Otoplasty West Sussex

What is pinnaplasty? The medical term for the external ear is the ‘pinna’.  A pinna-plasty alters the shape of the external ear.  In almost all cases this involves altering prominent ear so that it sits closer to the side of the head.  People talk about ‘pinning’ ears…..no pins are involved!  The shape and position of the ear is corrected by scoring the cartilage in the ear and / or holding it in a new position with stitches.  A headband is worn full time for a week to protect the corrected ears. Why do ears stick out? This is simply a variation between humans.  The cartilage of the pinna is a complex of folds and recesses which forms during the first few months of foetal development.  In most cases the prominent ear will have quite a deep bowl ‘concha’ immediately next to the ear hole.   Additionally, the principal fold in the mid and upper section of the pinna has a very open angle or it is deficient altogether.  Prominent ears can be a source of ridicule and self-consciousness and for this reason patients frequently ask for the ears to be corrected. How are prominent ears corrected? In adults, this surgery is usually done as awake surgery with local anaesthetic.  Children would routinely have general anaesthetic and some adult patients may prefer to have general anaesthetic also.  

Consultations are typically 30-40 mins and involve a thorough discussion about case history, treatments, review of example cases and photos and physical examination.It may be possible to arrange a free 15 minute consultation or teleconsultation if you are unsure about committing to a full appointment. Consultations are at the McIndoe Centre, East Grinstead. Sussex RH19 3UD.  Wednesdays or Fridays.   other locations - KIMS hospital, Maidstone; North Downs Hospital, Caterham.

What is Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is also known as a ‘nose-job’.  It is an operation which changes the shape of the nose to give a more aesthetically balanced appearance or perhaps to correct an established deformity.  There are a combination of changes which can be made to improve the appearance of the nose which include reshaping the bridge of the nose (usually reducing a hump), refining the tip of the nose, improving the projection of the tip, shortening the nose or narrowing wide nostrils.  The aim is to shape the nose so that it is more in keeping with the desired appearance of the patient and also in balance with the proportions of the face. What does the surgery involve? Rhinoplasty is typically carried out under general anaesthetic and you can go home on the day of surgery.  Sometimes a single night in hospital is advised.  The shape of the nose is determined by a framework of cartilages and bones.  Small cuts are made inside the nostrils to access the framework and reshape it.  Occasionally it is also necessary to have a small scar at the base of the nostrils or across the central strut (‘columella’) of the nose or tiny access incisions on the side of the nose.  The operation takes about 90 minutes. At the end of the operation a small splint and some tapes will be positioned and packs are inserted into the nostrils.  This is done to support the new shape of the nose while it sets.  Some cases are more complex and may require internal access to the central strut deep inside the nose ‘septum’ which is necessary to correct shape, airflow or to obtain cartilage grafts to assist with shaping the nose.  This is known as septo-rhinoplasty.