Otoplasty-Ear pinning in Dubai: Transforming the Appearance of Ears with Advanced Techniques

Prominent ears, often referred to as “protruding ears,” can result from:

• Enlarged Concha: The external part of the ear that is overly protruding.
• Underdeveloped Antihelix: The upper ridge of the ear is not properly folded.
• Wide Ear-to-Skull Angle: Creates an unbalanced and prominent appearance.

These conditions are commonly present from birth, affecting children and sometimes persisting into adulthood. Regardless of the cause, otoplasty can address these issues, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Specialists like Dr. Lyor Hanan, based in Dubai, are adept at tailoring solutions to meet individual needs.

Otoplasty is a recommended solution for individuals who feel self-conscious about their protruding ears. For children, the surgery can be performed as early as 6 or 7 years old when ear development is complete. Adults can also benefit from otoplasty, addressing any concerns they may have about their ear shape or size.

In children, otoplasty can help reduce teasing and build confidence, while for adults, it often enhances facial harmony and self-esteem.

1. Earfold Method
   The Earfold technique, introduced in 2016, is a revolutionary approach using a memory-shape implant made from Nitinol, coated in 24-carat gold. This implant reshapes the cartilage, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional methods.

• Advantages:
  • Immediate and predictable results.
  • Minimally invasive with local anesthesia.
  • Quick recovery with no significant downtime.
  • Reversible if necessary.
• Limitations:
  • Suitable for approximately 70% of cases.
  • The implant may be slightly visible in patients with very thin skin.

Despite these limitations, many patients prefer this method for its simplicity and rapid results.

2. Traditional Suture-Based Otoplasty
   This standard procedure involves using sutures to reshape and reposition the ear cartilage. Small incisions are made behind the ear to adjust specific anatomical areas causing prominence.

• Advantages:
  • Minimal visible scarring.
  • Effective for a variety of ear deformities.
• Limitations:
  • Slight risk of asymmetry or suture loosening.
  • Recovery requires wearing a protective headband for six weeks.
  • Results may vary due to the flexibility of cartilage.

This technique is suitable for children (under general anesthesia) and adults (under local anesthesia or light sedation).

Every patient is unique, and the choice of technique depends on individual factors and surgeon expertise. Dr. Lyor Hanan performs a detailed assessment to determine the most suitable method for each case. In some instances, a simulation with the Prefold technique may be used to predict the outcome, guiding the choice between Earfold and suture-based otoplasty.

• Immediate Results: Significant improvements are visible within a month as swelling subsides.
• Full Recovery: Scar maturation and tissue healing may take several months.
• Durability: Results are usually permanent, although minor recurrences are possible in cases of trauma.

While scars are discreetly hidden behind the ears, rare complications like hypertrophic scarring or keloids may require additional treatments such as steroid injections.

Minor imperfections, such as slight asymmetry, may occur but are typically minimal and easily addressed if needed.

The price of otoplasty varies based on the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Lyor Hanan offers personalized consultations at his Dubai practice to provide a tailored quote and discuss options for achieving the best results.