What does ear malformation | protruding ears mean?
Protruding ears on one or both sides are the most common malformations of the ears. Other congenital malformations of the ears can take the form of an incompletely formed auricle (Microtie) or as a complete absence of the outer ear (Anotia) can occur. Damage to the outer ear can also be caused by skin tumors or injuries.
Ear malformations often cause psychological disorders in children and adults. These malformations can cause shame and feelings of inferiority in children. Malformations of the ears are usually caused by a congenital deformation of the ear cartilage or asymmetrical development of individual cartilage parts.
An otoplasty is also known as OtoplastySurgery can be used to reshape the ear cartilage. This procedure should be performed no earlier than age 4, as ear growth is largely complete by then. Starting school is a major milestone for children; therefore, for psychological reasons, surgical correction should be performed before the child starts school. By this age, the ears have already reached nearly their final shape and size. Another appropriate time for surgical correction of protruding ears is before the onset of puberty.
Information on the operation
In cases of protruding ears, the anthelix fold is usually underdeveloped or absent entirely. In this case, the ear cartilage must be reshaped. Using our preferred technique, the ear cartilage is exposed via a largely concealed incision within the rim of the scapha; it is then thinned using a fine diamond burr, reshaped, and reconstructed and secured with fine, invisible sutures.
Often the auricle is also overdeveloped, so that in this case ear cartilage must be removed from the auricle. This is done via an incision behind the ear, through which a narrow spindle of skin and cartilage is removed. A connective tissue flap is placed in the defect to restore the contour.
In cases of malformations associated with a Microtie or Anotia , parts of the ear or even the entire ear must be reconstructed. In this case, it is often necessary to harvest cartilage from the ribs to rebuild the ear cartilage. With this type of malformation, multiple reconstructive steps and procedures are often required.
Hospital stay and anesthesia
Otoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia in adults and schoolchildren from the age of 9. A short anesthetic is recommended for younger children, but this should be decided on an individual basis. Larger reconstructive procedures usually require general anesthesia.
If you prefer a general anesthetic for yourself or your child, a consultation with the anesthetist must be held beforehand. In this preliminary discussion, the anesthesiologist will give you all the necessary explanations.
For operations under local anesthesia, children and adults can be discharged home on the day of the operation. For operations under anesthesia, the procedure can also be performed on an outpatient basis. However, it must be ensured that an accompanying person is present 24 hours after the operation. A short inpatient stay is recommended for major and complicated reconstructive procedures.