd or unusual often have out-of proportion facial features, such as ears that are too large and stick out.
Surgical correction of prominent ears was first reported in 1845 and since then, over 200 techniques have been reported with varying results.
The current trend is to minimise intervention, keeping it simple, reducing downtime and the risk of complications.
The traditional approach to ear correction was challenged in early 1990. It was shown that ear correction could be successfully accomplished without cutting to open the front and back of the ear, cutting the cartilage or removing skin from the back of the ear.
Long term post operative bandages and headbands were also found to be unnecessary.
The Procedure
Dr Zurek performs the procedure under local anaesthetic and oral sedation. It takes about 1 hour to complete.
No cutting is required as special sutures are "woven" into the ear under the skin though small punctures; the sutures remain permanently and are not visible or palpable after a short healing time.
The results are instant with no scarring.
It is recommended to wear a tennis-style headband in bed for 1-2 weeks.
Very short downtime, many patients return to work after a couple of days.
As a general rule, it is considered preferable that ear correction surgery should not be performed under 6 years old, because by this age the ear reaches 80% adult size.
Dr Zurek prefers to perform the procedure later in life when the child will cooperate during treatment and the procedure can be performed under local instead of general anaesthesia.
Earlobe Correction
The earlobes represent an important cosmetic unit and are considered aesthetically pleasing when they are not obvious, but elegantly shaped and proportional in size.
Earlobe shapes can be classified in three basic outlines and attachments:
- Round (non attached or dangling)
- Square (partially attached)
- Triangular (attached)
Ear lobe conditions which are requested to be improved by surgery include:
- Pixie earlobe (attached earlobe pulled downward)
- Big earlobes (megalobules)
- Aged thin ear lobes
The Procedure
Pixie earlobes are related to previous facelift surgery or congenital. Correction of this deformity is complex. Dr Zurek is often able to correct it during his face lift procedure.
Large ear lobes, can be addressed by several techniques however, Dr Zurek's preferred approach involves double wedge excision (like taking two separate, little "pieces of pie" out of the lobes). Allowing desirable adjustment to the length of the ear lobe.
The scars are expected to be imperceptible within several weeks.
Thin aged ear lobes can be rejuvenated by fat grafting.
Before and After images of Otoplasty performed by Dr Zurek:
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Before and immediately after Otoplasty only by Dr Zurek |
Read Articles About Ear Correction
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #52 - Scarless Ear Correction |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #47 - Correcting Prominent Ears |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #44 - Ear Correction |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #35 - Elegant Ears |
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Cosmetic Surgery Magazine #32 - Correcting Ears |
