What is Otoplasty?
Otoplasty
is a procedure used to pin the ears nearer to the head or
diminish the appearance of ears that are larger than
average. Surgical techniques like cartilage removal and
reshaping through an incision done on the back of the ear
can be carried out in order to re-establish normal ear
shape. Otoplasty may be done on one ear or both ears
as needed.
The
specifics of Otoplasty are dependent on the
requirements of the patient. Certain factors may lead to
ear deformities. Common deformities consist of:
·
“Cup
Ear”: Parts of the external ear develop unevenly which
causes it to stick out hence having a cup-shaped ear.
·
“Lop
Ear” or “Bat Ear”: The inner part of the ear known as the
concha grows perpendicular or at a right angle instead of
parallel to it.
·
“Cauliflower Ear”: This is caused by injury and
inflammation.
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Effects of Otoplasty
Undergoing Otoplasty actually leads to more
natural-looking ears. Most of those who go through with the
procedure are extremely pleased with the results of
surgery. However, it is important to remember that what is
achieved here is improvement and not perfection. One could
not expect perfectly symmetric ears as this is unlikely. It
is important to discuss the procedure and expectations with
your surgeon before undergoing surgery.
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Candidates for Otoplasty
Children between the ages of 4 to 14 are good candidates for
Otoplasty. Adults who want to go through with the
procedure must be in good health and have no medical
restrictions to surgery, as with any cosmetic surgical
procedure. It is essential that the patients are aware of
the possibilities and limitations of surgery, as well as be
realistic in their expectations after undergoing surgery. A
reasonable expectation is having a more balanced, attractive
appearance that will improve one’s self‑confidence and
self-esteem.
Some
deformities mentioned above such as protruding ear, lop ear
(the tip of the ear seems to fold down and forward), cupped
ear (a very small ear), and shell ear (curve in the outer
rim and natural folds and creases are absent) can benefit
from Otoplasty. Those with large or stretched ear
lobes, lobes with large creases and wrinkles are candidates
for this procedure. It is also possible for surgeons to
create new ears for those who have none either congenitally
or through an injury or trauma.
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Your
Consultation
BHMG’s
Certified Surgeon will assess your condition and suggest the
most appropriate technique needed for your condition.
Specific instructions are also given to prepare the patient
for surgery.
For
parents whose child will undergo the procedure, it is
advised that they be watchful of their child’s feelings
concerning his/her condition and about undergoing surgery.
Children who feel awkward about their ears usually are more
accommodating and more open about surgery and end up pleased
with the outcome.
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The Otoplasty
Procedure
Otoplasty generally takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on
how complicated the procedure is. The use of anesthesia may
vary among patients. General anesthesia is used mostly on
children under 12 years of age. On the other hand, adults
receive local anesthesia most of the time.
The
technique used by the surgeon will depend on the condition
or problem of the patient.
Otoplasty in patients with protruding ears usually involves
an elliptical-shaped incision that is done in the cartilage
behind the ear. The surgeon will shave, flatten, fold, or
manipulate the cartilage after making the incision in order
to attain desired position of the ear and achieve a new
shape for it. An exceedingly long or uneven ear lobe may be
trimmed in order to attain a balanced appearance of the
ears.
Fine
sutures are made in order to maintain the ears’ new position
while it is healing. Compressive dressings are utilized in
order to protect and care for the surgical site and to
maintain the ears’ new shape at the time of recovery. Scars
will not be noticeable as they are situated behind the ear.
One of
the more common techniques includes exposing the ear
cartilage. This is done by making a small incision behind
the ear. The cartilage will then be sculpted and bent back
toward the head. On occasion, the surgeon may remove a
larger part of cartilage in order to achieve a more
natural-looking fold after surgery is done. To help
preserve the new shape of the ears, non-removable stitches
are used.
A
different technique utilizes a similar incision done behind
the ear. However, the skin is removed and stitches are used
to fold the cartilage back on itself. This is done without
having to remove the cartilage. There are cases wherein
surgery is performed on both ears even if only one ear
appears to protrude. This is done in order to achieve
better balance for both ears.
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Recovery
The
patient's head will be wrapped with a bulky bandage right
after Otoplasty to encourage molding and healing.
The ears are held in place with the use of an elastic
bandage or a headband after undergoing the procedure. Pain
and swelling in the ears are to be expected, as well as some
throbbing. For this reason, pain medications may be
prescribed to relieve discomfort. Patients are advised to
sleep with their heads elevated the first night after the
procedure. Two weeks after surgery, the stitches may be
removed. At this time, the ears may appear too close to the
head or hypercorrected; however, the will adjust to the
final correct position after several weeks.
Patients, both adults and children, are usually up and about
within a few hours post surgery. On the other hand,
children may stay overnight in the hospital until effects of
the general anesthesia wears off.
Stitches will be removed or will dissolve in about 1 week.
For about a month or so, it is important that the patient
should avoid any activity that may cause the ears to bend.
usually, adults can resume work 5 days post surgery.
Children, on the other hand, may go back to school after a
week or so but caution should be taken on playground
activities. It is also advisable to have someone keep watch
over your child, say your child’s teacher, for a few weeks.
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Risks
Complications are rare, uncommon, and usually minor when
this procedure is done by a competent and experienced
surgeon. All the same, like any other operation, risks and
complications are associated with surgery.
Common
side effects of Otoplasty are temporary throbbing,
some aching and swelling, and erythema (redness) and
numbness. Some patients who have undergone this procedure
may develop a blood clot in the ear. This could dissolve
spontaneously or can be drawn out via a needle.
Infection in the cartilage may also occur in patients after
undergoing the procedure which can result in scar tissue
formation. Surgery to drain the infected area is rare. use
of antibiotics is the most common way of treating this.
Other
risks include getting Keloids (thick scars that develop
especially among African-American patients), loosening or
breakage of the sutures that allows the ear to come back to
its original position, and hypercorrected ears or
overcorrection of the ears, making them too close to the
head.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
Will the Otoplasty procedure hurt?
A:
Some
aching and throbbing of the ears may be expected during the
first few days after the procedure. Pain medication may be
prescribed for pain control and to ease any discomfort that
one may feel.
Q:
Where are the incisions located?
A:
The incisions are hidden behind the ears.
Q:
Will there be scar formation after undergoing the procedure?
A:
Scars will be present but since they are located behind the
ears, the resulting scars are well hidden.
Q:
How much time is needed to take off from work or school
after surgery?
A:
Children may go back to school within a week after surgery.
Adults, on the other hand, may resume work within a few
days. For at least one or two months, more caution should
be taken with strenuous and physical activities in order to
avoid risks of injury to the ear.
Q:
What is recovery like after Otoplasty?
A:
Aching, throbbing, and a little discomfort may be expected
but with only a little downtime. The head is likely to be
wrapped with bandage and the stitches could be removed or
may dissolve on their own within a week.
Q:
When can I start exercising after undergoing the procedure?
A:
Exercising, strenuous activities, contact sports, or any
activity which increases the risk of injury to the ear
should be passed up for at least 1 to 2 months.
Q:
Does insurance cover Otoplasty?
A:
Insurance does not usually cover procedures for cosmetic
purposes although there may be some coverage available for
the repair of abnormal body structure. It is advised that
patients verify first the availability of coverage with
their own insurance company.
Q: Is
it possible to get the Otoplasty procedure financed?
A:
Many plastic surgery procedures can be financed. Your
surgeon may be able to present you with more information
regarding this.
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