Otoplasty (ear surgery)

Otoplasty is a corrective surgery to the ears that changes the shape, position and size of the ears (ear mussels). If you are not satisfied with the appearance of your ear shells and their position relative to the head, this operation can solve the problem. Surgical correction of the ears is also recommended for people who have an inborn defect in the ears or for people with ear mites of irregular shape after injury. Otoplasty can be performed after 5 years of life because the ear shells have reached their full size and appearance by then. In rare cases, surgery can be performed at the age of 3 years. If the child is born with ears that move out of the head surface, it is more likely than usual that otoplasty will solve or alleviate the problem. The operation lasts 1 to 2 hours.

WHY IT IS DONE (INDICATIONS)?

• Otoplasty can be done when the ears reach their full size, most often after 5 years of age. This operation is recommended if the ear blades are positioned to change (“sources”) off the surface of the head (more than usual), if the ear blades are larger in size compared to the head size and if you are dissatisfied with the result of the previous operation. To provide symmetry of the ears, otoplasty is done on both sides.

• Otoplasty will not affect your hearing.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED?

• Otoplasty can be done in outpatient or hospital conditions, in local or general anesthesia (during operation you will not be conscious). The surgical technique used to perform this operation depends on the type of correction required. From the choice of the surgical technique itself, the location of the cut and scar will depend upon the operation.

• The doctor makes a cut behind the ear shell and between the eyebrows. This makes the access to the earlobes cartilage. After that, the cartilage puts the cartilage in the correct position and fixes the cartilage with the inner seams.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• Like any surgical procedure, otoplasty is accompanied by a risk of bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. An allergic reaction to the various surgical materials used during the operation is also possible.

• The formation of an inadequate scar. The scar resulting from otoplasty is usually almost imperceptible because it lies behind the ear shell or within the ear shell.

• Asymmetry of the ear membranes can occur as a result of changes during the healing process or due to inadequate surgical correction.

• Very rarely there can be inflammation of the structure around the seams, which may require a new surgical intervention.

• Sometimes there may be a need for re-release, as the effect of the operation may be unsatisfactory.

PREPARATION

• Before surgery, you will talk to your plastic surgeon about the procedure itself. A plastic surgeon will do a detailed examination of your ears. Talk to a plastic surgeon about your expectations of this operation.

• If this operation is done in adulthood, it is recommended that you stop smoking, because smoking reduces blood flow to the blood vessels of the ears and slows the healing process.

• Inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal preparations you use in regular therapy. It will be necessary, in consultation with your doctor, to temporarily stop using certain medicines.

RECOVERY

• After the swelling, your ears will be fixed with a splint to protect and maintain the desired appearance after surgery.

• You may feel itchy or discomfort after operation. In consultation with a doctor, you can take some painkillers.

• To avoid uneven ear pressure, avoid sleeping only on one side. Avoid manipulating the skin around the cuts. Pay attention when dressing and changing clothes. It is recommended to wear t-shirts with a wide collar.

• A few days after surgery the doctor will remove the scrotum. It is expected that the ears will be red and swollen. You will need to wear a hair strap that covers your ears for 2 to 6 weeks. The tape will prevent you from dragging your ears to the front during sleep.

• Talk to your doctor about when it takes the seams to be removed. Sometimes a plastic surgeon puts the seams to be used. Talk to your plastic surgeon when it is recommended that you return to normal daily activities.