Otoplasty in Cyprus

Protruding or large ears are among the most common ear deformities present from birth and can cause real distress as a child grows up. They do not cause any functional problem — there is no associated hearing loss.

Prominent or protruding ears (otapostasis) extend more than 2 cm from the side of the head and are typically bilateral. The condition is congenital, visible from the time a baby is born.

Studies have shown that this type of ear deformity can be a cause of teasing, particularly during school years. Surgical correction is always an option, but the first thing to make clear to a child is that differences in appearance are features that make us unique, not something to be embarrassed about.

Ears reach close to their mature size between the ages of five and seven, and about 90% of ear growth is complete by five. Corrective ear surgery is therefore considered from the age of five, and often later — allowing time for the earlobe to grow and, in an older child or adult, for the person to be part of the decision.

What otoplasty does

Otoplasty improves the shape and size of protruding ears, placing them in a position that harmonises with the other facial features.

The problem of prominent ears is anatomical. In most people with protruding ears, the antihelical fold — the Y-shaped cartilage near the centre of the outer ear — is underdeveloped, absent, or greater than 90°, which causes the ear’s outer rim, the helix, to stick out.

People with prominent ears also have a large, deep concha — the bowl-shaped space outside the opening of the ear canal — which pushes the entire ear away from the side of the head.

Otoplasty is a routine day-case procedure. Children have it under general anaesthesia; adults usually under local anaesthesia with light sedation. Hospitalisation is not necessary for a routine otoplasty.

What the operation involves

Anaesthesia Children are operated on under general anaesthesia. In adults the surgery is done under local anaesthesia with light sedation: a certified anaesthesiologist injects local anaesthetic into the skin of the ear, and the area becomes numb for about two to three hours.

Incisions All incisions are hidden behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear meets the head.

Correction There are several techniques for ear correction, of which the Mustardé and Davis procedures are the most prominent. They can be combined where necessary.

• Mustardé procedure. The surgeon creates a proper antihelical fold using specialised sutures that bend behind the ear, producing a natural-looking fold. Sutures are the least invasive method for otoplasty.
• Davis procedure. The surgeon removes excess conchal bowl cartilage, or scores and reshapes the cartilage, to allow the ear to sit closer to the skull.

Closure The incisions are closed carefully to keep the scars minimal, and they are hidden at the back of the earlobe.

Recovery

Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure and on any accompanying procedures. Otoplasty is an outpatient procedure, so no hospitalisation is required unless it is combined with other surgery. Discomfort afterwards is usually mild and controlled with the pain relief prescribed.

Light activities can begin from the first day after surgery. Adults can return to normal activities within a week. Children can return to school after five to seven days and resume sport after one to two months.

All patients wear a head bandage for the first three days after surgery. This dressing helps keep the ears in their new position. At a follow-up visit after eight to ten days the sutures are removed.

The appearance of the ears improves gradually over the four to six weeks following surgery, and the result is usually permanent. Skin care and sun protection are necessary during the recovery period.

Split earlobe repair

A split earlobe is a traumatic injury that usually happens gradually, through heavy or large earrings or an earring being pulled. The earlobe is repaired by making an incision along the defect and using fine sutures to bring the two edges together. The procedure is quick and minor, done under local anaesthesia. The stitches are removed at a follow-up visit four to five days later.

Where the surgery takes place

Dr. Stavrou performs ear correction surgery in accredited medical centres in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.