Ear surgery (otoplasty)

The art of personalised cartilage sculpting by Dr Afshin Yousefpour. A prominent ear is not simply a matter of skin position, but a variation in the architecture of the cartilage.

At the consultation, Dr Yousefpour pinpoints the anatomical origin of the deformity, which usually involves three components, alone or combined: an under-folded antihelix, an oversized concha or a forward-pointing earlobe.

The protocol, step by step.

1. Step 1

   Pre-operative assessment

   3D photographic analysis, clotting tests and an anaesthetic consultation.

2. Step 2

   The operation

   Local anaesthesia or sedation in adults, general anaesthesia in children; as a day case, admitted in the morning and discharged the same day after monitoring.

3. Step 3

   Dressing and support

   A protective moulding dressing for 24 to 48 hours, then a support headband day and night for 1 week and at night only for 3 to 4 weeks.

4. Step 4

   Return to activities

   Back to work or school after 5 to 7 days, non-contact sports at 3 weeks and contact sports at 6 weeks.

Understanding the anatomy of prominent ears

• Under-folded antihelix: the absence or lack of the natural upper fold makes the ear look flat and spread out.

• Oversized concha: the central bowl-shaped cartilage is too deep or projects forward, pushing the whole ear outwards.

• Forward-pointing earlobe: the earlobe is angled too far forward.

Dr Yousefpour’s surgical signature

A specialist of the face, Dr Afshin Yousefpour uses a conservative, structural approach:

• Gentle cartilage reshaping: soft rasps and calibrated cartilage sutures (Mustardé and Furnas sutures) preserve natural suppleness, without artificial angles or a “broken” look.

• Concha setback: gentle repositioning of the concha without excessive removal, keeping the structure of the ear intact.

• Invisible scar: hidden in the natural groove behind the ear, closed with a dissolvable or intradermal suture for complete discretion.

• Children and adults: an approach adapted to children from 7 to 8 years (once ear growth has stabilised and with the child’s agreement) and to adults wishing to correct a long-standing concern.

Frequently asked questions

• Why see Dr Yousefpour for your otoplasty? He has in-depth expertise in the soft tissues, cartilage and bony proportions of the face. This ensures a safe procedure and, above all, harmonious integration of the ear with the dynamics of your profile and face.

• How is a child treated? From 7 years old, the ear cartilage has reached about 85 to 90 % of its adult size. The request should come first from the child if they are bothered. Dr Yousefpour creates a reassuring, caring atmosphere, and the operation is performed under light general anaesthesia for complete comfort.

• What sensations are normal after surgery? In the first days, moderate tightness behind the ears is normal, with swelling and bruising. Skin sensation of the ear is reduced and usually recovers on its own within a few weeks to a few months.

• When can the final result be judged? The change is visible as soon as the first dressing is removed. The near-final result can be seen at 1 month (80 % of swelling resolved) and the stable final result between 3 and 6 months, once the tissues have fully softened.

Medical information: aim and procedure

The operation corrects the shape of the ear (antihelix, concha, earlobe). Dr Yousefpour tailors the surgical technique to each case to achieve a harmonious, symmetrical position.

Usual after-effects

• A compression dressing and then a support headband must be worn as prescribed.

• Swelling, bruising and discomfort behind the ear for 7 to 15 days.

• Temporary reduced sensation of the ear.

Documented risks and complications

Every operation carries risks, even when performed with the greatest care:

• Haematoma: an early collection of blood under the skin, which may require aspiration or prompt surgical revision to prevent damage to the cartilage.

• Infection or chondritis: rare infection of the ear cartilage requiring targeted antibiotics and, exceptionally, surgical cleaning.

• Abnormal healing: risk of a hypertrophic or keloid scar depending on the skin’s own reaction.

• Residual asymmetry or recurrence: the elastic memory of the cartilage or early loosening of internal sutures may justify surgical touch-up later (after 6 to 12 months).

• Localised skin necrosis: rare, encouraged by active smoking.

Costs of revision surgery (touch-ups)

Healing continues over 6 to 12 months. No definitive surgical touch-up can be undertaken before the tissues have fully stabilised.

• If a touch-up or revision is needed later to correct a residual imperfection, all costs of the new operation (clinic or hospital stay, anaesthetist’s fees, consumables, theatre equipment and surgical fees) are paid entirely by the patient.

• The initial procedure is in no way a package that includes possible further operations.

Legal provisions and Belgian VAT

Under Belgian tax law governing medical and surgical procedures (VAT Code, art. 44, § 1, 2°), any procedure or part of a procedure with a purely aesthetic purpose is subject to 21 % VAT, charged in addition to fees and facility costs.

Informed consent

You receive a medical information and informed consent file before the operation (signed by the legal guardians for minors). By signing it, you confirm that you have had a detailed consultation with Dr Afshin Yousefpour in which otoplasty, its alternatives, recovery and potential complications were clearly explained, that you have had enough time to reflect, and that you understand and accept that any revision surgery is entirely at your expense and that aesthetic services are subject to 21 % Belgian VAT.