Otoplasty : Curehealth

Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery for the ears that can be performed by a plastic surgeon to adjust the size, positioning, or shape of your ears.

Some facts about Otoplasty:

The shape, position or size of the ear can be changed by Otoplasty.
Otoplasty is performed on the visible portion of the outer ear, called the auricle that comprises folds of cartilage that are covered in skin.
The auricle starts to develop before birth and continues developing in the years after your birth.
You may choose to have otoplasty to correct the size, positioning, or shape of your ears if your auricle doesn't develop properly.
Otoplasty is typically used for ears that are larger or smaller than normal, protrude from the head or have an abnormal shape due to injury, trauma, or a structural issue from birth.
Otoplasty should be done at the ages 5 or older as this is the point when the auricle has reached 90 percent of its adult size.
The person should have good overall health as having an underlying condition can increase the risk of complications or affect healing.

Different types of otoplasty include:

Ear augmentation is done for people who have small ears or ears that haven't completely developed. They may want to have otoplasty to increase the size of their outer ear in these cases.
Ear pinning otoplasty involves drawing the ears closer to the head. Individuals whose ears stick out prominently from the sides of their head may choose this type of otoplasty
People with macrotia, that is when the ears are larger than normal, may choose to have Ear reduction otoplasty to reduce the size of their ears

Your medical history will be reviewed by a plastic surgeon and questions about current and past medical conditions, especially any ear infections will be asked by him.
The surgeon may also ask about any medications you are taking or you have taken recently, as well as any surgeries you have had.
The shape, size, and placement of your ears will be evaluated by a physical examination by the surgeon. The measurements or pictures of your ears might be taken for your medical record.
The surgeon will discuss about the procedure itself, the associated risks, and potential costs. He/she will likely ask why you want otoplasty and what results you are expecting after the procedure.
Make sure to understand the risks of otoplasty, such as possible overcorrection before the surgery.
You will be asked to stop certain medication including aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.
Your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery as smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process.

Otoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that take between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the specifics and complexity of the procedure.
The procedure is usually done with sedation and local anesthesia, which numbs only part of your body.
General anesthesia may be used for younger children undergoing otoplasty.
The techniques of Otoplasty will vary based on what kind of correction is needed.
The location of the incisions will be determined by the specific technique chosen by your plastic surgeon.
Incision will be made, either on the back of your ear or inside the folds of your ear, within the inner creases of your ears.
Your doctor might remove excess cartilage and skin after making incisions.
The tissue of the ear will be manupulated, which can include removal of cartilage or skin, folding and shaping of cartilage with permanent stitches, or grafting of cartilage to the ear.
The surgeon will then fold the cartilage into the proper position and secure it with internal stitches.
The incisions will be closed by additional stitches.

You will have a dressing placed over your ears following your procedure. Your ears will be covered in bandages for protection and support after otoplasty.
You should keep your dressing clean and dry to avoid any kind of infection.
You should also avoid touching or scratching at your ears; choose a sleeping position where you aren't resting on your ears to keep pressure off your ears and wear clothing you don't have to pull over your head, such as button-up shirts.
You may feel some discomfort and itching.
Pain medication as recommended by your doctor can be taken to reduce the pain and discomfort.
You may also need to have stitches removed in some cases. Your ears will likely be swollen and red after removing the stiches.
You may need to wear a loose headband that covers your ears at night for a few weeks which will help keep you from pulling your ears forward when rolling over in bed.
Ears that feel sore, tender, or itchy can be a side effects during the recovery period.
Redness, swelling, bruising and numbness or tingling are some of the common side effects during the recovery period.

Risk of Otoplasty:

Bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia are the common risk associated with Otoplasty.
An unnatural contours may be created due to overcorrection that make ears appear to be pinned back.
Stitches used to secure the ear's new shape can cause inflammation of the affected skin which might require additional surgery.
An allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure might be possible.
The repositioning of your ears can temporarily affect skin sensation in the area during otoplasty.
Asymmetry in ear placement could occur as a result of changes during the healing process.
Surgery might not successfully correct preexisting asymmetry.
Scars are likely be hidden behind your ears or within the creases of your ears. But these are permanent.