Pinnaplasty: A procedure to correct prominent ears
Written by:In this informative article, highly respected consultant ENT and facial plastic surgeon Mr Anil Joshi details what pinnaplasty surgery entails and why it is performed. The revered specialist also sheds light on the recovery period to follow.
What type of surgery can be performed to correct prominent ears which stick out?
To manage prominent ears, sometimes known as bat ears, a surgical procedure called otoplasty or pinnaplasty is performed. In this type of surgery, we aim to recreate the ears’ antihelical folds, (an area of the ear cartilage where a natural bend usually occurs), which are otherwise absent. Additionally, we aim to address the conchal bowl and ear lobule, giving the ears a ‘pinned back’ and less prominent appearance.
What does otoplasty surgery entail?
The patient is placed on the headrest with both of the ears and the face exposed. We initially make ellipse or dumbbell shaped markings behind the ears. This marked skin is then removed and we create flaps to gain wide access to the cartilaginous framework.
To create the antihelical folds, we use a suture technique if the cartilage is soft or a combination of sculpting and suturing if the cartilage is semi-hard. We use permanent or long-standing sutures placed in a mattress fashion. Usually, around three of such sutures are needed to create the desired fold.
All the sutures are first placed and then later tightened to get the desired effect. The deep conchal bowl is then addressed again, with a combination of removal of a piece of excess cartilage and a pinning back of the cartilage to the mastoid bone which sits behind it with a permanent suture.
Once the procedure is complete, the skin is closed using dissolvable sutures and a head bandage is applied for five to seven days. The bandage is then removed at the next clinic consultation. We typically send patients home on the same day with a week’s worth of antibiotics.
If you are considering pinnaplasty surgery and would like to schedule a consultation with Mr Joshi, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.
