Ear correction – questions and answers
The shape and symmetry of the auricles are decisive for the aesthetic harmony of the face. The angle from which a face is viewed has an influence on the viewer’s attention and aesthetic perception. Scientific research suggests that faces viewed in a semi-profile (thirty to forty-five degree angles) are more beautiful. From the semi-profile view, the proportions of the face and ears can be better assessed.
2: width = 3,5cm
3: Achesis = 20 degrees (paralell to the bridge of the nose)
4: Ratio of the upper half to the lower half 1:1
5: Height of the outer ear fold = 10 percent
6: Height of earlobe = 23 percent
7: Distance of the outer ear fold to the head in the upper third = 10 to 12mm, in the middle third = 16 to 18mm, around the lower third = 20 to 22mm.
The ear has a complex three-dimensional shape. The shape and size of the ear vary according to age, sex and ethnic origin. The cartilage structure of the outer ear is divided from the outside to the inside into three units: the thickened edge of the auricle (helix) and the earlobe, the ear fold or bulge (anthelix) and the antitragus and ear cavity (concha). The ear cartilage is one to three millimetres thick. At the front, the skin lies firmly on the cartilage, while at the back of the ear, the skin is easily movable. The outer edge of the auricle and the ear fold are the most visible features of the ear. The outer and inner ear folds shape the aesthetic perception of the ear.
Which ear deformities are treated in CenterPlast Saarbrücken?
An ear correction (earmold) serves to improve the alignment of the ear with the skull. A plastic ear restoration also restores the shape of the ear cartilage, the natural proportions and the symmetry of the auricles. The following malformations are corrected in the CenterPlast Saarbrücken:
- Pocket ear (cryptoty): The upper part of the auricle is underdeveloped and hidden under a skin pocket.
- Lop ear, rolled ear (lop ear or shell ear): This is a malformation of the upper third of the auricle. The longitudinal diameter of the ear is reduced. In pronounced cases, the ear may be slightly lower overall.
- Cup ear” or “constricted ear”: There is an excess of skin overhanging the upper edge of the auricle (helix). The upper edge of the auricle and the ear fold are thinned out and lead to a protrusion of the upper auricle.
- Oversized ears (macrotia): The ear length in adults is 55-65 mm. The ear width is about 50-60% of the ear height. With oversized ears, these natural proportions are far exceeded.
- Question mark ear: Question mark ears that occur on both sides are a rare hereditary malformation that leads to a “question mark” shape of the ear. In the case of a question mark ear, a gap runs transversely between the middle and lower third of the auricle.
- Spock ear, pointed ear, crinkled ear (“crumpled ear”): The Spock ear has a fold at the upper outer edge of the auricle. The upper part of the auricle is tapered.
- Steel ear deformity (“Stahl’s ear”): In the upper part of the auricle, a third excess longitudinal fold has formed.
- Supernumerary ear appendages, preauricular appendages, auricular appendages (“preauricular tags”, “polyotie”): A scattering of the original cells in the womb results in the formation of a rudimentary supernumerary auricle. Tissue knots are often found in front of the ear.
What can you expect during a consultation on an earmould?
In a consultation with underage patients, both parents must be accompanied and informed. Dr. Santos Stahl asks about your lifestyle, the use of medication, allergies and previous illnesses. These factors are very important for the consultation, planning, anesthesia, surgical technique and follow-up treatment. She discusses your goals with you as well as the possibilities and limitations of an ear correction.
But also adults, who may have had the desire for an ear correction since a young age, would like to know when is the right time for a surgical intervention on the ears to finally achieve the desired shape. In some cases, they have been suffering from a burden of their unsightly ears for many years.
However, the issue of age must always be considered in a differentiated manner depending on the type of surgical intervention. For this reason, visit the specific subpage for the aesthetic procedure you are interested in:
Of course, our plastic surgery experts will analyse your individual case and answer any questions you may have in advance of a surgery appointment.
How much does an ear correction cost?
