How is the procedure performed?
Otoplasty consists of making an incision at the back of the ear to remove the skin behind the auricle. Once the cartilage of the ear is exposed, the plastic surgeon uses a rasp or a scalpel to reshape it by scarifying it. If necessary, he can also reduce the size of the concha in case of hypertrophy. The auricle is then repositioned with stitches to recreate the fold of the anthelix if necessary. The surgical techniques used during surgery for protruding ears allow the ear to be more symmetrical and to have a more harmonious size and shape.
This procedure lasts between 1 hour and 1.5 hours and is performed only under local anesthesia. For younger children, sedation may be added.
Otoplasty is performed in Lausanne, Switzerland, in our specialized clinic. The price of otoplasty depends on the extent of the procedure and starts at 4,000.-.
When will the results be visible?
It takes at least 2 weeks for the swelling and bruising to disappear and for the ear to regain its normal shape. But it takes two months for the tissues to soften completely and for the natural relief of the ear to take shape.
This is a plastic surgery treatment.
What are the after-effects?
After the operation, a large bandage surrounds the head will be needed for 48 hours. A protective bandage will then have to be worn day and night for one month, then only at night for two more weeks. Washing your hair will be possible after 3-4 days, only with neutral shampoo .
Sports and activities are not recommended for 1 month.
What are the possible complications?
- Keloids, which are hypertrophic scars that occur several weeks after the operation. Although rare, it is more frequent in darker skin types. An injection of cortisone in the scar will be necessary to prevent it from getting worse.
- Recurrence of the detachment or under-correction, which is encountered especially in cases where the cartilage is very elastic.
- Asymmetry between the 2 operated ears. In the majority of cases this asymmetry is very discreet, if not, a revision can be considered a few months after the first operation
- Infection: rare, but if it occurs an antibiotic treatment will be necessary
