Prominent Ears.
About the procedure
What is Prominent Ears?
Prominent ears are mostly caused by either failure of the ear cartilage to form properly, or due to excess cartilage developing in the basin of the ear – the conchal bowl.
Surgery aims to correct this by either using stitches to fold the cartilage back, or by removing excess cartilage.
There are other rare genetic causes of poorly formed ears, such as cryptotia or microtia, that require referral to a specialist in the NHS.
Who is Prominent Ear Surgery for.
Procedure Overview.
PROCEDURE TIME
90 mins.
HOSPITAL TIME
Daycare.
WORK OFF TIME
1 weeks.
NO gym FOR
2 weeks.
NO DRIVING
24 hours.
GARMENT
Sports headband.
FOLLOW UP
2,6 weeks.
The Consultation.
We will discuss your concerns, motivation for seeking treatment and expectations from surgery. A full medical history is followed by a clinical examination, photos and detailed discussion on your options. You will be shown a presentation including post-operative photos with details of the surgery and risks. A comprehensive summary letter will be sent to you following your consultation, complimented plus an information leaflet, to help you make an informed decision.
The Planning.
The surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic or general anaesthetic. You will go home the same day unless you would like to stay overnight.
This is a good opportunity for a friend to come for support. We advise no holiday abroad within two months of surgery.
The Procedure.
We use glue on the wounds so you can shower immediately. We avoid bulky head dressings and simply ask you to wear a soft sports headband.
The Aftercare.
You will be seen at two weeks for a wound check. You will then be followed up as required but most patent can be happily discharged following a 6-week check up.
Patient reviews
Patient reviews
5.0
from 88 verified reviews
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Patient Reviews
I had considered having eyelid surgery for a while and decided that it was the right time to book a consultation and get some expert advice. Dr Holmes made me feel at ease discussing the area’s that bothered me and suggested a brow plexy along with a blepharoplasty for a better result. From entering Methley Park hospital to leaving after my surgery all the staff were kind and caring and I felt very well cared for. I am very happy with the results of my operation and the care given by Dr Holmes and Rama his fabulous anaesthetist who is amazing if like myself you are a little nervous.
My approach
Procedure risks.
Immediate Risks.
- Bleeding – usually bruising of the ears for a few days following surgery
- Infection – this is rare and you will receive antibiotics during your surgery
- The Scars are discreetly placed behind the ears and difficult to see. Some patients can develop lumpy or ugly scars and this can be managed with further treatment.
Early Risks.
- Skin blistering – this is usually due to the headband rubbing and can be managed with creams.
- Numb ears – rare.
- Discomfort – most people report minimal pain following surgery but it can be troublesome for some.
- Recurrence following surgery, usually if a suture snaps, and this may require corrective surgery.
Late Risks.
- Some people report recurrence of their prominent ears many years after surgery
- Over-correction or under-correction: this type of surgery aims to improve asymmetry, not complete remove it.
Interested in a consultation?
If you are interested to learn more, and would like to come for a face-to-face or virtual chat, please send me and my team a message, and we can get in touch to arrange your consultation.
