Dr. Shazma Yousaf
Plot no : 40 Jhelum Rd, G 8/4 G-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
Otoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the size, shape or proportion of the ears or pin them back if they stick out. The most common reason why people seek ear surgery is because they are bothered by how far their ears stick out from their head. This ear characteristic can cause psychological trauma and can affect personality and self-esteem for a lifetime. For this reason, many parents chose to get surgery performed in their children to avoid bullying and future emotional impact. The most common approaches to correct prominent ears are Otoplasty and Earfold (a less invasive procedure).
Surgery time | 1 hour |
Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia (sedation may be required specially in children or nervous patients). |
Type | Outpatient – the patient goes home on the same day. |
Recovery time | 2 weeks to go back to work. |
Postoperative care | Total rest during the first 24 hours; wear headband 24/7 for 1 or 2 weeks; avoid touching or rubbing ears; sleep with your head elevated for a couple of weeks; avoid sun exposure; take medication according to medical advice. |
Otoplasty covers several outer-ear related surgeries.
Good candidates for an otoplasty usually meet the following criteria:
Before administrating anaesthesia, the patient’s ears are marked. Standardized photographs are taken before and after marking.
Local anaesthesia is administrated in the area all around the ears. If you are having sedation it will also be administrated through intravenous injection.
Ear skin is disinfected, and blue wraps are placed to protect the surgical spot from external environment.
Otoplasty incisions are usually made behind the ear. When incisions are needed in the front of the ear, they are hidden within the ear folds. Internal sutures can also be performed to secure the newly shaped cartilage.
Otoplasty incisions typically are closed with sutures which are removed after 7 days.
Final results are checked before placing the headband and taking the patient to the recovery room. Results are seen immediately and will improve gradually as swelling and bruising subside.
All incisions leave scars. However, ear pinning surgery scars are hidden behind the ear and usually heal very well. Some other ear correction requires incisions in front of the ear but is these cases, every attempt is made to hide the scars along the natural ear folds. Otoplasty incisions are made as small as possible for the best overall patient´s satisfaction
Like in any other surgery, otoplasty involves preparation. It is important to know what to expect and follow medical advice. The initial step to undergo an ear correction surgery is the first consultation with the plastic surgeon where the following will be evaluated:
Medical history: it is important to inform your plastic surgeon about any medical condition related to your ears, ear infections or problems you have or had and talk about other important issues such as medication you take, allergies, etc.
Physical exam: the plastic surgeon will evaluate your ear size, shape and position to determine the best treatment option. Pictures may be taken for medical record.
Expectations: you should share with your plastic surgeon your goals and expectations regarding otoplasty and the appearance you wish to achieve. The plastic surgeon will be able to confirm if you are a good candidate for ear surgery and will recommend the appropriate techniques your case. Be aware surgery is not an exact science and results depend on genetics and initial ear characteristics.
Here are some tips to better prepare for surgery:
There is no right age to perform and otoplasty but the sooner the better. Ear pinning surgery is not only for adults, it´s designed for any person who suffers with their ear appearance. Children with prominent ears may suffer bullying at school which can interfere with their confidence and cause emotional trauma for the rest of their lives. Everyone deserves to feel confident from a very young age and feel comfortable in their own body. If you think your child needs ear surgery, speak to your plastic surgeon about it. It is recommended to get surgery done at an early age but not before the age of 5 as ears are still developing.
After an otoplasty your ears will be covered with a headband for protection and support. Bandage must be used 24/7 for 1 or 2 weeks and then during the night for another 2 to 3 weeks. After surgery you will remain in the recovery room for a few hours until you are able to go home – it is an outpatient procedure so you can return home on the same day. Otoplasty recovery is not particularly painful, but you may experience the following symptoms:
Full recovery from an otoplasty takes time. It is important to know what to expect and follow medical instructions for a quicker and comfortable recovery. Here are some recommendations for a good recovery:
As with any other surgery, there are risks and complications associated with ear surgery but, fortunately, they rarely happen. Thousands of otoplasties are performed all around the world with a very low complication rate and with a very high satisfaction level. Some of otoplasty risks and complications include:
To minimize the risk of otoplasty complications, you must follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations before and after the surgery. During your consultation, all otoplasty risks and complications will be discussed in detail and you will be able to ask all your questions.
After your headband is removed you will notice an immediate change in the appearance of your ears – your ears will appear back closer to the head. However, due to bruising and residual swelling it can take up to 3 months (approximately) to see ear surgery final results.
Plot no : 40 Jhelum Rd, G 8/4 G-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
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