Ear correction for protruding ears is particularly important if the patient is suffering a lot, for example due to teasing at school, and there is a desire for ear pinning surgery.
We can perform ear pinning at the Yuveo Clinic Düsseldorf using various techniques.
With most techniques, an inconspicuous incision is made behind the ear.
Incisions on the front of the ear and so-called thread techniques or folding techniques, which do not require an incision, are used in suitable cases. We will explain this to you in detail during your consultation.
Contents
Yuveo Clinic
Special features of ear correction
Low-scar procedures are used at Yuveo in Düsseldorf to get ears “back in shape”.
Reduction of ears that are too large
Correction of the earlobes
Ear reduction for ears that are too large
By means of ear reduction (or auricle reduction), we can correct ears that are too large in Düsseldorf.
The transitions are fluid, the relative size depends on body size and head size. The approximate normal value for axial length is between 58 and 62 mm for women and between 62 and 66 mm for men.
What is the procedure for ear reduction?
Ear reduction surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia, possibly with additional twilight sleep.
General anesthesia is recommended for anxious adults or children.
Before the procedure, the hair and ears must be washed thoroughly to reduce the germ rate preoperatively.
After ear reduction, a larger cotton wrap bandage is only applied for 2-3 days. After that, a smaller bandage with a loose-fitting headband is usually sufficient.
How is ear reduction surgery performed in Düsseldorf?
Today, we use various techniques that result in well-hidden, very inconspicuous scars (the scars can be seen in the pictures).
The planning of the operation first involves a careful examination of the ears. The choice of surgical technique depends on the areas that require correction. It may also make sense to combine ear reduction with ear pinning and/or earlobe correction. Such combination operations cost slightly more than the individual procedures.
The principle of the operation is to remove the excess skin and cartilage in order to create a natural-looking ear. An accurate suturing technique is crucial for a result with inconspicuous scars and a pinna without steps. However, adequate cooperation from our patients should not be underestimated in order to avoid tensile forces on the fine sutures after ear reduction.
Frequently asked questions about ear correction
How can protruding earlobes be created?
In connection with ear correction for protruding ears, earlobe correction of protruding earlobes is sometimes also desired.
We perform the procedure under local anesthesia, rarely under twilight sleep if desired.
By removing a spindle-shaped area of skin on the back, we can improve the position of the earlobe. This type of earlobe structure always makes sense if the earlobe protrudes conspicuously (up to 90 degrees).
Can surgery be performed on pierced ears?
The most common earlobe correction is surgery for a tear or sagging earlobes.
Wearing heavy ear jewelry for a long time or piercing your ears too low is the cause.
If the ear hole is only sagging, we can cut it out and stitch it up before it tears. In this way, we keep the cost of earlobe correction to a minimum.
However, we often have to treat torn ear holes with a flapplasty or Z-plasty to ensure a better scar pattern.
When operating on the earlobe, our plastic surgeons in Düsseldorf must ensure that the suture is perfect, as the scars can lead to retractions if they shrink on the soft earlobe.
What is earlobe reduction all about?
This type of earlobe correction is used to correct earlobes that are too large, often as part of an ear reduction. Earlobe reduction is also occasionally requested during ear pinning.
During the operation, we mark the excess part of the earlobe precisely and remove it in a wedge or zigzag shape, then close the wound with a fine suture.
Achieving perfect symmetry is important. The sutures must also be stitched in such a way that the scars do not retract during earlobe reduction. You can see sketches of possible techniques for this form of earlobe correction in the picture below right.
How does earlobe augmentation work?
There are basically two forms of earlobe correction. A technique that is performed with a scalpel and a less invasive method using a syringe.
The surgical method of earlobe augmentation
It consists of a skin transfer operation. Our Yuevo team in Düsseldorf plans a skin-fat flap to be lifted under and behind the earlobe.
