Operation methods
The methods for creating protruding ears can roughly be divided into two groups. In the conventional surgical methods, according to which the majority of specialists still operate today, parts of the skin as well as cartilage sections are removed. Since the conventional methods of applying ears are usually open, extensive operations, they involve a variety of risks.
Patients often report severe pain after the treatment. In addition, antibiotic prophylaxis must be taken after the surgical procedure. In addition, the treatment result should be secured with a head bandage even weeks after the operation.
This is the only way to ensure that the ears remain in the desired position after the procedure. During the entire healing phase, the affected patients can be tormented by pronounced swelling, bruising and pain. In addition, visible scars may remain behind the auricle due to the open surgical procedures.New types of processes, on the other hand, are considered to be much gentler and less risky.
However, the choice of the most suitable form of treatment must be made after a comprehensive examination by the treating physician and in consultation with the patient. Most procedures for placing protruding ears can be performed under local or general anesthesia. For children, it is generally recommended to aim for a surgical procedure under general anesthesia.
The traditional methods of protruding ears are still used by most of the doctors treating children. These methods are surgical procedures in which skin and cartilage behind the auricle are removed. Patients who decide to have their ears fitted and choose a traditional method of treatment must be aware that the surgical procedure may cause prolonged pain, infection, swelling and bruising.
Probably the most common traditional method of placing protruding ears is the surgery according to Converse. In this procedure, a long incision is made immediately behind the auricle. The back of the ear cartilage must then be exposed and prepared.
During this procedure, the treating physician places small cracks in the cartilage tissue. After removing the cartilage, the skin surface is prepared accordingly and the wound is sutured. After placing protruding ears after Converse, the affected patient must wear a special head bandage for several weeks.
Patients who decide to undergo this surgical method should be aware that many people have experienced the development of unnatural, sometimes disfiguring cartilage edges and irregular depressions on the front of the ear immediately after the procedure. In addition, many patients report that they suffered from severe pain for a long period of time after the ears were fitted. Furthermore, the operation according to Stenström is one of the most common procedures for placing protruding ears.
This method also requires a long incision to be made immediately behind the auricle. In contrast to the operation according to Converse, the front of the ear cartilage is additionally exposed and prepared. In this way, the risk of developing unsightly retractions on the front of the ear can be reduced many times over.
Patients who decide to have their ears fitted according to Stenström also have to wear a special head bandage for several weeks after the surgical procedure. Only in this way can the treatment result be secured in the long term. Further methods for the application of protruding ears are the operation according to Pitanguy and the operation according to Mustardé. The Mustardé procedure also requires a long skin incision behind the auricle and the cartilage tissue must be prepared accordingly. However, in contrast to the other surgical methods, the cartilage tissue is not completely removed in this procedure.
