Otoplasty

Protruding ears can be a source of insecurity at any age, especially for children and teenagers. This anatomical feature, often hereditary, can lead to teasing and negatively impact self-esteem. Ear pinning surgery, performed for over a century, relies on various techniques to permanently correct this anomaly. It is generally considered from the age of 6 to 8, when ear development is sufficient.

Each procedure is based on a precise and individualized analysis, reflecting a constant concern for accuracy and balance.

Certain anatomical criteria, such as the angle between the concha and the skull or the folding of the auricle, determine whether surgery is indicated and which technique is most appropriate. In children, otoplasty is an effective solution to prevent social difficulties. In adults, this ear surgery helps correct a long standing complex or meet a desire for improved facial harmony.

The procedure may also be recommended in cases of congenital malformation or traumatic sequelae after an initial consultation. Thanks to modern, minimally invasive techniques, such as the EarFold method, it is possible to reposition the ears by inserting a small device that holds the cartilage in place. I favor a fully personalized approach, adapted to the morphology, age, and needs of each patient.

Ear surgery relies on proven methods, primarily aimed at reshaping the cartilage to achieve an aesthetic and balanced result.

Minimally invasive technique

For patients seeking a less invasive alternative, the EarFold method is an excellent option. The placement of a subcutaneous conformer, the EarFold clip, is possible in approximately 50 percent of cases. This medical device corrects prominent ears without major incisions, through the insertion of a specific alloy implant. This technique is particularly suitable for adults who wish to benefit from a rapid recovery.

Invasive technique

This approach makes it possible to treat all cases. The conventional procedure involves an incision behind the ear in order to sculpt the cartilage and reposition the auricle. This technique provides stable and discreet results, with scars that are virtually invisible. My technique involves remodeling the cartilage while avoiding any cutting of the cartilage as much as possible, which can sometimes lead to overly visible results.

Surgery for prominent ears is usually performed under general anesthesia, depending on the case, exclusively in a clinical setting, with or without sedation according to the patient’s needs. Hospitalization lasts between 6 and 24 hours. The procedure itself takes one to two hours, depending on the severity of the deformity. Each step is explained in advance during the preoperative consultation or immediately before the procedure, in order to reassure patients and answer all their questions.

Postoperative discomfort is generally mild or absent. Some light pain may be felt, but it is easily controlled with standard pain relief medication.

After the procedure, a head bandage is applied to keep the ears in position. Wearing a headband at night is essential for three weeks, while daytime use can be adapted for children. Daily activities can be resumed after a few days, with specific precautions to avoid any trauma to the operated areas.

The results of otoplasty become visible once postoperative swelling subsides, usually within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Initially, the ears may appear swollen and red, but they take on a natural and attractive appearance after about one month. The result is definitive. The ears achieve a harmonious and natural shape, in perfect balance with the rest of the face. The scars, located behind the ears, quickly become imperceptible.

For children, surgery for prominent ears often represents a true relief, allowing them to approach school and social life with greater confidence. For adults, it frequently marks the culmination of a long personal journey, with a significant improvement in self esteem. In adults, this procedure can also be combined with other facial surgeries, such as rhinoplasty or liposuction of the double chin.