EarFold® can correct protruding ears or improve the appearance of asymmetrical ears by rebalancing their size.
EarFold Implants
EarFold Implants: Stick the ears back on in minutes
EarFold® is a small implant that reshapes the cartilage in the ear to the desired shape. It is a minimally invasive technique that is a good alternative to conventional otoplasty.
The indications: Sticking out ears
The process of the operation
EarFold® implants are placed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis and take only twenty minutes.
Prefold® is an almost exact replica of the Earfold® implant. This way the patient can visualize the final result of the treatment.
Prefold® allows :
- Determine the number of Earfold® Implants needed.
- Evaluate the positioning of the clips on the ear.
The patient stands in front of a mirror. After disinfecting the ears, the surgeon gently pushes the edge of the helix back from the ear to the head and then draws curved lines representing the top of the desired antelix plication. He places small pieces of double-sided tape on selected areas and folds the ear to create the desired antelix plication. Then he places the Prefold® clips to properly reposition the ear.
The surgeon takes pictures of the Prefold® to facilitate positioning during the subsequent Earfold® implantation. The result may differ slightly from what was expected during the simulation with the Prefold® Positioner.
Before the procedure
Remove all clips and piercings and come without earrings.
Style her hair so that the ears are as free as possible.
Placing the implants
The EarFold® implant is made of a nickel-titanium alloy metal, Nitinol. This material has two advantages:
- It is very elastic and the ear always returns to its original position.
- It permanently retains the predefined design.
The surgeon makes a small incision in the back fold of the ear and then inserts the EarFold® implant under the skin. Once in place, the implants cling to the cartilage of the ear and reduce the protruding appearance of the cartilage fold. He uses one or two EarFold® implants in each ear to achieve the desired result.
At the end of the procedure, the practitioner sutures with absorbable suture.
What happens after the operation
EarFold® is a minimally invasive technique. There is no bruising or swelling. The patient experiences at most slight pain for a few days.
- It is not necessary to put on a bandage or a headband after the operation.
- There is bruising and swelling around the incision for a week.
- Avoid sports activities where the ears may be manipulated or traumatized for four weeks.
- Do not sleep on your side for four to five weeks to reduce the risk of trauma to the ear.
- Most patients are able to resume their activities the same day or the next day.
EarFold: the results
The result is visible immediately. The ears have lost their loose appearance and appear quite flat.
Earfold® has been designed to stay in place permanently. However, if the patient wishes, he or she may request to remove or replace the implants due to complications or an unsatisfactory cosmetic result.