Otoplasty is a cosmetic ear surgery performed to change a patient’s ears’ shape, position, or size. Some people choose to undergo Otoplasty because they have ear deformities. Others seek plastic surgeons for an otoplasty because they have prominent ears.
Ear correction surgery can be performed on patients whose ears have already reached their full size. Typically, this happens when a person is around the age of five.
This type of plastic surgery is commonly performed if:
Prominent ears or ear deformity can happen if a patient has certain genetic features or health conditions that affect the growth of cartilage. Any of these reasons can affect one or both ears. However, prominent ear deformity should not affect a person’s hearing abilities.
While getting cosmetic surgery isn’t needed, it may help people with prominent ears have better self-esteem and confidence. In fact, research showed that people with prominent ears often suffer from embarrassment and psychological distress.
There are several types of otoplasty techniques or surgical procedures that plastic surgeons perform to correct ear deformation:
Some people have smaller ears or ears that have not developed fully. This surgical technique will help increase the size of the patient’s outer ear.
This type of surgical Otoplasty involves drawing the ears closer to the patient’s head. This type of Otoplasty is performed in patients whose outer ear sticks out prominently from the sides of their head.
Some people suffer from a medical condition known as Macrotia. People with Macrotia tend to have ears that are larger than average. An ear reduction surgery can reduce the size of a person’s ears.
Cosmetic ear surgery is typically performed on patients who meet specific criteria, including:
Additionally, good candidates for Otoplasty must be:
Otoplasty can also be performed as revision surgery. This means a patient has previously had ear surgery but is unhappy about the result.
Before you get otoplasty plastic surgery, you will need to consult a plastic surgeon who will form a surgical plan.
During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will likely:
Review your medical history. The surgeon would most likely ask you about current and previous health conditions. You will also be asked to discuss past surgeries and any medications you are currently taking.
Physical examination. The plastic surgeon will examine your ears, including the placement, size, shape and symmetry. In some cases, the surgeon may take photos of your ears for your medical record.
Discuss your concerns and expectations. Your doctor will likely ask you why you want to get ear surgery and what results you are expecting following the procedure. If you have any concerns about the procedure, such as complications and any possible allergic reaction, this is the time to discuss it with the surgeon.
Otoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The cosmetic surgery itself should take no more than three hours. However, the time it takes a plastic surgeon to perform an otoplasty from start to end would depend on the specifics and complexity of the procedure.
Adults and older children may be given local anesthesia during the procedure. Younger children typically receive general anesthesia.
Your doctor may make incisions on the back of your ears and within the inner creases of the ear. Once the incisions have been made, the plastic surgeon may remove any excess cartilage and skin. The doctor will then fold the cartilage into the proper position and secure it with internal stitches. In some cases, additional stitches or surgical tape may be used to close the incisions.
Common post-surgery side effects include:
Common post-surgery side effects include:
Following the procedure, the surgeon will likely place a dressing over the ears. It is important to keep the dressing clean and dry. In addition, a patient should observe the following:
