Otoplasty: Everything You Need to Know About Ear Surgery

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a surgical procedure which is also known as cosmetic ear surgery. This operation is done to chance the shape, position and proportion of the ear. It can be done to correct birth defects on the ear or defects happened after a trauma. It is also done for cosmetic concerns.

Things to Know About Otoplasty

Why is Otoplasty Performed?

Otoplasty can be performed for several reasons. Most common reasons are listed below.

• Correcting birth defects such as prominent ears.
• Eliminating cosmetic concerns caused by excessively largo or small ears.
• Correcting deformities caused by ear traumas.

Who is Otoplasty Suitable for?

Otoplasty can be usually performed on everyone over the age 5. In this age the development of ears is completed, and corrective applications give more permanent results. It is an operation suitable for both children and adults. However, individuals in good general state of health are better candidates for this operation.

Otoplasty Surgery Process

Preparation Before the Surgery

Before an otoplasty surgery, a detailed consultation with physician is done. In this consultation status of the ears are evaluated, and postoperative goals are determined. Patients should consider these before the surgery:

• Patients should stop smoking and using alcohol few weeks before the surgery.
• Patients should regulate the use of blood thinners according to the recommendations of their physicians.
• Patients should share every information that can affect their health with their physician.

Performing the Surgery

Otoplasty surgery is usually done with general or local anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours long. Operation process consists of the following steps:

• Surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear.
• The shape of the cartilage and other tissues are corrected.
• After the necessary corrections are done, incision is closed with sutures.

Recovery Process After Otoplasty

Postoperative Care

Recovery process after the otoplasty surgery is usually comfortable. However, there are some things to be cautious after the surgery:

• There might be slight swelling and bruises on the ears.
• Patients must use the bandages and protective headgear recommended by their physicians.
• Patients must protect their ears form impacts and avoid excessive movement.
• Patients must use the painkillers and antibiotics prescribed by their physicians regularly.

Full Recovery and Results

Full recovery process usually takes about 2-3 weeks after the surgery. After this process, ears gain their natural appearance. Surgery results are usually permanent and provide cosmetically satisfactory results.

Benefits of Otoplasty

Cosmetic Corrections

Otoplasty corrects birth defects such as prominent ears. A more aesthetic appearance of the ears increases the self-confidence of the individuals and creates positive effects on their social life.

Natural Appearance

After the surgery, ears gain a natural appearance. This is a huge advantage for individuals with cosmetic concerns. Since the surgical scars are behind the ears, they are not noticeable from the outside.

Functional Fixes

With otoplasty, not only cosmetic problems, but also functional problems can be solved too. Hearing problems caused by ear deformities can be fixed with otoplasty.

Preparation Process for Otoplasty Surgery

Consultation and Evaluation

In the preoperative period, a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon is important. In this consultation patients' expectations are listened, and information about the surgery process is given.

Physical Examination

Surgeon makes a physical examination to evaluate the status of the ears. The structure, symmetry and general health status of the ears are examined.

Planning the Surgery

During the planning phase of the surgery, it is decided what shape the ears will take. Surgeon plans the surgical process in accordance with patients' expectations.

Preliminaries

In the preoperative period, some preliminary preparations are made according to patients' general health status.

Otoplasty Surgery Techniques

Incisions and Shaping the Cartilages

During the surgery, a small incision is made behind the ear. This incision is used to shape the cartilage and remove the extra tissue if needed. Surgeon works carefully to restore the ears to a natural appearance.

Suturing

After the ears are reshaped, incision is sutured carefully. The sutures are usually absorbable and disappear on their own over time. Hence, there is no need to remove the sutures after the surgery.

Use of Bandages and Protective Gears

After the surgery, bandages and protective caps are used to protect the ears. This helps ears to stay stabilized during the recovery process and maintains ears to be in desired shape.

Things to Consider After the Otoplasty Surgery

Hygiene and Cleaning

In the postoperative period, it is important to use the care products given by the physician and keep the ears and bandages clean.

Managing the Pain and Discomfort

There might be slight pain after the surgery. The painkiller prescribed by the physician should be used regularly. The pain usually subsides in few days and disappears eventually.

Controls and Monitoring

It is important to visit the physician in the postoperative period. Surgeon evaluates the recovery process of the ears and makes additional interventions if needed.

Recommendations After Otoplasty Surgery

Periodical Checks

Seeing a physician regularly in the postoperative period helps the recovery phase to progress as desired. During these visits, the state of the ears is evaluated, and additional interventions are made if needed.

Healthy Lifestyle

Having a healthy lifestyle has some positive effects in the healing process. Factors such as sleeping well, having a life without stress, and having a balanced diet accelerate the healing process.

Hygiene and Care

Being careful about the hygiene of the ears minimizes the risk of infection. Bandages and protectors should be cleaned regularly, and the care methods the physician recommended should be applied.

Frequently Asked Questions About Otoplasty

Conclusion

• Otoplasty is a surgery that offers fast and effective solutions for ear aesthetics.
• This operation which is done to fix birth defects or satisfy aesthetical concerns, grants permanent and satisfactory results for patients.
• It is important for patients to consult a experienced surgeon to evaluate their ears' aesthetic needs and find the right solution.

Page content is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Prof. Dr. Tevfik Sözen