Otoplasty

What is otoplasty?

Otoplasty-also known as cosmetic ear surgery-is a surgical procedure to change the shape, position, or size of the ears.

Why is otoplasty done?

Some studies have shown that having prominent ears can lead to low self-esteem, isolation and lack of confidence. For this reason, some people opt for surgery otoplasty. Some parents seek the option of surgery for their children before they start school to avoid embarrassment and insecurity in their appearance. Basically, the outer ear has a minor function for hearing. However, it contributes to a person's harmonious appearance.

You can go for otoplasty if you are bothered by how far your ears stick out of your head. You can also consider otoplasty if your ear or ears are deformed due to an injury or birth defect.

Otoplasty is most commonly performed to correct large or prominent ears. It can also correct ear asymmetry, misshapen ears, restore an outer ear missing at birth, and repair an ear damaged by traumatic injury or disease. Otoplasty may involve surgery on one or both ears to correct specific areas such as the upper or lower ear, or the entire ear.

Apart from prominent ears, there are a number of other ear problems that can be solved with surgery. These include: 'lop ear' where the tip appears to fold down and forward 'cupped ear' which is usually a very small ear 'shell ear' where the curve in the outer edge as well as the natural folds are missing Otoplasty can also correct large or stretched earlobes and earlobes with large folds and wrinkles.

Plastic surgeons can even build new ears for those who were born without them or who have lost them due to injury. Otoplasty can be performed in conjunction with other facial plastic surgery procedures.

When is otoplasty performed?

A good time for otoplasty is when the child is 5-6 years old and 90% of his ear growth is complete. This is the earliest recommended age. One can undergo otoplasty at any age thereafter. A non-surgical technique known as ear molding or splinting can be effective if the child is started in the first 2-3 weeks of life. Techniques to reduce ear prominence Ear molding or splinting This is a safe, simple procedure that is appropriate for infants in the first few weeks of life. It is applied when the cartilage of the ears is softest. When the child is 6-7 weeks old, the cartilage begins to harden. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a splint to reshape the soft cartilage. The splint supports the ear and holds it in the new position. Different types of splints are available. They are made of soft, flexible material. The surgeon attaches the splint to the ear with surgical tape.

Parents should keep the splint in place 24 hours a day and bring the child for regular checkups. The infant may need to wear the splint for several weeks to several months.

How is the otoplasty procedure performed?

Otoplasty is performed by a plastic surgeon. General anesthesia is used in children and local anesthesia in adults. The procedure usually takes about one or two hours. The operation is usually performed through an incision behind the ear, although other incisions may be used depending on the individual patient's characteristics. The cartilage may be removed or reshaped and then secured with stitches in its new position to bring the ear closer to the head. In some cases, some cartilage may be removed. The incision will leave a thin scar, but it will be behind the ear and will fade with time. Incisionless surgery Some types of surgery do not need an incision. These have a faster recovery time and less risk of complications. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a needle into the cartilage to increase its flexibility. Sutures are then used to reshape or fix the ear.

This type of procedure may not be suitable for everyone. The doctor will value your particular case.