Commonly used terms – ears pinned back, sticking out ears, prominent ears, bat ears, ears pinning.
Otoplasty is a word that means to change the shape or form of an ear. The common condition that requires otoplasty is called prominent ears (bat ears). These are very common in the population and in some cases cause a degree of social embarrassment.
Although it is evident that some young children have prominent ears, it is rare for a child less than 6-7 years of age to be aware if this is a problem for them. Dr Blennerhassett would generally encourage delaying any surgical intervention for at least the first 6-7 years of the child’s life.
Once the child is actively involved in making a decision and discussing the pros and cons of the surgery, then we find that they are much better equipped to deal with the post-operative protocols, which include head bandaging and sutures etc.
The cause of prominent ears is usually due to the absence of a particular fold called the antihelical fold, which when absent causes a degree of flattening and forward projection or lateral projection of the ears. In most cases, the ears themselves are of normal size, however, they have not fully folded, and as a result they sit further out.
Correction of the prominent ears takes place under general anaesthetic and usually involves making an incision on the posterior (rear or back) of the ear and then - using a number of different techniques - a suitable fold is made in the ear cartilage to allow it to sit back in a more normal or appropriate position. The wound on the back of the ear is then carefully sutured and a bandage is applied. The head bandage remains for approximately 10 days after the surgery.
The surgery is done as a Day Case procedure and usually pain is well tolerated in the post-operative course. The patients are instructed not to perform any sporting activity and also to keep the head bandages dry for the first 10 days or so. At that stage, they will return to our rooms and we will remove the head bandage and sutures.
Further instructions on how to manage the ears will be given at that stage. Usually the ears are a little bruised at the time of removal of the bandages and also the ears may feel slightly numb when touched. The bruising and numbness will gradually settle over the ensuing few weeks.
*Please note – recent Medicare changes have impacted on this procedure (see “before surgery”). After turning 18, all costs will have to be met by the patient)
*Any surgery or medical procedure carries risks and individual results may vary. Consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified doctor.
Although it is evident that some young children have prominent ears, it is rare for a child less than 6-7 years of age to be aware if this is a problem for them. Dr Blennerhassett would generally encourage delaying any surgical intervention for at least the first 6-7 years of the child’s life.
Once the child is actively involved in making a decision and discussing the pros and cons of the surgery, then we find that they are much better equipped to deal with the post-operative protocols, which include head bandaging and sutures etc.
The cause of prominent ears is usually due to the absence of a particular fold called the antihelical fold, which when absent causes a degree of flattening and forward projection or lateral projection of the ears. In most cases, the ears themselves are of normal size, however, they have not fully folded, and as a result they sit further out.
Correction of the prominent ears takes place under general anaesthetic and usually involves making an incision on the posterior (rear or back) of the ear and then - using a number of different techniques - a suitable fold is made in the ear cartilage to allow it to sit back in a more normal or appropriate position. The wound on the back of the ear is then carefully sutured and a bandage is applied. The head bandage remains for approximately 10 days after the surgery.
The surgery is done as a Day Case procedure and usually pain is well tolerated in the post-operative course. The patients are instructed not to perform any sporting activity and also to keep the head bandages dry for the first 10 days or so. At that stage, they will return to our rooms and we will remove the head bandage and sutures.
Further instructions on how to manage the ears will be given at that stage. Usually the ears are a little bruised at the time of removal of the bandages and also the ears may feel slightly numb when touched. The bruising and numbness will gradually settle over the ensuing few weeks.
*Please note – recent Medicare changes have impacted on this procedure (see “before surgery”). After turning 18, all costs will have to be met by the patient)
*Any surgery or medical procedure carries risks and individual results may vary. Consider seeking a second opinion from a qualified doctor.
