Prominent Ear Correction

Prominent Ear Correction is a cosmetic ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, designed to reduce the size of large ears or pin back ears that protrude too far from the head. Commonly referred to as "ear pinning," this plastic surgery procedure can greatly enhance a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

In this operation the ear cartilage is folded back to allow the ear to sit in a less prominent position. To gain access to the ear cartilage an incision is made behind the ear.

Duration of the operation:

Correction of the earlobes takes about 30 minutes. Ear correction takes between 1 and 2 hours.

Post operative care:

After the operation the ears are protected with a large head bandage for about a week. Avoid contact sports after it is removed. There will be some residual bruising and swelling which may last several weeks. Medications will be prescribed by the surgeon.

Recovery period:

It is normal to feel lethargic and tired for a few days following surgery. The dressings are removed after 1 week and a light head bandage worn at nighttime only for the next 2 weeks.  Bruising and swelling can last for several weeks following surgery. Most people feel able to return to school/work after 1-2 weeks. Contact sports should be avoided for 6 weeks. The final result can usually be judged at around 3-6 months following surgery.

Possible risk and complications;

Any operation can give problems with infection or bleeding. Bleeding is not unusual after this operation. Most often padding the head bandage or redoing the head bandage is all that is required. Occasionally a blood clot forms under the skin. This has to be drained and may need to be dealt will in theatre. Severe-infections or "blood clot against the ear cartilage can permanently damage ear cartilage leaving an ear deformity. This complication is rare.

Anesthesia use:

The procedure is undertaken using local anesthetics.

Hospital admission:

It depends on your preferences as well as your surgeon’s. Prominent ear correction can be performed on an out patient basis, in the hospital, or in an ambulatory surgical suite

Preparation before Surgery

The otoplasty method begins with a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon will discuss goals, options and what outcome to expect. Assessment of the medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests will be performed during the evaluation as well as the explanation of the course of surgery, recovery period, risk and complications.

• Assessment of the medical history (any allergies, serious medical condition and all medications taken both prescribed and non-prescribed), physical examination, and laboratory tests will be performed during consultation.
• Blood and urine samples will be collected for routine preoperative laboratory tests.
• Smoking must be avoided for about 3-4 weeks prior to surgery, as nicotine interferes with circulation and will greatly affect healing process.
• You will likely to be asked to stop drinking alcohol, a week before the surgery and throughout your recovery period.
• Avoid taking any medications such as hormones, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids and supplements at least 4-6 weeks to prevent complicating medical factors prior to surgery. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.