earFold™

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An earFold™ is an alternative to an otoplasty (a.k.a. ear-pinning procedure) that corrects ear protrusion without the removal of skin or ear cartilage.

earFold™ Overview - 977

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

1 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$1000 - $2000

The Specifics


What is an earFold™?

An earFold™ is an ear surgery to reduce the protrusion of the ears through the use of a small implant in both children and adults. In contrast, a traditional otoplasty is more invasive in that it surgically removes skin and ear cartilage. This creates longer recovery times, but also allows for reductions in size. An earFold™ uses one small incision to implant a small device in a predetermined fold that bends the ear into the desired position.

The Anatomy of the Ear

Ear Anatomy Close Up Photo

What cosmetic concerns does an earFold™ procedure treat?

  1. Ear Shape: The insertion of a small implant into the ear cartilage bends the ear into the desired position and shape.

Who is the ideal candidate for an earFold™ procedure?

The ideal candidate for an earFold™ is an individual of any age (including children over five) in generally good health who do not have recurrent ear problems. earFold is not recommended for individuals with certain chronic medical conditions, those under age five, those looking to correct ear size, and those with chronic ear infections (otitis media), inner ear or middle ear issues, ear canal abnormalities, or certain types of hearing loss.

What is the average recovery associated with an earFold™ procedure?

Following an earFold™ patients can expect up to 12 weeks of ear sensitivity. The ears must be kept dry, and strenuous activity and sun exposure should be limited for the first few weeks. Earrings are not to be worn for the first two weeks. Most other normal activities, however, can be resumed immediately after the procedure.

What are the potential side effects of an earFold™ procedure?

Possible side effects following an otoplasty include pain, minor bleeding, itching, scarring, infection, sensitivity, and asymmetrical appearance.

What can someone expect from the results of an earFold™ procedure?

The results of an earFold™ procedure are immediate and permanent improvements to the appearance of the ear.

What is the average cost of an earFold™ procedure?


An earFold™ can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000. The actual cost of an earFold™ is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery.

thumbs-upPros

  • Quicker Recovery
  • Less Likely For Keloid Scars
  • Improved Shape
  • Improved Proportion
  • Confidence
  • Low Risk
  • Permanent Results

thumbs-downCons

  • Symmetry
  • Possible Scars

Invasiveness Score

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


earFold is a minimally invasive alternative to an otoplasty surgery that corrects protruding ears. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after an earFold procedure.

The Takeaway


An earFold™ is an ear surgery performed for cosmetic reasons to reduce the protrusion of the ear. This cosmetic surgery is performed in children and adults for improved self-esteem and a more desirable aesthetic.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Alexander Berghaus Protruding ears - cosmetic surgery with a sense of proportion PubMed.gov; 2016-09-01
  2. Better Health Channel Otoplasty (external ear surgery)
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