You can find an overview of the price range of an operative ear correction on our price list in the menu category costs. Please note that the measures and therefore also the costs vary depending on the findings, the desired result and the desired technique: In the case of protruding ears, popularly known as sail ears, an otopexy is performed. For a correction of the earlobe, it is necessary to check which deformity is present and what the desired result is. The exact price for cosmetic surgery on the ears is also determined during the personal consultation, as individual factors must also be taken into account. Feel free to contact us to schedule an individual appointment or video consultation. On our page about financing options in the menu category Costs you can inform yourself in advance about the corresponding possibilities of financing a cosmetic surgery. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Do scars remain after ear correction?
The scars are located at the back of the ears. In the rare cases when a scar appears on the front side as a result of the procedure, the expert plastic surgeon can hide it at the junction of so-called aesthetic units (-> see lexicon). As a result, they are usually hardly recognizable.
Are the costs of an ear correction covered by health insurance?
Cost absorption by the health insurance is only possible in medically necessary cases. The ears are only covered by the health insurance for minors if there is an expert opinion from a psychiatrist or psychologist who certifies a high level of suffering due to bullying / teasing. If the ears are to be fitted using the Earfold® method, the patient must obtain written confirmation from his or her health insurance company that the costs of the implants will be covered Paragraph 44, Paragraph 6 of the Bundesmantelvertrag – Ärzte. Since an earlobe correction is not medically necessary, it is not covered by health insurance in accordance with paragraph 52, section 2 of the Fifth Social Security Code. This is also true in the case of worn-out lobules due to ear tunnels, a sebaceous cyst (atheroma) or inflammation after a piercing.
In the menu category Costs you will find further detailed information on the assumption of costs under the item Obligation of the health insurance companies to pay benefits.
What can you expect during a consultation?
In the case of a consultation with underage patients, both parents must be present and informed. Dr. Santos Stahl asks about your lifestyle habits, medications you take, allergies, and pre-existing conditions. These factors are very important for the consultation, planning, anaesthesia, surgical technique and aftercare. She will discuss your goals with you as well as the possibilities and limitations of an ear correction.
Dr. Santos Stahl then examines the position, size and shape of the auricles in relation to the head. Among other things, it measures the angle between the skull and the ear cavity (concha mastoid angle) and the angle between the ear cavity and the outer auricle (concha scapha angle). The distance of the outer auricular rim to the skull is documented at several points. Then the ears are photographed to create a treatment plan according to the desired position.
Discuss your expectations openly with the ear surgery expert. The individual steps of the operation and any costs will be explained to you in a transparent and comprehensible manner. During the initial consultation, we will take the time you need, answer common questions, and educate you on all points. Nevertheless, as a rule, further questions often arise later. Therefore, we usually arrange a second meeting to answer all your questions and clear up any remaining doubts.
Which doctor is the specialist for ear correction?
Some patients turn to an otolaryngologist because of the job title, as the ears are classified in the field of otolaryngology. Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery have a special focus in the specialist training for plastic and aesthetic surgery. Plastic surgeons with the appropriate experience are therefore predestined for such procedures.
On the subject of ears, pay attention to the selection of the doctor who will carry out the correction of the defect. This should be your most important criterion. Extensive experience in the field and appropriate specialized training in the field of cosmetic surgery are very important. It is best to put yourself in the hands of a trusted plastic aesthetic surgeon and have all the non-surgical treatment alternatives that are suitable for you explained to you. A suitable expert will patiently answer all your questions and inform you about all possible risks.
Why have your ears corrected at the CenterPlast group practice in Saarbrücken?
Dr. Santos Stahl has specialized in the field of ear surgery. In order to be able to offer ear surgery at the highest level, Dr. Santos Stahl studied for a year with Dr. Firmin in Paris. Dr. Firmin is a world-renowned plastic surgeon in the field of ear surgery. Dr. Santos Stahl specialized in the field of facial surgery for four years with Professor Gubisch in Stuttgart. She later perfected her techniques with the most influential plastic surgeons in Oakland, Dallas and Salt Lake City – thanks to a scholarship from the VDÄPC, the largest professional association of plastic surgeons in Germany. Brazil has been a pioneer in aesthetic surgery for decades and is considered the cradle of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Santos Stahl has acquired Brazilian, German and European specialist qualifications.
How can you prepare for an aesthetic procedure on the ears?
