For many years, traditional otoplasty was the only option available to patients with protruding and misshapen ears. Today, there is a non-surgical alternative that is fast becoming a very popular alternative for both children and adults.
If you or your child is being teased at school or if you’re tired of feeling embarrassed by your ears in work and social situations, otoplasty can help.
Causes of protruding ears
There are a number of reasons why adults and children end up with protruding ears, including:
- Inheritance: Some people are just born with protruding ears
- Breastfeeding: A child’s ear can become bent if care is not taken to keep the ear in place while breastfeeding
- Chromosomal defect: Protruding ears can be the result of Down’s syndrome
- Trauma: Adults that engage in contact sports or have been in an accident can damage their ears
- Neurological disorders: Disorders such as Bell’s palsy can cause the ear to droop
- Ageing: People may start developing protruded ears as they age because the ear cartilage continues to grow
What is non-surgical otoplasty?
During a non-surgical otoplasty procedure, the surgeon will use a local anaesthetic to numb the ear area, after which he will use non-absorbable sutures to pull the ears closer to the head, helping patients achieve a more desirable ear position and shape. Non-surgical otoplasty can be performed on patients as young as 8, while adults of any age can benefit from this innovative cosmetic procedure.
What is traditional otoplasty?
Traditional otoplasty is a lot more invasive and complicated as it requires a surgeon to make incisions at the back of the ears in order to access and manipulate the cartilage to reshape and reposition the ears.
If you’ve been looking into ear pinning options, you may be wondering which procedure is better.
Key differences between traditional & non-surgical otoplasty
Dr Zurek is ear correction specialist and has outlined the following differences between these two procedures:
Traditional otoplasty
- Traditional otoplasty can cost $10,000 or more
- The healing process requires several months and is more painful
- General anaesthetic is required to complete the procedure, which also lasts an entire day
- Bandages need to be worn after surgery
- Higher risk of complications and infection
Non-surgical otoplasty
- No-incision otoplasty only costs a third of what traditional otoplasty does
- Patients will be healed in a day or two and can return to their daily routines much faster than traditional otoplasty patients
- Only a local anaesthetic is required for this procedure, which won’t last longer than an hour
- No bandages will need to be worn after your surgery, only a headband will need to be worn at night for 2 weeks after your procedure
- Very low risk of complications and infections
Choosing an otoplasty surgeon
As with any surgical procedure, it’s important to thoroughly research surgeons in your area before making a decision and booking your procedure.
Your procedure should only be performed by a board-certified surgeon who is qualified and experienced with otoplasty. Take your time to consult with several different surgeons to make sure that you’re completely comfortable with the procedure, their experience and the results they’ve been able to produce in the past.
