Prominent ears

The psychological problem

The psychological distress caused by prominent ears can be considerable. Teasing at school causes both short-term unhappiness and can have a long-term impact on perception of self-image and self worth.

Even the famous could not escape torment: "His ears make him look like a taxi cab with both doors open." (Howard Hughes about Clark Gable).

Anaesthetic - usually done under general anaesthesia in children and local anaesthesia in adults.

Procedure - this may be carried out on one or both ears. It takes about an hour to complete (if bilateral) and involves an incision posteriorly, removal of a small amount of skin and refashioning of the underlying cartilage.
Closure - the skin defect will be sutured (generally but not always absorbable sutures) and the ear(s) will be bandaged.

Prominent Ears duration and anesthesia: The procedure is performed under the local anesthesia and lasts about one hour for both sides.

Recovery: The bandage around the head will be removed after 2 week, stitches after two weeks.

Rare complications: Transitory swelling of the auricle due to hematoma.