Introduction

Otoplasty is surgery performed to reposition prominent "protruding" ears in a more natural position, closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears. Generally, it is a surgery performed on children between 4 and 14 years old. The ears are almost fully developed at the age of 4, so the sooner the surgery is performed, the less ridiculous will the child feel at school. Adults can also undergo ear surgery, without taking on any additional risks.

If you're considering ear surgery for yourself or your child, this information will give you a basic understanding, of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon`s preferences. Please ask your surgeon about anything you don't understand.

Who is the best candidate for otoplasty?

Most plastic surgeons recommend the parents to observe the child's behavior in relation to their prominent ears; don't insist on the surgery until your child wants the change. Children who feel uncomfortable about their ears and want the surgery are generally more cooperative during the process and happier with the outcome.

Many patients, children or adults, they may be unsure about the result of the otoplasty. Keep in mind that the goal is to achieve an improvement, and not an absolute perfection. Do not expect an exact symmetry, which might also look unnatural. If you talk to your plastic surgeon about both the procedure and your expectations and options, the results would be very satisfactory.

In the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will make an assessment of the problem and will recommend you the most appropriate technique for you. He will also give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

The catalog of Social Security benefits does not include cosmetic otoplasty, except in those cases where it is associated with a significant psychological disturbance or when the deformity is very important, and always during school age.

Otoplasty: appearance before surgery

Where is otoplasty performed?

Otoplasty is performed in the operating room, within a clinic or hospital. Depending on the type of anesthesia, the surgery will be performed in ambulatory regime or the patient will remain in the hospital the night after surgery.

Anesthesia

If the child is very young, the plastic surgeon will prefer to perform the surgery under general anesthesia. For older children and adults, local anesthesia will be used with or without sedation, so the patient would be awake during surgery, but relaxed.

The surgery

Otoplasty usually takes 2 to 3 hours, though complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem. Usually, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. Then he will sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head; internal stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking ear. Finally, the excess skin is removed. Ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

Incision design and surgical technique

Returning to normality/getting back to normality

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although it is recommended you stayed overnight in the hospital until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off. A bulky bandage will be wrapped around the patient`s head following surgery. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication. Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. It is important to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity.

Are there risks? Are there any guarantees?

When ear surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. A small percentage of patients may develop a blood clot on the ear that may dissolve naturally or can be drawn out with a needle. Occasionally, patients develop an infection in the cartilage, which can cause scar tissue to form. Such infections are usually treated with antibiotics; rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infected area.

Otoplasty: appearance after surgery

Otoplasty: summary

The ear surgery more is most frequently performed to correct the "ears of bellows." This intervention is often requested by teenagers and even children, because of the psychological and social problems this deformity brings along.

Depending on the patient`s age, the intervention can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The incision is usually made behind the ear, therefore leaving an almost invisible scar. Starting with this incision, the surgeon reshapes the ear cartilage, so that it folds in the right place and then removes the excess skin. Sutures are then made.

A bandage is then placed to keep the ears in the correct position as they heal. Once the bandage is removed (in a week) the stitches are taken out and an elastic band is wrapped around the head; this band is used in order to prevent the ears from folding in a forward position during sleep and will be kept for 2 weeks.
The result of the operation is permanent. A retouch is rarely needed and complications, whether of the skin or cartilage, are exceptional.

Other ear problems

In addition to prominent or "protruding" ears, there are other problems that can be solved by surgery. These include constricted or cup ear. Elongated or torn ear lobes can also be surgically improved. The plastic surgeon is also able to create a new ear when one is born without it (microtia) or when it is lost due to injury.

The information contained on this page cannot, and does not replace the information provided individually by your plastic surgeon. In case of doubt, your plastic surgeon will provide appropriate clarifications. If you are planning to undergo an intervention or Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, see a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.