The size and shape of the ears can significantly impact overall facial proportions as they significantly contribute to the facial appearance. There is a wide range of normality in ear appearance. However, protruding, misshapen, or large ears can significantly reduce self-confidence and emotional well-being.
RELATED: What are the different types of ear shapes?
Ear surgery is a highly effective procedure for correcting ear problems and removing droopy earlobes. In expert hands, the shape and size of the ears can be surgically altered to achieve a cosmetically acceptable appearance. Corrective ear surgery is beneficial for a wide variety of age groups, from primary school children to adult women and men. The precise technique of ear correction will depend on the presenting abnormality.
If you are keen to learn more about how to correct protruding ears or treat or improve droopy earlobes, read on to learn how Centre for Surgery can help you to achieve normal-looking ears.
Ear correction surgery
A correction surgery is a type of facial plastic surgery designed to surgically alter the shape or size of the ears or pin back ears for excessively protruding ears. The medical term for ear pinning is otoplasty or pinnaplasty. Otoplasty is most commonly performed in younger children, although it is increasingly performed in adults. Pinnaplasty surgery should not be performed on children below the age of five, as the ears will still be undergoing active growth and development up to the age of six years. Surgery is best performed once children have reached the age of six.
RELATED: Benefits of Otoplasty Surgery
Otoplasty surgery produces excellent results in the vast majority of patients and, when performed by an expert plastic surgeon, is a safe and effective procedure. As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks and complications you should be aware of before proceeding with an otoplasty.
Otoplasty surgery takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of surgical correction required. Both local and general anaesthetics can be used. A general anaesthetic is most commonly used for younger children, whilst adults can have the procedure under local anaesthetic in most cases. The procedure involves making incisions in the ear crease behind the ear and removing excess cartilage. In most cases, excess cartilage is the cause of ear protrusion. Once the desired correction has been achieved, the ears will be surgically pinned back to the desired position so they look closer to the head. Dissolvable stitches will then be used to close the incisions, followed by applying a sterile dressing to support the ears in their new position and protect the ear cartilage during healing.
Ear pinning surgery is often available on the NHS for younger children who may be at risk of teasing and bullying at school if they do not have the procedure. Recently, a non-surgical otoplasty technique, known as EarFold, has emerged. EarFold is a minimally invasive technique performed under local anaesthetic to correct certain types of Ear conditions. Specialised implants are inserted to correct prominent ears. Here at Centre for Surgery, our surgeons do not perform EarFold surgery as we believe the procedure’s risks outweigh the benefits. The method is more expensive than traditional otoplasty surgery. There is also a higher risk of recurrence of protruding ears compared with a conventional otoplasty.
Earlobe surgery
The ageing process leads to the development of loose skin, which may affect any part of the face, including the earlobes. As the skin loses its inherent elasticity, it begins to develop wrinkles and sag. This is most commonly due to a loss of collagen and elastin. Older people often have larger earlobes as the ageing process leads to droopy earlobes that appear stretched. Other factors besides ageing that may result in sagging earlobes include skin type and the amount of sun exposure. People with lighter skin types may be more likely to develop droopy earlobes because their dermal layer contains less collagen than those with darker skin types. Excessive sun exposure over time causes skin damage and a loss of skin elasticity. Significantly drooping earlobes can result from wearing heavy earrings. The earlobe gradually lengthens and stretches the ear piercing, making earrings fall out with ease. Sometimes, a split earlobe may occur when an earring cuts through completely.
Earlobe rejuvenation can often be performed by injecting hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers to plump up the earlobes, giving them a more youthful look. Split earlobes can be easily corrected with split earlobe repair surgery. Stretched earlobes or long earlobes can be addressed with earlobe reduction surgery. This procedure is designed to reduce the size of droopy earlobes to achieve a better proportion with the overall size and shape of the ear. Both procedures can be easily performed under local anaesthetic and take no more than 60 minutes.
RELATED: What is earlobe reduction?
We are well known for our expertise in facelift surgery, and we would recommend that any patient having a facelift or mini facelift have earlobe surgery using the same procedure. The appearance of droopy earlobes can often make a person look much older than they actually are. Combining earlobe surgery with a facelift can help you achieve a refreshed, rejuvenated look, restoring your self-confidence.
We have many years of experience performing all types of ear surgery, including otoplasty, pinnaplasty, ear pinning, ear correction, ear reshaping, split earlobe repair, and earlobe reduction surgery, using the safest and most effective surgical techniques. If you would like to book a consultation for corrective ear surgery, please get in touch with us today by calling 020 7993 4849 or completing the contact form below to learn about the available treatment options.
[contact-form-7 id=”256″ title=”Treatments form”]
