Auricular corrections

If there are “protruding ears”, a surgical auricle operation can often help. It is usually advisable for the operation to be carried out before the children go to school. If the children are already at school, it is advisable to choose a date at the beginning of the school vacations so that they do not have to visit the school with the association. In children, the operation is usually performed under anesthesia.

What you should know about protruding ears

If the ears are protruding or protruding, surgical correction is now possible.

More and more people in Switzerland are suffering from their protruding ears and want to have them corrected. In medicine, the term protruding ears is used when the outer edge of the pinna protrudes more than 2 cm from the head. Approximately every 10th person is born with a malposition of the auricles. It is important to note that protruding ears have no effect on hearing. However, most of those affected find them annoying or aesthetically unpleasant. Children with protruding ears in particular are often teased at school. The treatment consists of a surgical procedure in which the auricles are moved closer to the head. The procedure can be performed on children from the age of 5, as ear growth is already complete at this stage. The costs of the operation are not covered by health insurance in all cases. During the operation itself, a small incision is made behind the auricle, allowing the exposed ear cartilage to be reshaped or reduced in size. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes 1 to 2 hours. The doctor will remove the stitches in the surgery approximately 4 weeks after the operation.

Does the insurance pay for cosmetic ear surgery?

The insurance does not normally cover operations performed for cosmetic reasons only. However, the insurance could cover, in part or in full, an operation to correct a congenital or traumatic defect. Before undergoing cosmetic ear surgery, contact your insurer to find out what costs will be covered.

How can you help with protruding ears?

Protruding and drooping ears, as well as torn earlobes, can be surgically repaired. Particularly large or protruding ears make children the target of teasing and jokes. If the ears are protruding or protruding, surgical correction is now possible. Plastic surgery on the ears cannot, of course, improve hearing, but it can improve appearance and self-confidence.

How is the operation performed?

Corrective surgery, called otopexy, should be considered if the ears protrude more than 2 cm from the back of the head. Performing the operation as early as possible, but usually from the age of five, has two advantages: Firstly, the cartilage and tissue can be shaped better and secondly, you benefit from the newly gained self-confidence at a young age. If the procedure is performed at a young age, there are two advantages: firstly, the cartilage is more flexible, which makes it easier to change the shape, and secondly, the child will benefit from the psychological advantages of the cosmetic procedure. However, it remains the case that the patient can undergo the procedure at any age. From the age of 12, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia. At the beginning of the operation, a small incision is made behind the ear. The surgeon can remove or reshape the skin and cartilage. An “anthelixplasty” is performed. To do this, an incision is first made behind the auricle. The ear cartilage is then reshaped and partially removed. The cartilage is then fixed with a few stitches. On average, such a procedure takes between one and two hours.

What needs to be considered after the operation?

The ear bandage is removed 8-10 days after the operation and the stitches are removed. No sporting or social activities should be undertaken for the first ten days after the operation. If pain or an unpleasant throbbing sensation occurs, the doctor should be informed immediately. It may be necessary to wear fabric protection for the first few weeks. The hair should also be washed very carefully, as twisting or pulling on the pinna should be avoided. A headband should be worn at night for 4 weeks after the operation to protect the ear and keep it in shape. Even three months after the operation, sport should only be practiced very carefully, as the ear has only regained its natural stability as before the operation six months after the operation.

Further information?

If we have aroused your interest, we will be happy to answer any further questions or arrange a personal consultation at any time (practice telephone 041- 420 66 34).