Ear correction at F&A Medical Center
The shape and position of the ears can affect how comfortable someone feels about their appearance. Ear correction, also called otoplasty, can reduce prominent ears, improve asymmetry or address another concern about the outer ear. Our ENT and plastic surgeons combine surgical experience with an individual treatment plan designed around your anatomy and goals.
Why consider ear correction?
Ear correction is often performed when one or both ears project more than desired. Both children and adults may consider the procedure because they feel self-conscious about their ears. Surgery can also improve the fit of glasses or a hearing aid in selected cases. More complex congenital conditions may require reconstructive assessment.
Common reasons for consultation include:
- Prominent ears
- Asymmetry between the ears
- Ears that appear large in relation to the head
- Congenital differences in the shape of the outer ear
Potential benefits of ear correction
Ear correction can improve the position, proportion and symmetry of the ears. Possible benefits include:
Greater confidence
Many patients feel less self-conscious after treatment. This may be particularly meaningful for children or teenagers who experience unwanted attention or bullying.
Balanced proportions
The ears can be brought into better balance with the head and face while preserving a natural appearance.
Long-lasting result
The change in ear position is usually long-lasting, although healing and results vary from person to person.
Discreet scars
Incisions are commonly placed in the natural crease behind the ear, which helps keep scars inconspicuous. Scar quality varies with the procedure and individual healing.
Manageable recovery
Many patients can resume light daily activities within several days, while school, work, exercise and contact sports require individual advice.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation has risks. During your consultation, the surgeon explains the benefits, limitations and possible complications so that you can make an informed decision. These may include:
Scarring
Scars are usually placed behind the ears, but they can become visible, widened or raised in some people.
Asymmetry
Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed, and a difference between the ears may remain after surgery.
Infection
As with any operation, infection can occur and may require treatment.
Bleeding or haematoma
Bleeding or a collection of blood beneath the skin can occur after surgery and may need additional care.
Numbness or altered sensation
Temporary numbness or a change in sensation around the ears is possible. In rare cases, altered sensation may last longer.
Further treatment
A revision procedure may occasionally be recommended to address healing, recurrence or a remaining difference.
Our ENT surgeons take time during the consultation to discuss these risks, answer your questions and help you make a well-considered choice.
Ear-correction techniques
F&A Medical Center offers different techniques depending on the shape of the ear, cartilage strength, age and treatment goal. Common approaches include:
Traditional otoplasty
Traditional otoplasty can bring prominent ears closer to the head. The surgeon usually makes an incision behind the ear and reshapes, removes or scores cartilage as needed. Internal sutures hold the ear in its new position, and the skin is closed with dissolvable or removable sutures.
- Established and versatile technique
- Long-lasting correction is possible
- Scars are generally hidden behind the ear
- Patients with prominent ears
- Patients who need a more extensive or durable reshaping of the cartilage
Less-invasive suture correction
In selected cases, the cartilage can be shaped with strategically placed sutures through very small openings or a limited incision. This may shorten recovery and reduce scarring, but it is not suitable for every ear shape or for more pronounced cartilage differences.
- Potentially shorter recovery
- Very small or limited incisions
- May suit a mild correction
- Selected mild to moderate concerns
- Patients for whom a limited-incision approach is anatomically appropriate
Earlobe correction
Ageing, piercings or heavy earrings can stretch, split or alter the earlobe. During earlobe correction, excess skin and tissue can be removed and the lobe reshaped or repaired.
- Limited procedure in many cases
- Usually a relatively short recovery
- Restores a more natural earlobe contour
- Split or stretched earlobes
- Asymmetrical or enlarged earlobes
Reconstructive ear surgery
Reconstruction may be considered for a congenital ear difference or after trauma. These procedures are more complex and may require more than one operation to improve the shape, protection and, where relevant, function of the outer ear.
- Reconstruction of a severely underdeveloped or damaged outer ear
- Can improve both appearance and practical function
- Patients with a congenital condition such as microtia
- Patients who have sustained an injury to the ear
- The extent of scarring depends on the procedure and individual healing
Recovery after ear correction
Recovery varies with the technique and the individual. We provide personal instructions and follow your healing carefully.
Swelling and bruising
Some swelling and bruising are normal after surgery and usually decrease during the first one to two weeks.
Protective headband
A special headband may be recommended to protect the ears and support their position, often for one to two weeks or according to the surgeon’s instructions.
Rest and sleeping position
Rest during the first days and avoid pressure or physical contact with the ears. Sleeping on your back can help protect the operated area.
Return to work or school
Many patients return to work or school after about one week. Avoid strenuous activity and contact sports until the surgeon confirms it is safe.
Aftercare
Good aftercare supports safe healing and a stable result. Important instructions may include:
Avoid pressure on the ears
Avoid tight hats, over-ear pressure and sleeping on your side during the initial healing period.
Wound care
Keep the wound clean and dry as instructed. Follow the surgeon’s advice about cleaning, dressings, showering and medication.
Follow-up appointments
Attend the planned check-ups so the surgeon can monitor healing and address a problem promptly if one develops.
Sutures
Dissolvable sutures are often used. If removable sutures are needed, they are commonly taken out after about one week.
The result of ear correction
The change in ear position is visible early, while the final contour becomes clearer as swelling settles. Results are usually long-lasting, but no operation can guarantee perfect symmetry. We aim for a natural result that suits your head, face and individual wishes.
Contact F&A Medical Center to arrange a consultation with one of our experienced ENT surgeons and discuss what ear correction may offer you.
Book an appointment
Would you like more information or to discuss a treatment?
- (+31) 10 254 28 25
- (+31) 62 066 54 65
- (+31) 62 066 54 65
- info@fa-mc.nl
- Weissenbruchlaan 148, 3054 LS Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 09:00–17:00
- Saturday (by appointment) 10:00–17:00