Otoplasty (Ear Correction)

Correction of protruding ears at FNKV's plastic surgery department, performed under local anaesthesia as day surgery. Through an incision hidden behind the ear, the cartilage is reshaped and the ear set closer to the head in natural proportions. The department also runs the country's leading paediatric plastic surgery centre, so both adults and children are treated by surgeons with extensive congenital ear-deformity experience. Torn or stretched earlobes (from heavy earrings or piercings) are repaired from 4,000 Kč.

Protruding ears (commonly from an underdeveloped antihelical fold or a deep conchal bowl) are one of the most frequently corrected congenital aesthetic variations — and otoplasty has among the highest satisfaction rates of any aesthetic procedure. **The procedure:** Through a small incision on the back of the ear, the surgeon scores or sutures the cartilage to recreate the antihelical fold and, where needed, reduces the conchal bowl, setting the ear at a natural angle to the head. Under local anaesthesia the procedure takes about 60–90 minutes for both ears, and patients go home the same day with a head dressing. **Recovery:** A protective dressing is worn for about a week, followed by a sports headband at night for several weeks to protect the new cartilage shape. Discomfort is mild and most adults return to desk work within a few days. Results are permanent. **Paediatric expertise:** FNKV houses a dedicated centre for paediatric plastic surgery — the department is the national referral centre for congenital craniofacial conditions in Bohemia — so children with protruding ears are treated by surgeons who operate on congenital ear anatomy week in, week out. Ear correction in children is commonly performed before school age to pre-empt teasing. **Earlobe repair:** Split or stretched earlobes from earrings are repaired under local anaesthesia in a short outpatient procedure (4,000 Kč one lobe / 7,000 Kč both); re-piercing is possible once healed.