An ear correction is performed if the position or size of the ear is abnormal. Large or protruding ears can be reduced in size, fitted to the head and their shape altered.
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Facharzt für Mund-Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie
Ästhetisch-Plastische Operationen
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery
Aesthetic plastic surgery
Ear correction facts
Indications:
- Protruding ears
- Ears too big
- Aesthetics of the earlobes
Operation duration
1 to 2 hours
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia, possibly with additional twilight sleep
Hospitalization
One overnight stay or outpatient
Aftercare
Dressing change after one day. Continuous wearing of a bandage or headband for one week. Then 5 weeks of bandaging only during the night.
Socially acceptable
After 3 to 7 days
Rare complications
Asymmetries. Insufficient contact of the ears, so that a second operation has to be performed.
Before and after
In Germany, it is not permitted to show before and after pictures of medical treatments. We are therefore unable to present any before and after pictures of our treatments here. If you are interested in before and after pictures, please contact us. We will show you some examples and will be happy to explain the prospects of success and the potential effect of the corresponding treatment in your specific case during a non-binding consultation.
Patient voices
Treatment procedure
Preparation for ear correction
First, we carry out a detailed analysis of the shape and size of your ears. If the auricles stick out, this may be due to the auricle being too large or a lack of folds.
Many very different treatment techniques have been developed to correct protruding ears, but these often have serious disadvantages. Thanks to our many years of experience in the field of auriculoplasty, we can determine the most suitable correction technique for your ears. We will also tell you about alternative treatment methods.
Before the ear operation, we will check your state of health and arrange for appropriate examinations if necessary. To optimize wound and scar healing, you should avoid the sun and nicotine as much as possible before the operation. As you will need at least a week after the ear correction to be socially acceptable again, you should take this into account in your schedule. You must also bear in mind that you will not be able to carry out your usual sporting activities without restriction until six weeks after the operation.
Ear correction – the operation
The procedure takes about one to two hours and is usually performed under local anesthesia and, if necessary, in a light twilight sleep (sedation) under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. The treatment is carried out via an incision on the back of the auricle, which will later be barely visible. The shape and position of the auricle and ear cartilage are changed as discussed in advance. Once the cartilage and the ear are in the desired position, it is fixed with permanent or dissolving sutures. The incision is closed with a self-dissolving suture. Finally, an elastic bandage is applied for protection.
Aftercare
We usually perform ear corrections on an outpatient basis. However, you can also stay in our clinic for one night. Severe pain is not to be expected, but some swelling and discoloration are. The first dressing change is carried out the day after the procedure. A bandage or headband must be worn for the first week after the procedure. For a further five weeks, we recommend a protective bandage at night to protect the ears from kinking. During this time, you should protect your ears from external influences and limit sporting activities. The final shape of the ears will only be recognizable after the swelling has finally subsided.
Ear corrections can be performed at any age. However, if the disfigurement is severe, correction is advisable at an early age.
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Frequently asked questions about ear correction
Is an ear correction covered by health insurance?
Only if a pronounced mental impairment has been certified by a doctor.
Can earlobes be reduced in size?
Yes, this is relatively easy to do with local anesthesia.
Can the ears be reduced in size overall?
Yes, that is possible. The auricle must then be reduced in size, which requires additional incisions.
How long are you not socially acceptable after an ear correction?
At least three days. However, a headband should be worn permanently for at least a week to protect the ears.
Can an ear correction also be performed without incisions, only with stitches?
If only a slight emphasis of the auricular folds is necessary, we use a pure thread technique in these cases.
