Detached ears

Otoplasty is the surgical procedure used to reattach protruding ears. Protruding ears refers to when the angle between the auricle and the skull is greater than 30°, or when the distance between the skull and the helix is greater than 20 mm. The ears may also be disproportionate to other facial features even if the distance is close to the limit.

• Temporary solutions
  There are temporary solutions to correct protruding ears, such as corrective bands or headbands, which hold the ears closer to the head. However, this solution is not very effective or long-lasting. Similarly, ear splints can be used to reposition the ears, especially for mild cases, but the method remains less effective than surgery. Two interesting alternatives are tensor threads, used to reposition protruding ears, and Earfold implants, inserted through an incision under the skin to hold the folded cartilage in place. This procedure is not suitable for all types of correction, and is less effective in the long term.
• Permanent solutions
  Surgical procedures are the most effective way of correcting protruding ears. Otoplasty is the most common solution; it reshapes or repositions the ear cartilage to reduce the distance between the skull and the ear. It also involves stitches to fix the cartilage in the desired position and, in some cases, removal of part of the concha cartilage. When the antihelical fold, a natural crease located at the outer part of the ear, is absent or only slightly marked, it can be created or accentuated during otoplasty. All these techniques, performed under local or general anesthesia, can be used to permanently correct protruding ears.

Otoplasty can be performed once the ear cartilage is sufficiently developed, typically from about six years of age. At this stage, the cartilage is mature yet still flexible, making it easier to reshape. In adolescents and adults the cartilage becomes firmer, which can make the procedure slightly more involved, though outcomes remain equally successful. Performing otoplasty early can also help children avoid teasing and boost their self-confidence. Early intervention is appropriate only when the cartilage is mature and, importantly, when the child can clearly express their own wish to have the surgery.

Otoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries some risks. Infections are possible, though strict aseptic standards and the use of state-of-the-art equipment at Claris Clinic help keep this rare. Occasionally, poor healing may require further treatment, and haematomas can occur, though this is uncommon. In some cases, the results may not meet expectations, for example due to slight asymmetry or under-correction. A thorough consultation with your surgeon is therefore essential to set realistic goals. That said, the success rate for otoplasty is very high and complications are exceedingly rare. Carefully following your surgeon’s after-care instructions will further reduce the risk of delayed or poor healing.

Reimbursement for otoplasty depends on the nature of the problem: generally speaking, if the procedure is performed for purely aesthetic reasons, it is deemed non-essential and is not reimbursed (except by certain  insurance companies). If, on the other hand, the procedure is carried out for medical reasons, such as recurrent infection, pain or trauma, it may be partially reimbursed by your health insurance company.

For children up to the age of 16, partial coverage of otoplasty is possible. This must be justified by the prevention of psychological problems such as bullying or low self-esteem, under the medical advice of an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist or plastic surgeon. This must first be checked with your surgeon.

The price of otoplasty differs according to the type of anesthesia required. At Claris Clinic, the price is €1,695 for local anesthesia and €2,295 for general anesthesia. This fee includes the cost of the anesthesia consultation, the cost of the anesthesia itself, and post-operative follow-up.