OTOPLASTY IN PARIS - SURGERY FOR PROTRUDING EARS

WHO SHOULD UNDERGO OTOPLASTY?

For children, teenagers and adults alike, protruding ears can be a source of complexes and psychological suffering.

Ear detachment is most often present since childhood (congenital malformation of the ear). ear cartilage).

There are several types of ear anomalies:

• Faulty folding of the antherix (Y-shaped cartilage in the ear);
• Hypertrophy of the concha (posterior wall of the ear); ;
• Excessive anteversion or projection of the concha and lobe.

The definitive size of the ears is acquired around 7-8 years of age. It is therefore possible to otoplasty at this age.

However, it's important to remember that at this age, a folding defect of the ear is more pronounced because facial growth is not yet complete. It will therefore be necessary to wait until facial growth is complete before considering an ear implant. surgical operation.

Otoplasty is a procedure that is commonly performed performed as part of cosmetic surgery. Dr Jérémy Djian, plastic surgeon in Paris, is supporting its patients in this process.

OTOPLASTY IN PARIS

Earfold technology

!! The Earfold device has been withdrawn from the market in the summer of 2021!!!

The Earfold technology is a minimally invasive procedure for correction of protruding ears. In recent years, it has become the preferred method for avoiding conventional surgery.

This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.

First, a small incision is made. Next, a small prosthesis is placed over the cartilage. This prosthesis conforms the ear and the antherix plication.

It is possible to assess whether this technique will be sufficient to correct a detached ear. To do this, the plastic surgeon simulates the expected result with a trial prosthesis, the pre-fold.

If the pre-fold is sufficient to re-establish the ear's axis, and the patient is satisfied with the aesthetic result, this procedure can be offered.

It is estimated that this plastic surgery may be suitable for around 2/3 of patients who wish to «reattach» their ears.

!! Info September 2021 !! The Allergan laboratory producing Earfold has stopped marketing the product.

Conventional stitch technique

This technique allows individual ear defects to be corrected. These defects may include folding of the anthelix, hypertrophy of the concha and anteversion of the lobe.

Depending on the complexity of the surgery, it is performed under local anaesthetic or under general anaesthetic. In the case of a general anaesthetic, it will be necessary to make an appointment with the anesthesiologist upstream of the intervention.

Otoplasty is a plastic surgery which is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Same-day discharge is therefore possible.

There are 3 main causes of protruding ears. These malformations are often combined:

• Faulty folding of the antherix Lack of relief from the ear outwards; ;
• Enlarged concha that projects the ear forward; ;
• Excessive angle between pinna and skull: Helix Valgus.

During the operation, the surgeon cuts the skin at the back of the ear (ear groove). It lifts the skin and reveals the conchal cartilage to the’back of the ear then remodels it.

Next, the surgeon positions the pinna with deep stitches. This brings the ear closer to the skull.

Finally, he sutures the incisions and applies a dressing.