Ear surgery – otoplasty
Overview
Protruding or large ears can create lots of problems to a person, especially
a child. Large or deformed ears are often inherited and are not only a
physical defect but often a cause of permanent stress and psychological
problems. Otoplasty is aimed at correcting this feature. It helps raise a
person’s self-esteem and may change attitude of others, making social
adaptation easier.
Using the latest medical and surgical advances RomiTal surgeons have achieved
remarkable results in otoplasty. If you want to help your child before the
school or would like to change your own appearance, you will receive
professional assistance and care at our medical center.
What is otoplasty?
Otoplasty (from Greek “othos” - ear) is a general term for plastic surgery on
ears. Otoplasty is a surgical correction of protruding, large or deformed
ears. It can set the ears back closer to the head, reduce them, change their
shape or proportion, and make them more symmetrical. Various otoplasty methods
are known since 1840s; modern methods of cosmetic otoplasty have been formed
about 50 years ago and are constantly improved.
When is it better to perform otoplasty?
The surgery is usually recommended at the age of 5-6 years, after the ears
have reached full size, and before a child goes to school. This can help
prevent the child from teasing and ridicule that is unfortunately commonly
associated with larger ears. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and
there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an
older patient. Often adults choose to have otoplasty together with other
facial surgeries.
Before the surgery
Before the surgery your child or you should undergo a thorough examination,
have blood and urine tests made, fluorography of thorax organs,
electrocardiogram. The surgeon will evaluate your face and ears to create an
individual surgery plan.
The person undergoing the surgery must be in a good health (no chill or other
diseases in this period). For adult patients: if you smoke, you should stop
smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery and abstain from smoking for at
least 2-3 weeks after it. Otherwise there is a risk of wound healing
disturbance because smoking significantly reduces blood supply to skin vessels.
If your child or you take any drugs you need to discuss this with the doctor
during preliminary consultation. You should also discuss with your surgeon
your expectations from the surgery. Both parents and the surgeon must be very
careful and sensitive to the feelings of children.
The surgery
Otoplasty on young children can be performed under a general anesthesia, on
older children and adults under a local anesthesia combined with a sedative.
Usually the procedure takes place in an outpatient setting. An otoplasty takes
from one to three hours, though complicated procedures may take longer.
Surgical techniques may vary depending on anatomical reasons of ear deformity
and the surgeon’s decision. Most commonly the surgeon makes a small incision
in the back of the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the
head, to expose the ear cartilage. The surgeon then removes the necessary
amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect, shapes the
remained into a desirable form, and stitches the incisions to secure the
cartilage in the necessary position. Soft dressings are applied to the ears at
the end of the surgery and should be worn for a few days.
Since incisions are made in the natural fold in the back of the ear, they are
not visible from the outside. The scars fade with the time leaving virtually
no visible trace. The main outcome of the surgery is that the ears will
harmonize with the face and overall appearance.
What can be expected after the surgery?
If a patient feels good, it is possible to leave the clinic a few hours after
the surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to wear special fixative dressing
24 hours a day during one week and elastic dressing for a night during one
month.
The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved
by medication.
Bulky bandages are replaced by a lighter head dressing in a few days, and
stitches are removed in a week.
Adults may return to work in about five days and children can go to school in
a week or so. However it is important that kids are very careful about
running, jumping and other playground activities, especially in a group.
Sleeping can be somewhat of a problem for many people, especially those who
are accustomed to sleeping on a side of the body because no pressure can be
put on the ears. You may be recommended to sleep in a sitting or half sitting
position and only on your back.
The ears may seem not to be absolutely symmetrical, but you should not worry
about this, as natural symmetry doesn’t exist. Everybody has asymmetric
features of the face and body and this is exactly what natural beauty is
about.
When recovery is complete you will be satisfied with the results, especially
if your expectations have been realistic so the minor discomfort is worth
toleration.
If you have more questions about otoplasty, fell free to
contact us.
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