Otoplasty
Otoplasty treats prominent ears, while also brings the ear fin to its natural anatomic position. Lack of harmony in the face makes many children feel uncomfortable due to the size, shape or position of their ears.
The most common problem associated with this procedure is prominent or asymmetrical ears, which are inherited problems. Otoplasty is the procedure for correcting and improving the shape, position or proportions of the ears.
Children with prominent ears get easily teased at in school. As such, considering otoplasty before the age of 5 (that is before going to school) will definitely benefit the appearance, self-esteem and quality of life of children. On the other hand, the procedure can be performed around the age of 8, when ear development nears maturity.
Technique
Otoplasty patients usually undergo general anesthesia and after the age of 12, undergo a combination of sedation and analgesia.
In general, incisions are made behind the ears, leaving no visible scars, and the plastic surgeon then folds the cartilage into the proper position and secures it without the need for sutures.
As a general rule, the appropriate otoplasty technique is chosen by your plastic surgeon based on the kind of correction needed.
What to expect after surgery:
- After the procedure, your ears will be covered in bandages for 4-5 days.
- You will also need to wear a headband that covers your ears during the night for approximately one month.
- If sutures are not absorbable, they will be removed after one week.
- Scars are not visible since the scar line is made behind the ear. Even small scars fade with time.
- Adults may return to their daily routine within 5 days following otoplasty, while children are recommended to do so after a week following the procedure and should be very careful with physical activities for the following weeks.
Duration of Results
Otoplasty benefits will be lifelong. The goal of the procedure is to provide a natural result and to not have the ears appear like they are stuck to the sides of the head.
Useful Information
- Apart from prominent ears, otoplasty also corrects many dysfunctions, such as:
- a) “Lop ear”, when the superior edge of the helix is folded down.
- b) “Cupped ear”, when the upper pole is folded over and the ear is tiny.
- c) “Shell ear”, when certain features of a normal ear are missing (helix, antihelix, antitragus).
- d) Correction of earlobe deformities and correction of congenital problems or of those occurred due to an injury.
- It is estimated that 5% of children worldwide are born with prominent ears regardless of race.
- Otoplasty produces a natural result, as the ears are neither prominent nor stuck to the sides of the head.
