What is an Otoplasty?
It's plastic surgery on the external ear (the inner ear is not touched and hearing is not affected). It is said that the first otoplasty was done in ancient India, where ear amputation was a punishment, and early surgeons developed reconstruction techniques.
/Cosmetic Surgery News Articles/ - DALLAS, TX, March 28, 2008 - It's plastic surgery on the external ear (the inner ear is not touched and hearing is not affected). It is said that the first otoplasty was done in ancient India, where ear amputation was a punishment, and early surgeons developed reconstruction techniques.
If your ears are asymmetrical, too large, missing any parts, or too protruberant, an Otoplasty can correct them. External ears are made of cartilage, which is a connective tissue found throughout the body. An ear has characteristic folds which are sometimes structured abnormally from birth.
Childhood Otoplasty
Otoplasty is performed on young children who have malformed ears, usually those between about the ages of four and fourteen. Adults can certainly have this procedure too. But our ears are fully developed by the age of about four, and if a child's ears are malformed, there'll be teasing and mockery from other children. Although a young child's ears are fully developed, their cartilage is more pliable, making otoplasty easier.
The otoplasty procedure
Depending on the age of the patient, it can be done with general anesthesia, or with local anesthetic and a mild sedative. You can be an outpatient, or admitted to a hospital. The surgery itself takes about two hours, depending on how much work is being done. Sometimes only one ear needs work, but the other may also be worked on to maintain symmetry and a good proportion with the rest of the face.
• The main incision is behind the ear
• Some cartilage may be removed and the remainder repositioned and anchored with permanent sutures
• In some cases, skin may be removed and the ear folded back, without the need to remove any cartilage
• The incision is closed with dissolving sutures
Recovery
A special, thick bandage is used to keep the ears in their new positions and help them heal. It will be replaced with a lighter bandage after a few days. Post-operative care will be given to you before your procedure, in written form, so that you will be prepared for the recovery experience.
• Children will need to avoid normal play for a week or more
• For about three weeks, they will need to be restricted from any activity which could hurt the ears or interfere with healing
• Adults can usually resume normal activities after about three days
• Regardless of age, the ears should not be bent out of position for at least a month
You might have some temporary discomfort which a store-bought painkiller will take care of. Swelling is managed by keeping the head elevated for several days, perhaps a week. There may be some head pain or itching at the incision site, but these will fade.
Severe complications are very rare, although one must be prepared for the possibility, because all surgery brings that risk. Antibiotics are given to prevent infection. A blood clot could form and might have to be removed with a needle. Scarring is an individual thing, and some people do not scar well.
As with all plastic surgery, you should choose your surgeon carefully. Choose one with long experience, reputable professional memberships, and privileges at a local hospital.
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