PROMINENT EAR CORRECTION BAT EAR CORRECTION / PINNAPLASTY
What is a prominent ear correction?
A prominent ear correction is an operation to set back ears that are too prominent (stick out too much). This is sometimes called ‘bat ears’. The operation is called a pinnaplasty.
Is it right for me?
Ears usually stick out because the cartilage (ear gristle) has not folded properly. Sometimes the ear cartilage is too big. The operations are different depending on the cause of the prominence. The operation is routinely carried out on men and women as well as children.
Medical considerations?
Illnesses Discuss at consultation
Eczema Can harbour bacteria and should be well controlled before surgery
Medication Discuss all medication at your consultation
Avoid aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatories eg ibuprofen for 10 days before surgery
Smoking Stop smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery to reduce complications
The operation
The operation this varies with - cause of the prominent ear and your requirements
3 techniques are rountinely used by Mr Hurren
1). Cartilage shaping with the anterior scoring method (Chong Chett)
2). Suture techniques of Mustarde and Furnas
3). Conchal reduction technique
Anaesthetic either general anaesthetic (asleep) or local anaesthetic (awake)
Duration 1 hour for both ears
Scar On the back of the ear
Your recovery?
Hospital stay daycase (do not need to stay overnight)
Head bandage Not always required / May be needed for up to a week depending on the operation
Pain Standard painkillers usually sufficient (ibuprofen / paracetamol)
Swelling & bruising Depends on technique used / Usually settles over 2 weeks
Return to work Next day – depending on type of work / may have head bandage
Driving Head bandage may reduce hearing
Not for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic (by law)
What are the risks?
All operations carry risks. The most people do not suffer significant complications.
General complications are those that may occur with any operation:
Bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, slow healing, complications of the anaesthetic
Special considerations for prominent ear correction surgery:
Thick scars (Keloid scars) occur in up to 3% of patients
Asymmetry – differing shapes or degree of set back of ears
Irregularities or deformities of the ear
Recurrence of the prominence of the ears
Pain and tenderness
My new look & What should I expect from my surgery?
The majority of people undergoing surgery for prominent ears are pleased with the results and do not experience significant complications. You should discuss how far you would like your ears set back with your surgeon. However you must understand that results can not be guaranteed. Surgery for prominent ears may well be successful in setting back yours ears but it will not change other aspects of your life.
Example 1
The photographs show the result of a correction of a left prominent ear by Jeremy Hurren. Most frequently both ears are prominent and they are then corrected at the same time. These pictures are helpful because they show a normal and a prominent ear in the same patient, followed by the result of the correction of the prominent ear.