After the flap has been lifted, it is shaped and sewn into place to create the desired earlobe shape. However, this is more of an earlobe reconstruction. This form of earlobe correction is therefore mainly used for severe deformities, accidents or after skin cancer surgery (rare).
Earlobe treatment with filler
Earlobe augmentation for aesthetic reasons is performed using filling materials. The hyaluronic acid is simply injected into the earlobe to shape and enlarge it. The result lasts for approximately one year. Earlobes that are overgrown or very small can thus show off the ear jewelry to better advantage.
What is the follow-up treatment for ear correction?
The follow-up treatment after ear pinning depends on various factors. In particular, the shape and extent of the operation. This is because there are various methods of ear correction.
Here we provide you with a generalized presentation for minor to moderate procedures, such as classic ear pinning or ear reduction surgery.
Association
After an ear correction, the ears are molded with absorbent cotton, for example, and enclosed under an initially quite large ear bandage. This remains in place for 1-7 days. It is intended to reduce the degree of swelling and the risk of bruising.
Threads
… behind the ear are removed after approx. 2 weeks, in front of the ear after one week. However, some surgeons generally remove the stitches after just one week.
Headband
A headband should be worn 24 hours a day for 2 weeks following ear correction. After that, wearing it at night is sufficient for a further 3-4 weeks. A little more rigor is required for children. Wearing a cap is an advantage here, at least for smaller children, because it does not slip so easily. When correcting the ears of very small children, a bandage with adhesive wraps is often the only way to prevent slippage.
Sport
In order not to jeopardize the result of the ear correction, sports in which bruising of the ear cannot be ruled out should be avoided for 6-12 weeks. This includes team and ball sports.
Inner threads
Even if the healing after the ear correction is inconspicuous, the inner stitches can sometimes show through the skin. It is also possible for them to pierce the skin. It is not unusual for them to be palpable. If these stitches cause discomfort, they can be removed without any problems. If they are removed too soon after the ear correction, a recurrence of the protruding ears can be expected.
Heat
During the first 2-3 weeks, excessive heat from hot baths, saunas or sunlight should be avoided, as this can have a negative effect on healing.
How is the follow-up treatment for earlobe correction in Düsseldorf carried out?
After earlobe correction, a firm plaster bandage is usually sufficient, which can be designed to be quite inconspicuous (skin-colored plaster).
The stitches are removed a little later than usual in the face so that the scar has a certain stability.
A new ear hole for initially light jewelry should not be pierced before 6 weeks have passed. You should leave the piercing to your plastic surgeon to prevent unfavorable placement in the area of the scar.
How much does an ear correction cost?
The cost of an ear correction in Germany can vary greatly. The extent of the ear correction, the type of anesthesia, a possible hospital stay and the fee of your plastic surgeon all play a role in the calculation.
The costs of ear correction for protruding ears are covered by health insurance until the child starts school. The same applies to other ear malformations with a pathological value.
What components make up the cost of an ear correction?
With regard to the costs of ear correction, you should note that the operation is usually offered under local anesthesia with twilight sleep . The latter is more comfortable for the patient and the surgeon, but is not absolutely necessary. General anesthesia is recommended for children and anxious adults. An inpatient stay is rarely necessary after ear correction.
Please contact our Yuveo team in Düsseldorf for more detailed cost information.
Facts about ear correction
- Practitioners: Dr. Schumann and Dr. Schumann-Averkiou
Anesthesia:
local anesthesia with twilight sleep, general anesthesia if necessary- Hospitalization:
usually: outpatient - Aftercare:
bandage for 1 to 7 days, wear a headband or cap - Sport:
No sport for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery - Costs: on request
Further information and related topics
For those interested in medicine:
Technical terms:
- Anthelix = middle ear fold
- Apostasis otis = the ear correction of protruding ears
- Concha = auricle
- Concharotation = auricle rotation
- Macrotia = one large ear
- Mastoid = mastoid process, a bone part of the skull bone behind the ear
- Otopexy = ear pinning surgery