In the following, we explain what must be considered before an ear correction:
- All your questions about complications that may occur in rare cases and alternative forms of treatment should be answered before the operation.
- Limit alcohol and nicotine consumption to a minimum.
- Blood-thinning medications such as Thomapyrin® or ASS must be discontinued at least ten days before the procedure, of course after consultation with your attending physician.
- Vitamin preparations (E, A) as well as dietary supplements (St. John’s wort preparations, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.) are min. 4 weeks before the surgery date.
- The use of hormone-containing drugs such as the contraceptive pill may be necessary. temporarily discontinue.
- Have cooling pads / ice cubes ready at home to cool the skin. This is recommended after treatment.
- People who wear glasses should possibly get contact lenses for the first ten days after the operation.
- It is best to take out follow-up cost insurance before having an aesthetic procedure on the ears.
- In the case of surgery on minors, both parents must give their consent.
- You can help minimize the risk of inflammation by cleaning the ears on the day of surgery with a disinfecting soap (e.g. Octenisan® Wash Lotion from Schülke, HiBiScrub® Plus from Mölnlycke, Prontoderm® Shower Gel from B.Braun).
What is the procedure of an ear correction (otoplasty)?
The various plastic surgeries on the ears at CenterPlast have in common that they do not require an inpatient stay. The minor procedures are performed on an outpatient basis.
On the corresponding sub-page for the specific plastic-aesthetic procedure on the ears, the corresponding surgical technique (e.g. thread method or Earfold® method with implants) is explained. There you will also find information regarding the duration of the operation and on the subject of possible risks, complications, swellings and how these are prevented in the clinic or practice. Each of the procedures is performed under local anaesthesia (local anaesthesia) and, if necessary, with a local anaesthetic. also performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel any pain from the incision.
What should be considered after an ear correction?
The aftercare following a cosmetic surgery procedure differs depending on the type of treatment. For example, some methods require a special soft headband to be worn during a certain postoperative time frame after the procedure. For others, this is omitted or is much shorter. When you can shower again and be allowed to wash your hair may also vary depending on the surgery. To find out what you can do for optimal healing during your desired surgery and for the answer to the question about pain after ear surgery, please visit the subpage for your desired surgery:
Before and after pictures of an ear correction
As part of an individual consultation, you will have the opportunity to view before and after photos of an earmould so that you can get an idea of the treatment results with other patients. This serves the purpose of clarification in the context of the preliminary discussion of a minimally invasive ear surgery. Please feel free to contact us so that we can show you the possibilities and limitations of cosmetic surgery. It goes without saying that we comply with all legal provisions on data protection. According to the Heilmittelwerbegesetz (German Drug Advertising Act) (Section 1(1)(2)), publication of such images on the internet is not permitted. On our special page for comparative pictorial representation in the menu category “About us” under the point Quality you will find further information on this subject.
Field report of an ear correction at CenterPlast Saarbrücken
Visit our Testimonials menu item to read reviews from other patients as well as their described ear surgery experiences.
The author
“Our goal is to provide the best, most discreet and precise treatment based on our extensive expertise in plastic surgery. „
Dr. Adelana Santos Stahl is distinguished by a unique international perspective with a feminine view of plastic surgery. Her personalized and detailed approach is key to the beautiful and natural results she achieves. Having trained in Brazil, one of the largest and most well-known countries for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, she understands her patients’ desire to look and feel their best. She completed her medical studies and her training as a specialist for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Brazil. In 2009, she also successfully passed the German equivalence examinations for the medical state examination. Two years later, in 2011 she received the German and in 2012 the EU specialist recognition (EBOPRAS) for plastic surgery. From 2009 to 2013, she deepened her knowledge of aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery with world-renowned representatives of plastic surgery such as Professor Gubisch at the Marienhospital and Madame Firmin in Paris. A VDÄPC Fellowship (continuing fellowship for graduate students) in Switzerland, France and the USA has further enriched her professional experience. Dr. Santos Stahl is active in several prestigious professional societies. Besides the DGPRÄC and DGBT, she is also a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery – SBCP. She is also the author of several scientific articles and, together with her husband, is dedicated to research and clinical studies in the field of plastic surgery.