Ears are first and foremost an indispensable sensory organ. The shape of the ears is very individual – however, if they protrude or deviate strongly from the ideal in their shape, the wish for an ear correction often arises. Protruding ears frequently cause psychological distress for those affected, as the ears are very prominent and difficult to hide. Short hairstyles or conspicuous ear jewellery are then avoided.
Children in particular are often teased by other children because of their protruding ears, which prompts many parents to have an ear correction (otoplasty) performed on their child before they start school. But adults, too, still frequently opt for it.
The auricle consists largely of elastic cartilage. Due to disturbances in the maturation process during the embryonic period, deviations in shape such as protruding ears or other malformations of the auricle can occur. Protruding ears are usually caused by an excess of cartilage tissue on the auricle (concha) or by an insufficiently developed antihelical fold. In most cases, these malformations occur together and on both sides, causing the ear to be visually pushed forwards.
Through a surgical procedure with Dr. Özdemir, protruding ears can be permanently pinned back by reducing or reshaping the cartilage. Various surgical techniques are available to give the ears a natural shape and size.
Who is ear pinning surgery in Vienna suitable for?
Protruding ears are an aesthetic problem that can lead to psychological distress and inferiority complexes – in children as well as adults. But children in particular are often exposed to teasing because of protruding ears; an ear correction can then be especially liberating. It can already be performed at kindergarten age, as the growth of the ears is already complete at around the age of 5.
This is why many parents decide to have the procedure carried out before starting school, to spare their child problems at school because of protruding ears. Nevertheless, it is important that the child decides on the procedure of their own free will and is not pushed into it by the parents. Only then is good cooperation with the doctor possible. In principle, possible psychological distress and health risks of the procedure should always be honestly weighed against each other.
However, an ear correction can also be performed on older children and adults. In adults, though, this usually concerns the earlobes, as these are often heavily strained and stretched by ageing processes or by wearing heavy ear jewellery.
When does an ear correction make sense?
An ear correction makes sense, for example, in the case of:
Why choose Dr. Özdemir in Vienna?
Ear pinning is a demanding procedure that is often underestimated. It is therefore particularly important to find a qualified doctor like Dr. Özdemir who has extensive experience in this field.
For his operations, Dr. Özdemir uses proven, internationally recognised techniques that are gentle and ensure a low-pain and low-risk procedure. A lasting and natural-looking result is particularly important to him – one in which the ears do not look over-corrected afterwards, even with severely protruding auricles.
Preparing for your ear pinning surgery in Vienna
The consultation with Dr. Özdemir
Before the operation, Dr. Özdemir welcomes you to a detailed consultation, as a precise analysis and the exact planning of your procedure are essential to its success. He will first thoroughly examine your ears and analyse the malformation in order to then agree the individually suitable surgical technique with you and clarify whether the result you desire is achievable.
Dr. Özdemir will also ask you about your previous illnesses and inform you about possible complications and risks of the procedure. On the basis of your personal treatment concept, he will finally prepare a detailed cost estimate for you.
Once all your wishes have been taken into account, all questions have been answered and you have made a decision at your leisure, Dr. Özdemir will arrange a treatment appointment with you.
What do I need to consider before the surgery?
No special preparatory measures are required before the procedure. You should be in good physical condition and refrain from blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or Voltaren for 14 days before the procedure. You should likewise consume no alcohol and no nicotine during this time.
Your ear pinning surgery in Vienna with Dr. Özdemir
Every ear correction is demanding and individually different, which is why a precise analysis and planning of the procedure are essential to the success of the operation. The primary goal of an ear correction is to create a natural shape and size of the ear and, if applicable, the earlobe. The causes of protruding ears are either an overly wide auricle (concha), caused by excess cartilage tissue, or a flat, that is, insufficiently developed antihelical fold. Usually both causes occur together.
The course of the operation
In children, the procedure should be performed under general anaesthesia. In adults it can also be carried out under local anaesthesia, as the entire ear can be numbed very well locally. Depending on the malformation and the surgical technique used accordingly, 30–60 minutes of operating time are required per ear. As both ears usually have to be corrected, a total of 1–2 hours should be allowed for an otoplasty.
During the procedure, self-dissolving sutures are used, and the seams are covered with a protective dressing. As a rule, a day-clinic stay is sufficient for ear pinning, assuming an uncomplicated course of surgery.
Which surgical methods are used?
Every ear is shaped individually. Therefore, depending on the cause of the protruding ears, there are various surgical techniques for pinning them back. Dr. Özdemir adapts his technique to the respective initial condition and the nature of the ear cartilage. A coherent and harmonious relationship between the ear, face and head as a result of the operation is particularly important to him.
When correcting protruding ears, the excess cartilage is usually removed first and the ear cartilage is then reshaped. This can be done by weakening the cartilage using various cartilage-scoring or cartilage-filing techniques, but also by applying certain suture techniques. Here, shaping stabilising sutures are placed, which bend the ear cartilage into the desired position. Both techniques – often in combination – make it possible to create a natural angle between the head and the ear. To avoid visible scars, Dr. Özdemir places the skin incision on the back of the auricle during the surgery.
Protruding, enlarged or torn earlobes can also be corrected during the ear pinning surgery.
How should I behave after the surgery?
Usually only slight pain occurs after the procedure, which can be treated well with appropriate painkillers if necessary. First, a large ear dressing is applied, which you have to wear for 1–2 weeks depending on the surgical method. After that, to protect your ears, you receive a headband that completely covers your ears and which you have to wear for 2 months. Through light pressure, it prevents the ears from bending and thus ensures an undisturbed healing process.
As self-dissolving sutures are used during the operation, no threads have to be removed. To prevent infections in the area of the suture, an antibiotic ointment can be applied there.
A few days after the procedure you are able to work and socialise again. However, you should take it physically easy for 4 weeks and avoid exercise for about 6 weeks.
Depending on the treatment method, you may only wash your hair again after 1–2 weeks, and even then only with great care. Sauna and solarium are also off-limits in the first period after the surgery.
Good aftercare and regular check-ups with your doctor Dr. Özdemir are essential for a good result and an uncomplicated healing process after your ear correction. You usually see the final result of the surgery after 3–6 months.
What risks does the ear correction involve?
The risks of ear pinning surgery are generally low; nevertheless, complications cannot be completely ruled out, as with any surgical procedure. Post-operative bleeding, wound-healing disorders and infections can occur. Swelling, redness and a slight feeling of numbness are normal in the first few days after the surgery and usually disappear again on their own.
In addition to the medical risks, unsatisfactory aesthetic results can occur – a completely symmetrical appearance is not always achieved.
What does ear pinning surgery cost in Vienna?
The cost of an ear correction depends on the starting situation and the surgical technique used. Dr. Özdemir will prepare a detailed cost plan for you during his consultation.
