Otoplasty (ear surgery)
Harmony and self-confidence through otoplasty
The key facts for you at a glance: ear surgery (otoplasty)
- What is an otoplasty? A surgical procedure to correct protruding ears (apostasis otum).
- The aim: A natural appearance in which the ears are harmoniously integrated into the overall picture of the face – without any hint of a procedure.
- The method: The ear cartilage is reshaped, partially reduced if necessary and permanently fixed closer to the head.
- Minimally visible scars: Access is exclusively at the back of the ear. The resulting scar lies hidden and is not visible in everyday life.
- Safety: Ear surgery is possible under local anaesthesia, and on request also under general anaesthesia
When the ears dominate the appearance of the face
Protruding ears almost always arise from a congenital change in the ear cartilage. The most common cause is an insufficiently developed or entirely absent main fold of the auricle (antihelix). Occasionally there is additionally an overly large cartilage base that causes the ear to splay away from the head. Sometimes several areas of the ear are affected at the same time.
What is medically harmless can mean a considerable psychological burden for those affected – for women and men alike. Particularly for children who are teased at school for “jug ears”, this can be formative. At our practice for oral and maxillofacial surgery in the Zurich / Lake Zurich region, our specialists in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as plastic and aesthetic surgeons correct these malpositions with the aim of creating a shape that looks so natural as if it had never been operated on.
Our surgical expertise: permanent shaping Classic otoplasty with surgery
- Cartilage modelling: Via a small incision at the back of the ear, the ear cartilage is exposed and specifically reduced or reshaped
- Fixation: Special, buried sutures hold the cartilage permanently in its new position until the shape has healed stably.
- Skin closure: The fine incisions are closed with aesthetic suture techniques that promote optimal, as inconspicuous as possible scar formation.
The procedure and the healing phase
A great advantage of modern otoplasty is the manageable downtime:
Duration of the operation:
The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the individual findings.
Aftercare:
In the first few days, a head bandage (cap dressing) protects the ears. Afterwards, a soft headband is worn for 2 to 4 weeks – particularly at night – to stabilise the result during the healing phase.
Social presentability:
Swelling usually subsides within 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients can return to their normal daily routine after about a week.
Suitable for:
Children and adults
Why you should entrust otoplasty to experienced surgeons
The ear consists of complexly curved cartilage tissue with an extremely thin skin covering. A good result requires far more than simply folding it back – it requires deep anatomical knowledge, experience and manual skill. Differences in quality are considerable.
- Anatomical understanding: As experienced facial surgeons, we specialise in the cartilaginous and bony structures of the head.
- Symmetry: We attach the greatest importance to the millimetre-precise matching of both sides to achieve the most symmetrical result possible for you.
- Individual solution: We do not simply "fold" the ear back, but individually remodel the natural folds and curves of the auricle – without unnatural edges.
Your path to a harmonious profile
Whether for your child or for you as an adult – pinning back the ears is a safe way to feel more comfortable in your own body. For children, we recommend the procedure before starting school if possible: at this age the cartilage is still particularly malleable, and an important stage of life can begin without the burden of teasing.
In a detailed consultation, we analyse your individual findings, clarify the suitable procedure and plan the desired result together. We take the time that is needed – for your questions, your wishes and your safety.
Your individual solution
Every person is unique – which is why we take the time that is needed. In a detailed initial consultation, we discuss all the options, the procedure and possible risks together. Your requirements and needs are always the focus. Based on your wishes, we draw up a clear, comprehensible treatment and cost plan.
Your specialists
PD Dr. med. Dr. med. dent.
Gerold Eyrich
ORAL, MAXILLOFACIAL & FACIAL SURGEON AND PLASTIC OPERATIONS
With over 30 years of academic and scientific experience, Dr. Gerold Eyrich, as a lecturer (Privatdozent) at the University of Zurich, is one of the leading experts in oral and maxillofacial surgery. His specialisation encompasses precise aesthetic and functional procedures, from bony facial/cranial surgery through to aesthetic plastic soft-tissue surgery. His aspiration: the highest medical excellence and individual, patient-oriented solutions.
Dr. med. (consulting physician, D/CH)
Hans-Hermann Wörl
SPECIALIST IN PLASTIC AND AESTHETIC SURGERY
With almost 40 years of experience in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Hans-Hermann Wörl is one of the leading specialists in his field. His expertise is based on more than 30,000 successfully performed operations, in which he consistently combines the highest precision with a deep understanding of natural aesthetics. Whether gentle rejuvenation, individual corrections or complex reconstructions – Dr. Wörl stands for tailor-made solutions geared to the wishes and needs of each individual patient.