'Dumbo ears' can be disheartening for some people. Prominent ears, though not a problem for hearing can be a psychological concern. Patients, particularly those of school age can be teased if they have prominent ears. Fortunately, there are surgical options to correct prominent ears which can be undertaken at any time, but are usually undertaken around the time that a child starts school.
When evaluating a patient with prominent ears, it is important to determine if there is excess or lack causing the ear prominent. In some patients, an excess of the cartilage at the base of the ear, termed the conchall cartilage, can push the ear out from the head. In other patients, a lack of the antihelical fold can cause the edge of the ear to appear unfolded and prominent.
Procedures which are aimed at reshaping the ear are termed otoplasty procedures " though sometimes commonly called ear pinning surgery. For patients with a lack of an antihelical fold, surgery is aimed at placing permanent stitches which recreate the fold. These sutures remain under the skin for a lifetime. For patients with excess cartilage, removal of cartilage is necessary to help reset the ear closer to the head. If a lack of an antihelical fold is identified just after birth, special molds can be made and often the ear can be reformed and cartilage taught a new position so that future otoplasty is not necessary. Cartilage has a memory and once it is allowed to stay in one position during growth, it will always remember that position, even if it is repositioned at some point.
Risks are associated with any procedure. For otoplasty surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and cartilage death which can require reconstructive surgery. If permanent stitches are used to reshape the ear, there is the possibility that these sutures can break at some point in time and need to be replaced.
To determine if you are a candidate for otoplasty surgery and to determine all of the risks pertinent to your medical condition, consult a trained facial plastic surgeon. They can help determine what surgery may be appropriate and counsel you as to the risks and rewards of surgery. - 30516
When evaluating a patient with prominent ears, it is important to determine if there is excess or lack causing the ear prominent. In some patients, an excess of the cartilage at the base of the ear, termed the conchall cartilage, can push the ear out from the head. In other patients, a lack of the antihelical fold can cause the edge of the ear to appear unfolded and prominent.
Procedures which are aimed at reshaping the ear are termed otoplasty procedures " though sometimes commonly called ear pinning surgery. For patients with a lack of an antihelical fold, surgery is aimed at placing permanent stitches which recreate the fold. These sutures remain under the skin for a lifetime. For patients with excess cartilage, removal of cartilage is necessary to help reset the ear closer to the head. If a lack of an antihelical fold is identified just after birth, special molds can be made and often the ear can be reformed and cartilage taught a new position so that future otoplasty is not necessary. Cartilage has a memory and once it is allowed to stay in one position during growth, it will always remember that position, even if it is repositioned at some point.
Risks are associated with any procedure. For otoplasty surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, and cartilage death which can require reconstructive surgery. If permanent stitches are used to reshape the ear, there is the possibility that these sutures can break at some point in time and need to be replaced.
To determine if you are a candidate for otoplasty surgery and to determine all of the risks pertinent to your medical condition, consult a trained facial plastic surgeon. They can help determine what surgery may be appropriate and counsel you as to the risks and rewards of surgery. - 30516
About the Author:
Dr. Verret is a facial plastic surgeon in the north Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas. For more information about ear pinning,laser resurfacing Dallas, or other facial plastic surgery procedures, visit his web site or call for a consultation 972.608.0100.
