Dr. Katrien Lagey eg
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Correction of protruding ears
Protruding ears, commonly known as “floppy ears,” are a common condition. Due to a congenital malformation of the cartilage in the outer ear, the ear protrudes further from the skull. While this does not affect hearing, it can have a significant impact on self-image.
Children are often bullied at school because of it, but adults can also feel very unhappy about it.
In adults, the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. For (young) children, general anesthesia is usually preferred. Surgery is typically performed on a child when they themselves indicate that their ears are a problem, at the earliest from age 6.
Because the incision is made behind the ear, the scar is barely visible. The surgeon will reshape the cartilage and, if necessary, remove part of it. The procedure takes about 90 minutes.
A special bandage is applied to keep the ears in the correct position. It is very important that this bandage remains on the ears for a week. After a week, it is sufficient to wear a headband only at night for a month.
Practical information
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The treatment is performed under local anesthesia with a sedative injection. For young children, general anesthesia is preferred.
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After a procedure under local anesthesia, you will be able to rest for a while in a recliner while we apply a cold compress. Afterward, you may go home (with your driver!).
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After a procedure under general anesthesia, you will first go to the recovery room and, once you are awake enough, to your room in the day clinic. In the late afternoon you can go home to rest there.
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You will receive a letter with advice on how to recover as well and as quickly as possible.
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You will be given an appointment to have the stitches removed after one week.
The result
After the bandage and stitches are removed, the ears may still be a little red, swollen and tender. We recommend sleeping with a headband for another month.
The final result is visible after about three months, when the scars behind the ears have faded to barely visible white lines.
