Scott Jowlett is now 31, but still clearly remembers being bullied at school for his big protruding ears.
He hated them and would turn to the side in photographs to try and hide them.
Scott had always wanted to do something about his ears but never had the courage. After a lot of research and discussion with his girlfriend, Scott decided to try surgery, and began looking into the possibilities of a procedure called Otoplasty.
He finally went ahead after talking to a consultant at the Harley Medical Group in London.
Since having the surgery, Scott’s confidence has soared and his girlfriend encourages his new found pride in his looks - they even shop for tanning lotions and face creams together.
Scott thinks that he might now spend more on his appearance than his girlfriend and adds that he would have Botox if it meant preserving his looks. Scott also feels that the experience has bought himself and his girlfriend closer and says he is happier than ever.
Tony knows how Scott felt. Tony was called ‘Jug’ throughout his teenage years. He felt his protruding ears were as noticeable as a pair of glasses.
“I was very self conscious about them,” said Tony, a 36 year old carpenter from California. “People said they weren’t that bad, but they were people with normal non-protruding ears. They didn’t have to live with them every minute of the day. And they weren’t nicknamed Jug.
“You get used to it, but you know deep down it will never go away. It affects your self-confidence and your ability to socialise. You are always aware that when you are talking to a girl they are trying not to look at your ears.”
Tony always wore his hair long to try to hide his ears.
“That didn’t really make me feel comfortable either,” he said. “Styles change and shorter hair is more modern.”
Tony saw an advert for The Changes Plastic Surgery and Medical Centre in San Diego, run by Dr Gilbert Lee, went for a consultation and was recommended for an otoplasty.
Dr Lee said: “Otoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure in a surgical facility. Adults usually have the procedure performed with local anesthesia and sedation. It usually takes about two hours, although more complicated procedures may take longer.”
“Some surgeons choose to carry out the procedure with the patient under general anaesthetic. It depends in the individual case.
“The ears may throb or ache for a few days, but this can be relieved with medication. Within a few days, a lighter head dressing similar to a headband usually replaces the initial bandages. To help the healing process, it is important to closely follow the post-operative instructions. If removable stitches are used, they will usually be removed in a week. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery.“
Dr Lee says prominent ears is not the only ear problem that plastic surgery can correct. Others include: "lop ear," when the tip seems to fold down and forward; "cupped ear," which is usually a very small ear; and "shell ear," when the curve in the outer rim, as well as the natural folds and creases, are missing. Surgery can also improve large or stretched earlobes, or lobes with large creases and wrinkles.”
As with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with otoplasty.
Occasionally, patients can develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear. It may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. There is also a risk of asymmetry as well as potential recurrence to some degree if the stitches break.
For Tony the operation was worth the effort and the money. “It is just such a confidence booster,” he said. “For the first time in my life I feel real good about myself. I don’t even mind being called Jug anymore.”
What is involved:
Ears that protrude or appear particularly large can cause great emotional distress. In recent years Otoplasty, or ear correction surgery, has become increasingly popular amongst men of all ages.
Ear reshaping surgery is carried out to reduce the size of the ears, reshape them or reset protruding ears so that they sit closer to the head.
Surgery is usually carried out under general anesthetic in children, but local anesthetic and mild sedation can be used in adolescents and adults.
It involves removal of cartilage from behind the ear, to reduce the protrusion of the outer ear shell. The surgeon makes an incision behind the ear in the fold where the ear meets the head. The skin is peeled back and the cartilage beneath is reshaped. Some cartilage and skin may be removed. The surgeon may make further changes to the shape or size of the ear to maintain symmetry between the two ears.
It can be used as a way of simply altering the shape or size too and this is done by removing the skin, reshaping the cartilage underneath and stitching the ears before bandaging the area.
Occasionally, the surgeon will have to remove a piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete.
In most cases, otoplasty will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.
The operation usually takes about an hour. As the anesthetic wears off painkillers may be needed The ears remains bandaged for one to two weeks and you may have to sleep propped up on pillows initially.
Ear correction surgery can be done at the same time as other cosmetic surgery.
What does it cost.
Depending on the clinic you choose and the work needed, the Otoplasty operation can
range from around £1,100 - £3,000, in the UK. Overnight stays and any further
treatment may be extra.
More info:
UK: www.harleymedical.co.uk 0800 085 4984
Ireland: 1800 24 24 42
US: Dr Gilbert Lee, Changes Plastic surgery & Medical Centre ,11515 El Camino Real, Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92130, Tel: (+001) 858-720-1440
