Ear reshaping

Neonatal ear moulding

If required, neonatal ear moulding should be carried out as soon as possible after your baby is born. The earlier the treatment is started, the shorter the length of time for which the splints will need to be applied.

You will be given some adhesive tape, a packet of splints and training in how to apply them correctly. The splints are designed to fit into the inner edge of the ear and, over time, they will remodel the cartilage into a more pleasing shape.

Using splints is painless. The amount of time splinting is required will depend on when treatment begins. If treatment begins when an infant is just a few weeks old, splinting will only be required for a few weeks. However, if treatment begins when your child is four or five months old, splints will need to be used for at least three months.

Otoplasty

Otoplasties involving older children and adults are usually carried out under a local anaesthetic.

Younger children may require a general anaesthetic because they may find the experience too upsetting if only a local anaesthetic is used.

During an otoplasty, the surgeon will make small incisions behind each ear to gain access to the cartilage. They will remodel the cartilage and may also remove some of it to give the ears a more attractive appearance. Special plastic stitches are used to hold the ears in their new position. The surgeon will seal the incision with dissolvable stitches.

Following an otoplasty, small scars will be left behind each ear. The entire operation should take between one and two hours to complete. Most people will be well enough to leave the hospital or clinic a few hours after the operation has been completed.