Earfold^® is an innovative and alternative approach to traditional otoplasty surgery used to re-shape prominent ears, a condition reportedly affecting between 1 – 2% of the population. When considering Earfold^® treatment, the first step in the process is to have an initial consultation with one of our specialist surgeons. They will discuss and assess your needs thoroughly. They will go though all the possible options available and agree which is the most appropriate ear correction procedure for you. If Earfold^® is the recommended ear correction treatment option, the next step will be understanding more about what’s involved.

Our Earfold^® procedure is performed in less than 20 minutes and involves inserting a specially designed implant under the skin of the ear which changes its shape. A local anaesthetic injection is used to completely numb the ear first. The Earfold^® implants are then introduced under the skin of the ear via a small incision using a specially designed medical instrument. Once in place, the implant grips the cartilage of the ear and immediately adopts the pre-decided shape.

The Earfold^® implant enhances the shape of the anti-helical fold, reducing the prominence of the ear. The incision is then closed and whilst in place, the implant remolds the cartilage of the ear, allowing it to maintain its new shape and position.

The Earfold^® implant is a short, curved, wafer-thin strip of metal alloy called Nitinol which is plated with 24-carat gold to reduce the visibility of the implant under the skin. Nitinol alloy is made of two metals, titanium and nickel and is widely used in medicine, for example in self-expanding coronary stents.

The implant has undergone extensive laboratory and human clinical testing over a period of several years. You will be able to handle and inspect the implant when you visit your consultant.

Your ear can still be moved in a natural way whilst the implant is in place because the nature of the Nitinol makes it super-elastic while still maintaining its shape. Adjacent is an image of the implant, shown to scale against a one pound coin.

Another factor in helping you decide whether Earfold^® is right for you, is that you can choose and see how your ears will look BEFORE the permanent implants are put in on the day of your procedure. By using 1 or 2 temporary positioners called Prefold^® per ear during your consultation, you and your surgeon will be able to see where the permanent Earfold^® implants need to be located in order to produce the desired level of correction. So you are in control of the new position of your ears.

If you need any more information, please get in touch with one of our friendly team on 01722 342630.

You can also find our more information from the makers of Earfold^®, Allergan, here.