Ear Correction

What You Should Know About Ear Corrections

Protruding or oversized ears are often perceived as bothersome. Both men and women typically desire ears that lie flat against the head and often try to conceal protruding ears with hairstyles. However, this can affect quality of life if one has to constantly ensure that the ears are not visible or can only wear certain hairstyles.

Ear correction (otoplasty) is therefore one of the oldest treatments in plastic and aesthetic surgery. Since the growth of the ear cartilage is usually completed by the age of 5, ear correction can be easily performed on children from this age to prevent teasing at school. Even in adulthood, ears can still be successfully "pinned back."

The harmonious shape of the ear is determined by its three-dimensional cartilage framework. During every procedure or reconstruction, all individual anatomical structures of the ear must be carefully considered to achieve a natural-looking result. Thanks to specialized expertise, it is possible not only to correct prominent ears aesthetically and harmoniously, but also to reconstruct deformed ears or earlobes, including the complete reconstruction of a missing ear.

Goal of an Ear Correction

The goal of an ear correction is to achieve a natural and harmonious shape of the ear and earlobe. Surgical interventions on the outer ear aim to improve both ear size and ear symmetry or, if necessary, to completely reconstruct the ear. This helps restore a harmonious overall effect to the face. The distance of the ears from the head as well as the position of the ears themselves can also be adjusted during the ear correction to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.

How Does an Ear Correction Work?

The process of ear correction depends on which part of the ear needs to be corrected and what the desired correction looks like. In most cases, the ear surgery involves a procedure to pin back the ears. This is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours. During the ear pinning, some skin is removed from the back of the ear where the ear and head meet. The removal of cartilage from the ear may also be necessary. Using a special stitching technique, the wound edges are sewn together so that the ears lie closer to the head. A headband-like dressing is applied, and the ear correction for pinning back protruding ears is completed.

The reduction of ear size and the correction of the earlobe follow a similar process. In both cases, cartilage, skin, and soft tissue may be removed. With strategically placed stitches, the ear or earlobe is reshaped. Oversized ears can be reduced, and earlobes with stretched piercings, for example from wearing heavy earrings or tunnels, can also be corrected.

What to Consider After an Ear Correction?

After an ear surgery in Berlin, a headband must be worn for 1-2 weeks to protect the ears from shocks and pressure. About 2 weeks after the ear correction, the stitches will be removed unless self-dissolving stitches were used. It is recommended to sleep on your back initially to avoid additional pressure on the ears during the night. Mild swelling may occur but usually subsides after a few days. After about 2 weeks, the patient is fully socially acceptable. Scars after the ear correction in Berlin are hardly visible, as the incisions are hidden behind the ear.