Dermal Filler is a simple and effective treatment for ear shaping and ear wrinkles. Ears can be injected for 2 purposes with dermal filler
1. To look younger
2. To look more beautiful.
Aging of the Ear:
As we age, our ears change. The ear lobe can become less smooth, the lobe can lengthen and wrinkles may appear in the lobe.
Beauty of the Ear
Some people were born with great ears, and others were born with ears whose appearance could be improved. For those who weren’t born with the perfect ears, sometimes dermal filler can be used to improve the appearance.
Ear Deformities after surgery
Sometimes a patient can be left with deformities after the operation to have their ears pinned back (otoplasty). These patients should be assessed to see if dermal filler can improve the appearance
Dermal filler can improve:
Wrinkles in the ear: Dermal filler can be injected to fill the wrinkles
Skin of the ear: this can be improved with dermal filler or skin boosters
The shape of the ear: The patient will be assessed and the doctor will have a discussion with the patient about their anatomy, and how it can be improved.
Imperfections, defects or asymmetries following ear surgery (otoplasty) may be improved
Symmetry of the ears: asymmetry of the ears can be improved with dermal filler treatment.
Aging : as we age, the ears changes, dermal filler may be used to reduce the age appearance
TREATMENT OF EARS WITH DERMAL FILLERS
Choosing the dose of dermal fillers
The dose required for ear filling is variable, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s anatomy
The injector will assess the ears and decide on the best dose after taking a history and examining the patient. If a patient has a history of complications with dermal fillers, or if their budget is small or if they want a more subtle result, then a smaller dose might be chosen to start with.
Typically, we would start with 1ml of dermal filler for the ear. 1-3 treatments may be required
Pain relief during treatment
A numbing cream (eg EMLA or LMX ) may be applied to the area prior to the treatment (45 minutes prior is ideal) Glad wrap may be used over the numbing cream to increase its effect.
If a cannula is used, local anaesthetic is used prior to the cannula being introduced into the skin
There is local anaesthetic in the dermal filler
Ice is often used to decrease pain and to reduce the risk of bruising.
Nitrous oxide (happy gas) is available for patients to use
What happens during the injectables treatment itself?
The ears will be cleaned with alcohol.
Ice will be applied to the area briefly before treatment The doctor will inject using a very fine needle. Then pressure with gauze will be applied.
If a cannula is used, a small injection of local anaesthetic is injected into the skin and then a fine needle makes a small hole in the skin where the cannula is inserted.
How will I look after dermal filler in the ears?
There may be redness and swelling, and red dots at the injection sites
Side effects /risks with dermal fillers in the ears:
Bruising occurs in a significant number of cases.
Swelling in the injection area will occur. This will last for aprox 48 hours
Asymmetry: Sometimes one side is better treated than the other, this is usually because the patient is asymmetrical to start with.
Infection is a very rare complication, but always a possibility when the needle goes into the skin.
Necrosis (blood vessel being blocked, interfering with blood supply to the skin) is very rare. This could lead to scarring.
Need for further treatment: It may take several syringes of product to get to where the patient wants to be.
Instructions for care afterward
No makeup for 4 hours
No heavy exercise that day
No acid face products for 24 hours
No spas no saunas, no hot yoga for 1 week post treatment
What to expect after the ear dermal filler treatment?
The effect of the dermal filler will be obvious immediately
Most of the swelling from the dermal filler will have resolved by 2-3 days after the procedure. There may be a small amount of swelling for even 2-4 weeks after the procedure.
What if I get asymmetry at some time before the 4 week point? Do I call the clinic?
No. No need to call the clinic. Sometimes asymmetry will occur because one side is more swollen or bruised. Usually it will right itself by the time of the review appointment. If it doesn’t, then it can be examined at the review appointment. There is no point in coming in early for treatment of asymmetry as there is often swelling associated and so the final result cannot be seen until at least 2 weeks. Treating asymmetry too early could lead to further asymmetry
How long will the treatment last?
The answer to this is very individual and depends on the patient’s anatomy, metabolism, the dose, the placement, the product etc. Typically with our most commonly used dermal filler: If the patient is happy with the results at 1 month (ie there has been adequate fill) they should be treated at 6 months, then at 6 months and then once yearly. If the patient is not satisfied with the results at 1 month (ie more dermal filler is required to obtain the results that they desire), then further dermal filler should be injected every 1-3 months until the desired appearance has been reached, and then the patient should have treatment at 6 months, then 6 months, then once yearly
Cost of dermal filler in ears:
Cost is per syringe. 1-3 treatments may be required
Please see our current dermal filler prices.