Surgery to set back prominent ears (pinnaplasty) is the most common paediatric plastic surgical procedure in the UK. Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon David Gault asks whether this surgery is necessary or even safe?
He says:
Setting the ears remains plastic surgery’s appendicectomy, but is it really safe, and why are we not avoiding it altogether when non-surgical correction has been around for over 20 years? Pinnaplasty is perceived as a simple procedure by doctors and the public alike……….. but a detailed review shows a steady incidence of problems.
and
Neonatal moulding can correct over 97% of all external ear deformities, including all folding deformities of the ear (stick-out ears, rim kinks, lop ear, Stahl’s bar) and cryptotiaback.
Read the full article: An End To Pinnaplasty
Patient view:
I was one for the 5% that had sticking out ears. As a child and adolescent it caused me huge distress and embarrassment which was detrimental to my self esteem. At the age of 16 I had pinnalplasty surgery and unfortunately I was not in the “vast majority” who were satisfied with the results. I suffered complications, the result being chondritis. Subsequently I had a further 4 operations to save as much of my ear as possible which then followed a 2 phase ear reconstruction performed by Mr Gault.
I am exceptionally pleased with the results of his work. Aesthetically I am comfortable and at ease. The appearance of my ears does no hold me back personally or professionally.
If only Ear Buddies had been invented in 1986 when I was born I wouldn’t have to have gone through the pain and suffering that I did (pre and post pinnaplasty)!!