Big ears
All content is checked by medical journalists.Big ears (otopexy) is an aesthetic surgery procedure to correct protruding ears. "Sail ears" are one of the most common malformations and are often a reason for teasing, especially in childhood. Read here how the ear correction works and what risks it entails.
What is meant by big ears?
"Sail ears" occur in around five percent of the population and are therefore the most common ear malformation. The only therapy option is to put on ears, a surgical procedure in which the ear cartilage is thinned.
Before the age of four it is not advisable to put on "big ears" because the ears are not yet fully grown. Ideally, the procedure is performed between the ages of four and fourteen, but big ears are still possible in adulthood.
The ear surgery can either be carried out on an outpatient basis in a plastic surgery practice or day clinic or as an inpatient in the hospital.
When can you have your ears big?
Protruding ears, also called apostasis otum, are mostly due to a congenital malformation of the ear cartilage. This cosmetically annoying position of the ear can only be permanently corrected through an operation.
Big ears without op
Sometimes it is advised to have your ears taped on. However, this is always only a short-term solution, as the ears return to their original position relatively quickly. Too frequent sticking of the ears can lead to inflammation of the auricle.
What do you do when you big ears?
Local anesthesia that is administered behind the ear lobes is usually sufficient to relieve pain during an ear correction. The patient only feels a feeling of pressure during the procedure.
Small children are usually given general anesthesia so that they can sleep peacefully during the procedure. In this case, the anesthetist will do some tests the day before the big ears.
Big ears: thread method
For the ear surgery, the patient lies on his back with his head slightly raised. The surgeon disinfects the face and hairline and covers the patient with sterile cloths, leaving out the face. Then he gains access to the ear cartilage through an incision behind the ear. He thins this out with a surgical instrument, a diamond grinding head, so that the ear comes into the desired position. The cartilage is attached with permanent, transparent sutures and the skin incision is sutured.
Alternatively, the surgeon can thin the cartilage through a smaller incision with a special file; the cartilage itself is not exposed. This creates a smaller scar than the conventional method. Here, too, the doctor puts on the ears with transparent sutures.
The whole operation takes about one to two hours. Then the doctor fixes the ears with special plasters and puts on a cap bandage.
What are the risks of having your ears big?
With this rather smaller intervention, the risks are comparatively low. However, complications can also arise with an ear correction. These include:
- Bruises that may need to be surgically removed
- Scarring, scar growth (so-called keloids)
- Wound or ear cartilage infection
- Blood supply disorder
- Incompatibility of the thread material with renewed sticking out of the ears
In addition, sensory disturbances or increased sensitivity to cold may occur on the ear. These symptoms usually regress within several months, but in rare cases they can be permanent.
What do I have to consider after big ears?
For pain in the auricle in the first few days after the otopexy, your doctor will give you a pain reliever if necessary. Even a few weeks after putting on the ears, the auricles are usually still swollen and sensitive to touch. The final result can only be assessed after about two to three months, when the swelling has subsided.
The first seven days after having big ears, you are usually unable to work or go to school. So plan in advance to plan days off. Up to the sixth week after the operation, you should be careful not to bend your ears while washing your hair. Visits to the sauna and swimming pool and sports are not permitted during this time.
For three weeks, you should wear a wide, soft headband or hat bandage to protect your ears during the day and night. For another three weeks it is enough to protect your ears while you sleep.
If you are not satisfied with the result after the big ears or if the ears stick out again after a while, the operation can be repeated.
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