Deutsch
English
Nederlands
The procedure | Correction of ears
Prominent ears are a common occurrence. Ears tend to become prominent due to a prolonged growth of the ear cup or due to a weakness in the cartilage of the rim. Since the prominence can be hard to disguise, they tend to become a problem at an relative early age, when children start to realise they are different then others. Ear corrections are therefore performed from the age of 5. It is however never too late to have your ears corrected. At a later age people often regret not having it had done before.
Where will I be operated?
The operation will be performed in the Radetzky villa.
What can I expect of the operation?
The operation will be performed either under local anaesthetic or under sedation and will take approximately 1 hour. Your surgeon will always see you before the operation and will talk you through the steps. Pictures will be taken for documentation. The procedure will start with prepping and draping of your face. Markings will be made on your ears and you will be warned when the local anaesthetic is going to be injected. While you will not feel any pain during the procedure, you will be able to experience movements, pressure or changes in temperature. Your surgeon will use a precise electric devise to stop any bleeding that may occur and will use one suture to close the incisions behind the ears. Both ears will be covered by a bandage, which is circled around your (fore)head.
What are the risks?
General risks like postoperative bleeding and infection can occur, even though they are rare. Aesthetic surgery though is no exact science. In a small number of cases where both client and surgeon are not totally pleased, a touch up operation may be needed. In a very small number of cases hyperactive scars can develop (<1%). If you experience an increase beyond the original size of the scars within the first weeks or months after surgery, then please do not hesitate to make an appointment at the Radetzky villa.
What can I expect after the operation?
When the anaesthetic wears off you may experience some slight discomfort. Although the bandage puts some pressure on the ears, this discomfort typically disappears over the course of the first postoperative day. If at any time this does not subside or even becomes worse, then please do not hesitate to contact your surgeon at the Radetzky villa. You may find it more comfortable to sleep with an extra pillow to elevate your head in this period. Prevention of bending down or lifting heavy goods also helps.
What will the scars be like?
The scars will be positioned in the groove behind the ears. On average this scar will fade over time and not be visible anymore.
How long before I can resume my normal life?
Most people manage to return to light activities in the first few days after surgery. The bandage will have to stay in place until the first postoperative follow-up appointment will be made for you after 5 days at the Radetzky villa. When it comes off some swelling and bruising will still be visible. Initially also some asymmetry may be present, which will disappear as the swelling subsides and healing occurs. In the following three weeks it is advised to wear a soft and loosely fitting headband to protect the ears while sleeping. Please be aware that most other people will not notice or realise you have had an operation on your ears. It is wise to prevent for instance contact sports for a period of 3 months.
What is good to know about the long term?
Your ears could be sensitive to the cold in the first year after surgery. It is possible that slight changes in position become apparent in the same period. In a small number of cases this may necessitate a touch up procedure.
