Ears

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.

The ear cartilage can be reshaped with an operation. This procedure should be performed from the age of 4 at the earliest, as ear growth is then largely complete. Starting school is a major event for children, so for psychological reasons surgical correction should be performed before they start school. At this age, the ears have almost reached their final shape and size. Another time for surgical correction of the protruding ear is before the onset of puberty.

Information on the operation

In the case of protruding ears, the fold of the Anthelix either too weak or missing completely. In this case, the ear cartilage must be reshaped. In our preferred technique, the ear cartilage is exposed from a largely concealed incision within the scaphoid rim, thinned out with a fine diamond cutter, reshaped and reconstructed and fixed 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 the case of malformations as part of a microtia or anotia, parts of the ear or even the entire ear must be reconstructed. In this case, it is often necessary to remove cartilage from the ribs in order to build up the ear cartilage. This type of malformation often requires several reconstructive steps and procedures.

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.