Ear Pinning Düsseldorf | Ear Correction (Otoplasty) Ear Correction with Dr. med. Karl Schuhmann
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Ear correction helps to improve the silhouette of the head by addressing prominent or protruding ears. Many people are affected by the aesthetic concern of prominent ears, which can significantly impact quality of life and self-confidence. Ear correction, also known as "ear pinning", is a minor outpatient procedure in aesthetic and plastic surgery that allows the ears to lie closer to the head through a small incision. With over 24 years of experience and as a former chief physician, Dr. Karl Schuhmann is a specialist for ear correction in Düsseldorf and has successfully performed numerous ear pinning procedures – giving his patients a new chapter in their lives.
At a glance
- Procedure duration: approx. 1–2 hours
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia
- Treatment: Outpatient
- Recovery time: 3–4 days
Prominent Ears | Protruding Ears
Ear Pinning for Prominent Ears: Reasons and Statistics
Prominent ears, also known as protruding ears, are one of the most common congenital deformities of the ear. Although they do not cause any health problems, they can have an impact on self-confidence and social well-being – in both adults and children. Surgical ear pinning (known as otoplasty) is therefore a frequently requested procedure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Reasons for Ear Pinning
Prominent ears
Overly large auricle
Cartilage malformation
Overly large earlobes
Overly large ears
Asymmetrical ears
Aesthetics: The primary reason for choosing to undergo otoplasty is aesthetic. Prominent ears can be perceived as unattractive and disrupt the proportions of the face. Many people opt for the procedure in order to achieve a more harmonious appearance.
Psychosocial effects: Children and adolescents in particular, who are teased or bullied at school, often suffer from the psychological impact of prominent ears. Ear correction can help to boost self-confidence and improve social integration. This, however, depends on the individual situation and cannot be generalised.
Improved self-esteem: Adults who have felt self-conscious about their prominent ears for many years frequently report an improvement in their self-esteem and quality of life following ear pinning surgery.
Statistical Data on Otoplasty
Frequency: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), approximately 50,000 otoplasties were performed worldwide in 2020. This makes the procedure one of the most common aesthetic operations performed on children and adolescents.
Age distribution: The ideal time for otoplasty is generally during childhood, between the ages of 5 and 7. At this stage, ear growth is largely complete and children are beginning to become aware of social perceptions.
Success rate and satisfaction: Studies show that the satisfaction rate following otoplasty is very high. Over 90% of patients report a significant improvement in their appearance and self-confidence. Complications are rare and affect fewer than 5% of procedures.
Gender distribution: There are no significant differences in the incidence of prominent ears between men and women. However, some studies indicate that women consider correction more frequently than men.
Ear pinning is a well-established and safe surgical procedure that can have considerable positive effects on aesthetic appearance and psychological well-being. With a high success rate and a low complication rate, otoplasty offers many people the opportunity to strengthen their self-confidence and improve their quality of life.
Specialist for Ear Correction in Düsseldorf – Dr. Schuhmann
As an aesthetic and plastic surgeon, it is important to me to address the individual needs and wishes of each patient. At our private practice in Düsseldorf, ear correction is carried out following an initial
consultation
and with personal care provided by me and my team. We are committed to ensuring that you feel at ease and remain satisfied with your results in the long term. For a personal
consultation,
Dr. Karl Schuhmann
is available for you at any time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Ear Pinning: Procedure
The approach to ear correction may differ depending on your individual situation. Ear pinning is performed through an incision at the back of the ear, during which the cartilage is thinned. The desired ear position is then shaped using fine sutures and precise technique. If the inner auricle is too large,
Dr. Schuhmann
can remove the excess cartilage and the cartilage edges are sutured back together. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia with twilight sedation, and you will receive a special head dressing. After a few days the dressing can be removed, and the sutures are taken out after approximately 10 days. A headband is subsequently recommended to protect your ears (particularly at night).
Otoplasty | Ear Pinning | Ear Correction
With otoplasty,
Dr. Schuhmann
can correct malpositioned ears. Ears that protrude (prominent ears / bat ears) or are unusually shaped can be a source of concern and do not conform to conventional aesthetic ideals. Even at a young age, they can lead to feelings of embarrassment and a lack of self-confidence. This burden often persists into adulthood until the decision is made to undergo ear pinning or ear correction.
In addition to prominent ears, less common deformities such as a folded ear may require plastic ear correction, also known as otopexia. Congenital ear deformities result from malformations of the cartilage framework and therefore require surgical correction of the cartilage.
Furthermore, years of wearing heavy earrings can lead to sagging earlobes and stretched ear piercings. In such cases, earlobe correction may be necessary. Modifications such as tunnels and piercings in the earlobes are often regretted over time and can likewise justify a plastic surgery procedure.
Dr. Schuhmann
is on hand to assist you personally with his professional expertise as a former chief physician.
From an aesthetic perspective, the ears form the lateral frame of the face. Otoplasty can give you beautifully shaped, harmonious ears that no longer protrude.
