ENT doctor Frankfurt

Earmould Frankfurt

Protruding ears and unsightly deformities of the pinna are a common deformity and can lead to serious psychological damage, especially in children, due to the teasing that often results.

Ear moulding (otoplasty)

Even in adulthood, it is possible that existing changes in the shape of the Auriclepossibly due to a change in the private or professional situation, as disturbing and Psychologically stressful are perceived.

The auricle is fully grown between the ages of 4 and 6. The operation (Otoplasty) is usually carried out between the ages of 5 and 6. The aim is to avoid ridicule and teasing, which are very common when children start school. In addition, the aftercare measures (removal of the dressing and stitches) are already well tolerated at this age.

Of course it is possible to Ear correction (otoplasty) also at any later stage of life.

The external appearance of the ear is significantly influenced by the following structures:
  • Outer arch-shaped boundary of the ear (helix).
  • Fold running parallel to this on the inside (anthelix).
  • Inner bowl-shaped depression in the transition to the auditory canal (cavum concha).
  • Earlobe (lobule)
The following factors most frequently cause the appearance of protruding ears:
  • Poorly developed to undeveloped anthelix fold; the upper part of the auricle protrudes.
  • Cavum concha too large; the rim is too high and makes the ear protrude.
  • Excessive angle between skull and cavum concha. The normal angle is between 15-30°.
  • Lobule too large or protruding.

The earmould

The approx. 1.5 to 2-hour procedure in our Practice clinic in Frankfurt is generally performed under general anaesthesia for children, and under local anaesthesia for adults on request.
The aim is to reshape the ear cartilage directly under the skin in such a way that an attractive, natural appearance results. It is very important to avoid visible edge formation under the skin at all costs.

Used in the Goethe10 practice clinic a modern technique that is gentle on the tissue and represents a modified suture method. The cartilage to be treated is exposed via a small incision behind the ear, which is no longer visible after the procedure, and thinned out with a high-speed diamond drill in the course of the desired deformation.

The self-dissolving sutures are pulled through the cartilage skin and the desired result is fixed. By the time the stitches dissolve after 2-3 months, the scarring of the cartilage skin has stabilised the result. In conjunction with an inward rotation of the concha and corrections to the lobule, very beautiful, natural results can be achieved. Corrections of the ear without disturbing edges and contractures.

ENT doctor Frankfurt | Ear surgery Frankfurt

After the otoplasty

The bandage remains in place for one day. After its removal in our Practice clinic in Frankfurt a protective headband is worn day and night for about a week, then only at night for a further week.

The skin threads are removed after one week.

Postoperative swelling and discolouration are no longer visible after approx. 2 weeks. The final result can be expected after approx. 2-3 months.

Would you like to find out more about otoplasty or make an appointment?

Frequently asked questions about ear correction

Anyone who is unhappy with the shape of their ears and is considering otoplasty has many questions. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the creation of protruding ears in this FAQ section. Please note that this is general advice and information. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone on 069 / 299 2466-0 or by e-mail.

What are the causes of protruding ears?

Colloquially known as "sail ears" occur when

  • there is an angle of more than 30 degrees between the auricle and the skull bone
  • the distance between the edge of the ear and the head is more than 2.8 cm
  • the anthelix fold (i.e. the main fold of the pinna) is barely or not at all present
  • the inner ear cartilages are conchoidal in shape
  • the ear cavity is too large and thus keeps the ear away from the head or causes the earlobes to protrude.

What is an otopexy?

The technical term for the surgical procedure used to create protruding ears is otopexy. This is also referred to as otoplasty, ear correction or ear pinning.

From what age can ears be created by otopexy?

Protruding ears can be corrected as soon as the cartilage has reached a sufficient size and maturity and is therefore firm enough. This is already the case at the age of four to six years. From this point onwards, prominent ears can generally be surgically repositioned.

Does ear correction always have to be performed on children with protruding ears?

Parents usually want to protect their children from teasing and bullying if they notice that they have protruding ears. For this reason, they often consider whether ear pinning should be carried out while the child is still at pre-school.

However, parents should not make decisions over the child's head. Performing an operation on a child who is not suffering is not to be approved of. From a psychological and ethical point of view, it is therefore important to take the child's wishes into account. An ear correction should only be carried out if the child wants the procedure themselves.

