Otoplasty OR PROtruding EARS

General Description of Protruding Ears or Otoplasty:

“Protruding ears” or otoplasty is a surgical procedure which aims to correct a deformity in the ears, often characterized by excessive projection or pronounced angulation in relation to the head. This condition, also called “cabbage leaf ears” or “protruding ears,” can be present from birth or develop while growing. Otoplasty usually involves reducing the ear cartilage and fixing the ear in a position closer to the head, thereby reducing its prominent appearance and creating a more aesthetically pleasing profile.

A protruding ear, also known as "ear protrusion" or "cabbage leaf ear", is a condition in which the ear is projected excessively away from the head. This characteristic may be due to abnormal development of ear cartilage or other genetic factors. Protruding ears can be present from birth or develop as the child grows.

Protruding ears, or ear protrusion, are mainly caused by genetic factors. This means that they can be inherited from parents. Generally, this condition is caused by abnormal development of ear cartilage during fetal or infant growth. Sometimes protruding ears can also be caused by injury or trauma to the ear, but this is less common than the genetic cause.

The stages of intervention for Protruding Ears

  • It is recommended to meet with the plastic surgeon during two preoperative consultations, with a possible additional consultation with an anesthesiologist if anesthesia other than local is being considered.
  • Photographic images will be taken before and after the procedure to document the results.
    A support band, such as a "tennis headband", will be prescribed to protect and support the ears after surgery.
  • Preoperative instructions include stopping smoking for at least one month before the operation and up to 15 days afterward, as well as stopping any anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment for 15 days before the operation.

Three anesthesia options are possible:

  • Local anesthesia alone, limited to the ears
    Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation (“vigilant” anesthesia)
    Standard general anesthesia The duration of the procedure is generally around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of corrections required.
  • Otoplasty is a relatively painless facial procedure, generally requiring only simple painkillers for post-operative treatment.
    Patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure.
  • The ears may show swelling and bruising in the following days, which may initially mask the results. No nursing care is required after the procedure, and patients can shower the next day.
  • However, baths should be avoided for about a month. The threads used are resorbable.
  • A support band is recommended for one week, day and night, followed by nightly use for one month. Depending on the type of professional activity, a work stoppage of 5 to 10 days is often recommended, and physical activities involving risk of contact should be avoided for approximately one month.

In practice

  • Procedure

    Otoplasty, or correction of protruding ears, involves making incisions behind the ears, reshaping the cartilage to bring the ears closer to the head, and then suturing the incisions to improve their position and appearance.

  • Anesthesia

    local potentiated or general

  • Durée opératoire

    1h to 1/2 hour

  • Length of hospitalization

    1 night

  • Length of overall stay

    7 days

  • Convalescence

    7 to 10 days