It has been shown that, for the psychological development of those affected, it is beneficial to carry out ear correction treatment during childhood, before starting school or transitioning to secondary school. Of course, the procedure can also be performed at any age.
We are happy to offer you individual and comprehensive consultations at our practice for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Düsseldorf. Once we understand your wishes and expectations regarding ear correction,
Dr. Schuhmann
will plan a tailored approach and discuss it with you in detail.
What should I bear in mind after ear correction?
The procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. Either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia may be used. A hospital stay is not required. Ear pinning in Düsseldorf is performed on an outpatient basis at our plastic surgery practice.
On the day following the procedure, we ask you to come back to our practice. There, we will remove the dressing and check the condition of your ears. If necessary, any dried blood will be gently cleaned away, which is generally painless. If everything is in order, we will apply a light dressing over which the headband can be worn. In the weeks that follow, you will be invited to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible healing process. After the procedure,
Dr. Schuhmann
will explain your individual aftercare routine to you.
After approximately one week, the light dressing can be removed entirely. You should wear the headband around the clock for the first two weeks, and then at night for the following four weeks. It may be helpful to sleep with the upper body slightly elevated during the first few days after the procedure. Sporting activities, sauna visits, and swimming should be avoided for four weeks. Hair washing is possible again after three to four days.
Moderate pain may occur during the first few days after the procedure, but this can be managed effectively with cooling and oral pain relief. Any swelling and bruising will subside within two to three weeks, and the result of the procedure is already visible shortly after surgery. The final result of the ear correction can be seen after approximately four to six weeks. Any residual swelling and changes in sensitivity may take six months to a year to resolve completely. As the skin sutures are usually self-dissolving, suture removal is only required in exceptional cases.
After ear surgery, you can expect to be socially presentable again after approximately 7–10 days and return to work after about one week. Light sporting activities can be gradually resumed after 2–3 weeks, while contact sports should not be undertaken until after 6 weeks.
It is important to cool the ears during the first few days after the procedure. We are happy to assist with any further questions. During the
consultation,
Dr. Schuhmann
will already provide you with comprehensive information about all relevant aspects and what you should bear in mind after ear pinning. Should you have any questions after ear surgery, please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.
Before Ear Pinning in Düsseldorf:
At your first visit to our practice for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Düsseldorf, you will discuss with
Dr. Schuhmann
your expectations of ear correction for your child or for yourself. The structure of your ears will be carefully analysed to identify the causes of the deformity. On this basis, an individually tailored surgical approach can be planned and explained to you. A photographic record will of course also be created by
Dr. Schuhmann
so that you have a before-and-after comparison from the ear procedure.
No special preparation is required on your part before the operation. However, it is advisable to avoid taking aspirin for two weeks prior to the procedure in order to minimise the risk of post-operative bleeding. It is also recommended to reduce alcohol and nicotine consumption to a minimum. After the operation, you will need to wear a headband for a certain period to protect your ears. It is advisable to obtain the headband before the operation.
Risks of Ear Correction
After ear surgery, moderate pain, swelling, and bruising may occur, which is entirely normal and will subside within a few days. Cooling and resting with the upper body elevated can help to minimise these discomforts during the first few days. Post-operative bleeding is extremely rare but possible. Temporary numbness in the area of the ear may occasionally occur, but this will resolve on its own.
In cases of a genetic predisposition, excessive scar tissue formation behind the ear may occur, which could require local treatment with cortisone or even a further corrective procedure. Thanks to our sterile operating conditions, the risk of infections that could damage the cartilage framework is extremely low and has never occurred in our practice. Throbbing pain may be a sign of a dressing that is too tight or of an infection. As we place great importance on regular post-operative check-ups at our practice, we are able to respond immediately to any problems. If you have any concerns or worries, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is important to us that you feel safe and well cared for before, during, and after your procedure.
Ear Pinning Costs in Düsseldorf
The cost of ear correction may vary depending on the individual case, as it is influenced by various factors such as the extent of the procedure and your specific needs. We are therefore happy to offer you a personal
consultation
to discuss your individual concerns and create a tailored treatment plan.
During this consultation,
Dr. Schuhmann
will discuss the costs of your planned ear surgery in detail. A cost estimate will be prepared for you, covering all relevant aspects such as surgical fees, anaesthesia, and any aftercare required. In this way, you will receive a transparent overview of the expected costs of your ear pinning.
Our goal is to provide you with a high-quality and personalised treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or to arrange a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
The cost of ear correction in Düsseldorf with
Dr. Schuhmann
& colleagues starts from €3,000, depending on the findings and extent of the procedure.
Otoplasty – Methods Used in Ear Pinning
How can prominent ears be corrected?
### `<h3>` Suture Technique
The suture technique, also known as the thread method, involves the placement of permanent sutures to draw and fix the ear cartilage into a new, flatter position. This method is minimally invasive, as no incisions are required, enabling faster healing and less visible scarring. It is particularly well suited to patients with more flexible cartilage and milder forms of prominent ears. During a personal
consultation,
Dr. Schuhmann
will discuss your options with you and identify the most suitable treatment method.