What anaesthesia is used for ear pinning surgery?

As a rule, we use a general anaesthetic, especially for children. Adults can also be operated on under local anaesthetic on request.

Are the results permanent after otoplasty?

Once prominent ears have been created, the result is usually permanent. Only in very few patients do the ears protrude again. The affected patients were then operated on as children and the ears protrude again due to a change in growth. In this case, the ears can be repositioned if desired.

Does health insurance cover the costs of ear correction?

Protruding ears are not a health hazard. They have no medical effects on the body and therefore have no "disease value" in the physical sense. Faulty ears are an aesthetic "problem".

Nevertheless, it should not be underestimated that the psychological burden of protruding ears can be great - especially for children and adolescents. They are often confronted with ridicule, malice, bullying or teasing. For this reason, young patients often suffer greatly from their protruding ears.

Operations of a cosmetic nature are usually classic self-pay services. The situation is different for ear correction: many health insurance companies cover the costs of surgery - but only for schoolchildren up to the age of twelve. Adults generally have to bear the costs of plastic surgery themselves.

Is ear correction painful?

The sensitivity to pain is individual for each patient, some feel no pain, others more. It may be advisable to take painkillers after the operation. Some patients also report that they sometimes experience strong feelings of pressure, which usually manifest themselves in the first night after the operation.

Are there visible scars after otoplasty?

The skin incision required to create the ears is hidden behind the respective ear. As a rule, only delicate, inconspicuous scars remain behind the operated ear after the operation. These are barely visible from the outside.

Can pinning the ears affect hearing ability?

When we create protruding ears, we only change the shape of the ears. The internal structures that are responsible for hearing and process sound and tones are not affected by the operation. For this reason, hearing ability is not altered by ear correction.

When is hair washing allowed again after otopexy?

You will need to be a little patient: You may only wash your hair again after 7 to 10 days. Please take particular care when washing your hair for the first time after the operation and be careful and gentle. We recommend that you use a gentle shampoo (e.g. baby shampoo) so as not to irritate the surgical wound. It is also important that you use as little water and shampoo as possible on the wound.

When will the final result of the ear correction be visible?

In most cases, the wound area is swollen after the operation. After the first dressing change, the ears are usually somewhat thick and reddened. This unsettles many patients. However, don't worry: give your body the time it needs for its natural healing process. It takes around eight weeks (or longer) for the swelling to subside. At this point, the final result of the ear correction can be assessed.

Can I positively influence the result of the ear correction?

Yes, you can definitely contribute to an optimal surgical procedure. We have a few tips for you:

  • Check medication
    Please do not take any medication that affects blood clotting for a fortnight before the operation. If you are dependent on medication, please do not stop taking it without authorisation, but talk to your doctor about it. Please also inform us before the operation when you took which medication.
  • Stop smoking
    Two weeks before the operation and during the wound healing period, you should ideally not smoke or at least limit your smoking. This is because smoking can cause circulatory disorders and therefore also lead to wound healing disorders. This can also lead to more conspicuous scars.
  • Wear a headband
    We recommend that you continue to wear a headband for some time after removing the bandage, especially at night. It can help the operated ears to fit even better. The headband should ideally cover the entire length of the ear, but should be comfortable and not pinch.
  • Observe hygiene measures
    It is important to clean and care for the operating theatre area carefully but thoroughly. Baby oil, for example, applied with a cotton bud or cotton pad, has proven effective for this purpose.
  • Avoid unnecessary movements
    Take it easy in the first phase after the operation. Avoid movements that put pressure or tension on the ears and wound edges so as not to negatively influence wound healing and scarring.
  • Taking a break from sport
    Depending on the intensity and type of sport, you should take a break from sport for 6 to 8 weeks. This also applies to school sports for children and adolescents.
  • Avoid direct sunlight
    Stay in the shade for the first few weeks after ear pinning and avoid direct sunlight so as not to delay the healing process.
  • Avoid the cold
    Do not expose yourself to intense cold for the first three to six months after ear correction. Sensitivity to touch is still reduced after the procedure and any damage caused by the cold could be noticed too late.
ENT Frankfurt | Dr Thomas Fischer
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