Otoplasty
What is it?
Otoplasty – cosmetic ear surgery – is a procedure to change the shape, size or position of the ears.
People usually consider otoplasty when they feel uncomfortable with how their ears protrude from their face or with their shape.
It can be performed as soon as the ears reach their full size – usually by the age of 5.
Who is it for?
Candidates for otoplasty must be emotionally mature patients and must understand their own motivations for having the surgery. In children, it is usually done before they start school because of the self-image issues and psychological stress they are subjected to during school.
Otoplasty is indicated if:
- The ears protrude too far to the side (winged ears)
- Ears that are too big for the size of the head
- Abnormally shaped ears – after trauma or congenital
- Unhappy with previous surgery
Generally, otoplasty is bilateral in order to optimize results and symmetry.
It is important to know that otoplasty in no way interferes with hearing.
Scars
The otoplasty scar is retroauricular and is not visible. It is hidden in the groove between the ear and the head.
Technical features
Otoplasty techniques vary according to the correction required and the desired result.
The specific technique chosen by the plastic surgeon varies and will be explained in a consultation setting.
In general, excess skin is removed and the cartilage is reshaped to the desired form.
Type of anesthesia
Otoplasty is usually performed under sedation and local anesthesia. In some cases, and especially in younger children, it can be done under general anesthesia.
Although the patient may have preferences, you should know that ultimately the type of anesthesia is defined by the anesthesiologist according to the combination of procedures to be performed and the patient’s medical history.
Results and benefits
After removing the dressings, the result is immediate and noticeable. The changes in shape and size are permanent.
It results in a great improvement in self-esteem and, especially for children, avoids many stressful situations that they may unfortunately experience during school.
Post-operative care
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. During the first week you will wear a protective dressing. You should avoid sleeping on your side or wearing tight clothing that could dislodge the dressing when you put it on.
At the first appointment, the bandage is removed. It is generally recommended to wear a headband (day and night or just night) for the first few weeks to protect the ears.
Intense physical exertion should be avoided in the first 6 weeks.
You must comply with the medication and all the other recommendations of the medical team.
You should not smoke after surgery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications, particularly difficulties with healing and tissue vascularization.