There's no need to dwell on the derogatory remarks children with protruding ears often endure from a young age. Unfortunately, these remarks often persist into adulthood, certainly not contributing to higher self-esteem. While it's true that societal attitudes need addressing, the eradication of bullying remains more of a utopia than a reality. Therefore, ear surgery can offer a viable solution to prevent unnecessary psychological trauma, particularly during childhood. Some experts recommend undergoing this procedure before a child faces bullying, ideally before starting school. While we don't disagree with this approach, we find it more effective to engage with young patients who have their own understanding and rationale for the surgery. Interestingly, having protruding ears can provide advantages in pinpointing the source of sound. So, if you're considering conducting an orchestra, ear surgery may not be an advantage.
What is otoplasty?
The purpose of otoplasty, or cosmetic ear surgery, is to change the ear's size, shape, or position. This operation is frequently carried out when a person's ears are excessively protruding or asymmetrical as a result of trauma, developmental issues, or previous procedures. Three main otoplasty procedures include ear reduction (reshaping and getting the ear smaller), otopexy (pinning back protruding ears), and ear augmentation (for ears which remain undeveloped). The time required for otoplasty varies from case to case and could reach three hours. Depending on the necessary correction, incisions may be made on the back of the ear or inside its inner creases. During the procedure, excess skin and cartilage will be removed from the ear to alter its form. It is also possible to restructure the cartilage using only stitches. It is not possible for otoplasty to impair hearing.
It is noteworthy to point out that patients are discharged from the clinic the same day after the treatment because the surgery is done under local anaesthesia.
Who is a suitable candidate for otoplasty?
- Otoplasty can be performed at any age following the completion of the ears' development to their adult size, which normally happens around the age of six.
- If you are thinking about having an otoplasty, you should have reasonable expectations and be in generally good health without any significant comorbidities.
- Underdevelopment or injury-related ear structural problems can be fixed via otoplasty.
- Apart from that, this treatment is useful for protruding ear correction and ear size reduction.
- Minor alterations to the form of the ears can enhance the harmony and proportion of the face and ears.
Recovery
- As soon as the surgery is over, the ears are covered with bandages or dressings to support and protect the surgical wounds. It is crucial that you stick to your surgeon's recommendations for wearing the bandages; typically, they must be worn for a few days before being changed to a supportive headband.
- Your surgeon will prescribe medicines for pain management because it is rather common to experience pain or discomfort after surgery. Antibiotics may also be recommended in order to avoid infection. It is not necessary to spend the night at the clinic because the surgery is performed under local anaesthesia.
- Importantly you should refrain from applying any kind of abrasive force on the areas that are bandaged (it is recommended that you refrain from participating in physical contact sports for a minimum of three months). Additionally, it's usually advised to avoid sleeping on your side.
- For otoplasty, two different kinds of stitches are available: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. If non-dissolvable stitches are used to close the incisions, a second appointment is required for the removal of the sutures.
- After an otoplasty, you can have small bruises in your ears for up to two weeks. Nevertheless, in contrast to many other cosmetic treatments, the results are seen right away. Although there are surgical scars from otoplasty, they are small and conveniently hidden on the back of the ear or in the inner creases.
What are possible complications?
Similar to any other surgery, there is a risk of potential complications, including: bleeding, infection, allergies, troubled healing, altered skin sensation, irregular or discoloured skin, overcorrection, or asymmetrical correction.
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