Combined Incision-Suture Technique
The combined incision-suture technique combines incisions in the cartilage with the placement of sutures. A small incision is made behind the ear to weaken and reshape the cartilage, before sutures are used to draw the auricle into the desired position. This method offers more precise shaping and is ideal for more pronounced deformities.
Scoring Technique
With the scoring technique, the ear cartilage is weakened by means of small incisions (scores), which facilitates modelling and repositioning. Sutures are then used to fix the auricle in its new position. This method combines the advantages of both the incision and suture techniques and enables a lasting correction with natural-looking results. It is particularly useful for thick or firm cartilage that is difficult to shape.
In the first step,
Dr. Schuhmann
makes an incision behind the ear to expose the ear cartilage. The cartilage is then thinned and reshaped so that the auricle is repositioned at an angle of 25 to 30 degrees. This new position is secured with special sutures that close the incision and are virtually invisible. The end result is aesthetically pleasing and lasting. Depending on the degree of prominence of the ears, the angle may vary during ear correction.
Kosten
Ab 3000€
The cost of ear correction in Düsseldorf with Dr. Schuhmann & colleagues starts from €3,000, depending on the findings and extent of the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can ears be pinned?
Ear correction can be performed from the age of 6, once the ears have largely finished developing.
How should I sleep after ear pinning?
After otoplasty, you should sleep on the back of your head – that is, on your back and not on your side. The headband protects the still-sensitive ears in case of inadvertent rolling over during sleep. Once the sutures and dressing have been removed, you can sleep normally again.
Is ear pinning painful?
No pain is felt during the procedure. After ear correction, mild to moderate pain may occur, which can be alleviated with pain relief medication. For several weeks following ear surgery, there may be some sensitivity to touch.
How long should I avoid sport after otoplasty?
After ear correction, sport should be avoided for approximately 6 weeks to ensure complete healing.
How long is the dressing worn after ear pinning?
After ear pinning, the dressing remains in place for approximately 3–4 days, followed by a light dressing and then a headband for approximately 4 weeks.
What does ear pinning cost?
The cost of ear correction in Düsseldorf with Dr. Schuhmann & colleagues starts from €3,000, depending on the findings and extent of the procedure.
Is ear pinning performed as an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
Ear correction can be performed on an outpatient basis at our practice. Follow-up appointments after ear surgery take place at regular intervals. As a specialist in aesthetic surgery, Dr. Schuhmann will provide you with further detailed information during a consultation.
How long should the headband be worn after ear pinning?
We advise wearing the headband at night for approximately 4 weeks – and also during the day for children. This prevents the ear from folding and supports sensitivity management during the healing period (approximately 8 weeks).
How long does ear surgery take?
The duration of ear surgery is between 40 and 120 minutes, although this may vary depending on circumstances. Preparation for the procedure is not included in this time.
What anaesthesia is used for ear pinning?
Depending on the patient's age and any concurrent medical conditions, the procedure can be carried out either under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia, possibly in combination with twilight sedation.
What type of headband should be worn after ear pinning?
After otoplasty (ear pinning), a special headband is generally recommended to protect and support the newly shaped ears during the healing phase. 1. Soft material: The headband should be made from soft, skin-friendly material to prevent irritation and pressure sores. 2. Elasticity and adjustability: It should be elastic and adjustable to provide a secure hold without being too tight. 3. Breathability: A breathable material helps to prevent sweating and ensures greater comfort. 4. Ear coverage: The headband should cover the ears completely to protect and stabilise them during healing. 5. Size and fit: Ensure that the headband fits well and does not slip. It should be chosen in the correct size to provide optimal protection. 6. Ease of use: A headband that is easy to put on and take off simplifies daily care and cleaning.
Pain after ear pinning?
Pain relief medication can help with discomfort following ear correction. Sensitivity to touch in the first few weeks after otopexia is perfectly normal. Mild swelling may also occur.
Where can I have my ears pinned?
For ear correction, Dr. Schuhmann is available to you as a specialist in both Düsseldorf and Berlin. During an individual consultation, he will advise you in detail about the procedure and aftercare.
When can I swim, use the sauna, and sunbathe after ear pinning?
After otoplasty, it is important to avoid certain activities in order to ensure a safe recovery. We strongly advise against swimming and sauna visits for at least 6 weeks after the procedure. Contact with chlorinated or salt water, as well as the heat of the sauna, can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. It is likewise advisable to avoid direct sun exposure and to refrain from sunbathing for at least 4 weeks after the procedure. UV radiation can adversely affect the sensitive skin and scars, potentially leading to unwanted outcomes.
When can I bathe and shower after ear pinning?
Proper aftercare following otoplasty is essential for a successful recovery. From the 4th day after the procedure, you may take brief showers, taking care to keep the dressing dry. It is important to clean the area around the ears gently and to avoid getting the dressing wet. Full bathing should not take place until 10 days after the procedure to ensure that the wounds have healed sufficiently and to minimise the risk of infection. --- *Export created on: 27.01.2026*
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