What are the consequences?

A small protective dressing is usually worn after the surgery and the wound reviewed at 10 days. Once the dressing has been discarded, it is wise to wear a protective head-band or bandage when sleeping to avoid the ears being bent forward against the pillow. The ears are often sore and tender for several weeks and painkilling medication such as Paracetamol or Codeine may be required. Other drugs such as Aspirin or Nurofen can occasionally cause unwanted bleeding following the surgery and should be avoided. The scar behind the ear usually settles well, but on rare occasions it can become red and lumpy. A small number of patients, particularly those who are very sensitive about the precise shape of their ears, may require a minor adjustment procedure. The vast majority of patients, however, are well pleased by the result, and the procedure has a high satisfaction rate.

What should you do after the operation?

The hair can be washed after the dressing and the stitches have been removed. It is important to keep the grooves behind the ears clean.

What are the limitations?

The operation is most often done during childhood, but it is best to operate when the patient is 5 years old or older, as until then the cartilage is very floppy and does not hold the stitches well. It is recommended that although parents may feel that their child's ears should be corrected to avoid teasing and stigmatisation it is best to wait until the child recognises the problem and wants the ears corrected. Children are generally more co-operative and happy with the outcome when they fully understand why the surgery is taking place. Pinnaplasty is also performed during the teenage years and in adult life, when either a local or general anaesthetic can be used.

What are the risks?

In children the operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, and this carries with it a very small risk. In a small number of patients (approximately 3%) the scars can become thick and red, and may require further treatment. Infection is not common, but should this occur it would require treatment with antibiotics and regular dressing changes. Sometimes the dressing can chafe the ears to produce a break in the skin which can take a long time to heal. There is a small risk that the repair may not hold properly, and further adjustment surgery is occasionally required. The ears are often a little numb after the procedure, and this usually takes several weeks to settle.