Prominent
EarsThe
following is a brief overview of the problems of prominent ears and their correction.
Sometimes harshly referred to as Bat Ears, Jug Ears. WHAT
CAUSES PROMINENT EARS (BAT EARS)? The
ears are one of the first part of the body to reach adult size and they are therefore
often more prominent in children as they are relatively out of proportion.
As many as 2% of the population feel that their ears stick out too far, and this
might be on one side only. It is often an inherited problem involving the development
and lack of the usual cartilage folds in the ear. WHEN
CAN BAT EARS BE TREATED? The
cartilage in a baby's ear is very soft and pliable and can be moulded with the
use of splints if prominent ears are obvious from birth. Most cases of prominent
ears (bat ears) become a problem in early childhood particularly because of teasing
and bullying at school. Children may become very self conscious. Other
children may not be bothered by their ears. Most surgeons advise that surgery
for prominent ears is not undertaken until the child is old enough to understand
what the surgery involves. In most cases it is best that the child feels
that their ears are a problem and is able to express a desire for surgery themselves.
At this stage the child is more likely to be cooperative and happy with the outcome.
For this reason, and the fact that the cartilage is too soft in the early years,
the operation is rarely performed under the age of 5 years. WHAT
IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION? The
surgery involves a general anaesthetic but may be performed under local anaesthetic
in adults. Some centres will perform the procedure as a day case without
the need for an overnight stay in hospital. A cut is made behind the ear
close to the groove between the ear and the side of the head. It may be
necessary to remove some of the cartilage. In other cases the cartilage
is reshaped with the aid of stitches. ARE
THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS? A
consent form must be signed before surgery. This must be signed by an adult
(parent or legal guardian) on behalf of any child under the age of 16. The
form states that you are aware of the risks and complications involved with the
procedure. In some patients problems with red, raised and lumpy scars can
develop. There can also be prolonged discomfort or numbness associated with
the scars. In very rare cases, problems with wound healing might lead to
the need for a small skin graft behind the ear. Wound healing can also be
delayed if the wounds become infected. Bleeding under the skin, forming
a haematoma, occasionally requires a return to the operating theatre for the clot
to be removed. Most patients are happy with the outcome but some may feel
that there is some asymmetry (the ears don't match) which might involve further
surgery for minor adjustments. WHAT
HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION? After
the operation the ears will be strapped with a heavy bandage like a large sweat
band to provide protection. There will be some discomfort which might require
painkillers but it is best to avoid painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (nurofen)
and diclofenac as these can increase the risk of bleeding. The bandage can
be removed after approximately 10 days at which point any non-dissolvable stitches
can be removed. It may be necessary to wear a bandage at night for a couple
of weeks. WHEN
CAN NORMAL ACTIVITES BE RESUMED? Care
must be taken when washing hair initially and it is advised to avoid swimming
for at least 2 weeks and contact sport for eight weeks. The
British Association of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.baps.co.uk/ More
Information ... |
