Otoplasty

What is otoplasty?

Ear surgery, also known as otoplasty, can improve the shape, position or proportion of the ear. A defect in the ear structure that is present at birth or that becomes apparent with development can be corrected by otoplasty. This procedure can also treat misshapen ears caused by injury.

Otoplasty creates a more natural shape while bringing balance and proportion to the ears and face. Correction of even minor deformities can have profound benefits to appearance and self-esteem.

What can ear surgery treat?

• Overly large ears – a condition called macrotia;
• Protruding ears occurring on one or both sides in varying degrees – not associated with hearing loss;
• Adult dissatisfaction with previous ear surgery.

The first step

The medical appointment is the first step and it is the time to discuss why you want to have this surgery, your expectations and the desired outcome.

At this stage the patient should report his health history, previous surgeries, current medications and the use of alcohol or tobacco. Children over 7 years old are good candidates for surgery, when the ear cartilage is stable enough for correction.

Procedure steps

The surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Each case is individually analyzed to recommend the best choice.

Correction of protruding ears uses surgical techniques to create or increase the antihelical fold (just inside the rim of the ear) and to reduce enlarged conchal cartilage (the largest and deepest concavity of the external ear). Incisions for otoplasty are generally made on the back surface of the ear. When incisions are necessary on the front of the ear, they are made within its folds to hide them. Internal, nonremovable sutures are used to create and secure the newly shaped cartilage in place.

Usually the patient may be discharged on the same day of surgery. The main complications of the surgery are bleeding, asymmetry and irregularities of the ear contour.

Discomfort immediately following ear surgery is normal and can be controlled with pain medication.  There may be an itchy feeling under bandages. It is essential that bandages remain intact and are not removed before instructed.

Source: www.plasticsurgery.org