Otoplastysurgery is performed in order to correct prominent ears, to shape the incomplete curves or to reduce large ears. This operation is carried out usually from the age of 6.
Many surgeons encourage the parents to be sensitive to their children about their ear problems; do not insist your child on surgery. Children who feel discomfort about the form of their ears generally are more compatible during the process. In the first interview the doctor evaluates the patient’s condition and recommend the most effective technique. The surgeon also explains how you should prepare for surgery.
Otoplasty usually is done outpatient (ambulatory surgery). Sometimes your doctor may propose to intervene in the hospital, you can spend a night in the hospital in such a situation.
If your child is small, your doctor may recommend general anesthesia, so the child will be in a deep sleep during the operation. At older children and adults your doctor may choose to combine the local anesthesia with a sedative. In this case, the patient will be awake but relaxed.
Otoplasty surgery takes 1.5-2 hours. Complicated cases may take longer. Surgical techniques vary according to the problem in the ear. To access the ear cartilage an incision behind the ear is made. Some cartilage tissues may be removed or the ear cartilage tissue may be abrasively shaped.
The ear will be fold backwards with keeping the anatomical structure intact. Also permanent stitches will be applied to avoid reopening.
Skin stitches are placed as last. After the surgery there will be no visible scars because the incision is made behind the ear. Light pressure bandage will be applied.
AFTER SURGERY
Adults and children can walk, stand up and can go home after a few hours. Light pressure bandage will be applied to the head of the patient after the surgery, in order to facilitate the formation and healing. There may be ear pain for several days but this can be affixed with medication.
The dressing will be removed and rhe head will be wrapped with a lighter head dressing after 2-4 days. A headband is especially recommended for use at night after removal of the bandages. By use at daylight this band will help maintain the shape of the ear better. Stitches are self-dissolving and usually removed within a week. Activities whereby the ear can bend should be avoid up to 1.5 months. Most adults can go back to work within 10 days. Children can go back to school after 7 days, but they must be careful in activites. You may ask your child’s teacher to keep an eye on your child toward helping for a few weeks .
OTHER EAR DEFORMATIONS
Besides prominent ears there are other ear problems that can be corrected with surgery. These include “Lop Ear”; the upper part of the ear looks down and is curved forward, “Cup EAR”; very small ears and “Shell Ears”; ears whereby the curvature of the outer edge, natural fold and and lines are lost. In addition, large earlobes can be corrected. Also, for those who lost their ears during an accident or are born without an ear; a new ear can be made.
Your dream look
meet us!