OTOPLASTY FOR PROMINENT EARS

The condition

Prominent ears can be either congenital or acquired, and involve a larger than the usual 10-15 degrees relative angle of the earlobes to the lateral (temporo-mastoid) plane of the skull. One or both ears may be affected.

Treatment options

The esthetical anatomical position of the earlobe can be restored with corrective surgery. The patient needs to openly discuss his or her expectations with the surgeon, however one has to keep in mind that the outcome to be expected is improvement of the present condition and not achievement of a perfect condition.

One day surgery

"One day surgery" means, that patients can leave the outpatient center on their own feet, accompanied by an escort, within 24 hours of surgery (usually after few hours of observation), and continue the healing process in the familiar confines of their own home. "One day surgery" requires strict professional, social, and various other preconditions that are discussed at the stage of the consultation when the need for surgery becomes clear. (i.e. good general health, absence of serious systemic disease, patient must take responsibility for arrangement of transportation and home care, must have phone to contact the clinic or the surgeon if necessary, etc).

Preparation for surgery

The patient is evaluated by the plastic surgeon prior to the procedure. After the exam the surgeon discusses options with the patient that might affect his or her decisions with regard to the surgery, types of surgical anesthesia, possible complications, issues related to home care, phases of healing, possible problems during the healing process, and anything else that is necessary for the patient to determine which treatment option or procedure to chose.

The procedure

On the day of the surgery, the patient signs the consent form, then the necessary lab tests are done and the fee for the procedure is paid. Immediately before surgery the patient is premedicated with an injection containing analgesics and sedatives. The surgery may be done with local or under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia means infiltration of the surgical field with 1% Lidocaine. After an incision is made at the back of the ear the cartilage is reoriented into the desired position. If necessary an excision of appropriate size is made from the cartilage, which is then secured in the new position. Following hemostasis the skin is closed with cosmetic sutures. After surgery a pressure dressing is applied.

Possible complications

No doctor can guarantee an absolutely complication-free procedure. Complications may occur despite maximum care. Early complications: postoperative bleeding, hematoma, inflammation, skin necrosis, necrosis of the cartilage, if recognized early, are well treatable. One late complication is scar hypertrophy or keloid, if it occurs it can be treated with injections within 3 months after surgery. Since ears are a paired organ, discrepancies in shape and size may occur after surgery.

Postoperative care

The surgery is commonly followed by 6-8 hours of observation, during which time the vital functions (blood pressure, urine output) stabilize, the sedative effects of the premedications wear off, and patients are able to leave the center on their own feet, with the help of an escort. After general anesthesia the period of observation increases to 16-18 hours. The elastic dressing placed following the procedure needs to stay in place for a week. Postoperative analgesia is necessary for a few days. Rest and elevation of the head is recommended during the first week. Sutures are removed one week after surgery. For the next 6-8 weeks an ear-band needs to be worn for the night and for sports activities.

Fees

Medical exam and consultation: 10.000 HUF > Euro
Surgery on one ear with local anesthesia: 90.000 - 14.000 HUF > Euro
Surgery on two ears with local anesthesia: 180.000 - 280.000 HUF > Euro
General anesthesia: 80.000 HUF > Euro
Overnight stay: 30.000 HUF > Euro

50% of the total cost has to be paid as a deposit before surgery.
These prices are only representative, the final amount will also depend on the severity of the condition.

Appointments: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 8 pm.
Telephone: + (36 1) 266 7766