Ear surgeries

The shape of ears is hereditary. Prominent ears are not accidental; they result from a cartilaginous defect. Formerly, when a baby was born with prominent ears, efforts were made to correct them by pinning them closer to the head using a bandage or adhesive tape. It’s now known that this precaution is unnecessary! Only a surgical procedure can ‘pin back’ an ear. The procedure for correcting prominent ears is called otoplasty.

Following an accident, genetic malformation, tumor removal, or simply aging, some individuals experience aesthetic issues with their ear lobes. This can include elongated, split, or partially missing lobes (amputation).

Reconstruction of split ear lobes

Ear lobes can split under the weight of heavy earrings or due to trauma. Surgery to correct split lobes involves reconstructing the lobe, which enables the wearing of earrings again. Contrary to popular belief, simply suturing the two parts of the lobe together would result in an unnatural pointed appearance. Proper lobe reconstruction involves creating flaps to naturally close the gap. The goal is to rebuild the piercing site securely to allow for earring wear.

Reconstruction of amputated ear lobes

Ear lobes may be amputated due to trauma with complete detachment, necrosis, or surgical removal of a tumor-invaded lobe. Reconstruction surgery involves cartilage grafting to restore the ear lobe.

Overly elongated ear lobes

Ear lobes that are excessively elongated are primarily due to aging or spontaneous enlargement in younger patients. Treatment involves reducing the lobe’s height.

Procedure for reducing ear lobes

1. Indications for cosmetic surgery of the earlobe

Genetics and fashionable jewelry can cause deformities of the earlobes. Some patients regret wearing heavy earrings for extended periods, which elongated their earlobe and piercing hole, or following trends of multiple piercings that leave their lobe dotted with small holes. Others find that removing ear gauges (large rings that stretch the ear piercing) leaves their lobe gaping. Some have suffered torn earlobes due to accidents or assaults.

Some patients are simply dissatisfied with the shape of their lobes, finding them too long, swollen, or asymmetrical.

In all these cases, these defects can be corrected through earlobe surgery.

2. Indications for cosmetic surgery of prominent ears

Prominent ears can lead to significant insecurities in children from their early school years. It happens that, teased by their peers, they may even refuse to attend classes.

Ear pinning surgery, or otoplasty, can be performed from around the age of 7, when ear growth is sufficiently complete.

It is important to note, however, that if the child does not express dissatisfaction with the shape of their ears, the operation may not relieve them but could leave a very bad memory. Before operating on a child, the surgeon must ensure that the request comes from the child themselves rather than from their parents.

Ear surgeries (earlobe surgery or otoplasty) are performed under local anesthesia.

Earlobe surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis, while otoplasty generally requires an overnight stay at the hospital.

Post-operative recovery is generally straightforward with mild discomfort, often easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

For otoplasty (ear pinning surgery), the scar, very fine, is placed behind the ear, making it perfectly undetectable.

Earlobe surgery, which is simpler, requires sutures that are placed to be as discreet as possible.

The results of ear surgery are very natural, with discreet scars. Patients report high satisfaction and quick recovery, returning to normal activities within a few days, with no social downtime.

Since each case is unique, it is essential to consult Dr. Benjamin Sarfati for personalized advice.

The cost of ear surgery varies depending on the procedure.

Some ear surgeries may be covered by health insurance.

For otoplasty, if it can be demonstrated (with photos provided by the surgeon) that protruding ears cause significant psychological distress, the surgery will be covered by health insurance regardless of the patient’s age.