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Is a Cholesteatoma Life-Threatening?

 A cholesteatoma can be dangerous to your health if left untreated. This abnormal skin growth behind the eardrum can lead to serious complications by damaging crucial structures in the ear. Here’s what you need to know:   Potential Complications:   Facial Nerve Damage: This can lead to facial palsy. Hearing Bones Damage: This may cause deafness and tinnitus. Balance System Damage: This can result in dizziness or total loss of balance and hearing in that ear (known as a dead ear). Brain Risks: The bony barrier between the ear and brain can wear away, increasing the risk of severe infections. Infection Risks: Mastoiditis: Infection spreading into the mastoid bone. Brain Abscess or Meningitis: Infections spreading into the brain. Blood Vessel Blockage: Infection in the mastoid bone can block the main blood vessel, draining blood from the brain. Treatment:   Surgical Removal: Nearly always recommended to prevent these dangerous complications. If you suspect you

Are you thinking of your ears pinned back / pinnaplasty?


Before you make your appointment with your surgeon for pinnaplasty or otoplasty?
When you decide to have your ear pinned back or any cosmetic procedure think what exactly you want to change in shape. Ear shape had been prominent for a long time so what exactly triggered to go for the procedure. Evidence suggests that having prominent ears can affect self-esteem and confidence. Next thing to do research about your procedure, recovery and possible complications and outcome. It is always good to write any query you have before you do your consultation.



What is the cost involved for pinnaplasty or otoplasty?
The average cost of ear correction surgery (pinnaplasty) in the UK ranges from £2500 - £3500. You should always think of any additional cost of consultation or investigations required. It is very important to discuss this with the hospital and surgeon as cosmetic surgery are not covered by most insurance companies and on NHS.

What makes our ears look prominent?
An absent ear fold or large conchal bowl or a combination of both can make your ear look prominent. If the protrusion is more than 2 centimetres, then they may appear prominent. Around 2% of the UK population have prominent ears.


What happens on pre-procedure consultation for pinnaplasty or otoplasty?
The surgeon will discuss with you your expectations, which deformity you are looking at corrected, management options you have, recovery time, aftercare and possible complications.

How is the pinnaplasty or otoplasty procedure done?
The procedure can be done under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. The procedure is done by a small incision behind the ear, extra skin is removed, and cartilage is sutured to achieve the desired fold. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete. Post-procedure you have a head bandage for 7 days to allow initial healing and protect from infection. So you will not be able to wash your hair. 

What to expect after the procedure?
Ears are a bit sore after the procedure. You should be able to control the pain with regular pain killers. The bruising behind the ear may last for a couple of weeks so plan your school or office work accordingly. Tingling or numbness over-ear should fade away over time. Once the bandage is removed after a week you will need to wear an elastic band (Swimmers headband Band-IT / Zoggs) every night for six weeks. Do not do any contact sports for six months. You should be able to start light exercise after six weeks and swimming after three months.

What are the possible complications after pinnaplasty/otoplasty?
Complications are very rare after pinnaplasty. Main complications being infection and bleeding. If it starts to be very sore post-surgery, this could be a sign of infection which can be controlled by antibiotics. Always inform your surgeon if you are taking any blood thinner or herbal tablets.
There is a very small risk if your stitches do not hold the cartilage in the desired shape which may require revision surgery. There is a very small risk of forming keloid or thick red scar which may require treatment with steroid injections or revision surgery.



What are the limitations of pinnaplasty surgery?
Surgery is offered after the age of five with good results after the age of seven. Before this age, the cartilage is still growing and very soft to hold stitches. At birth, the ear can be folded using tape or ear buddies until six months to one year.


Mr Gaurav Kumar
Ear Nose Throat Consultant

To Book An Appointment

Book Appointment Online

 Call 07494914140
Email entappointmentuk@gmail.co.uk

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant



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