Otoplasty

Ears that are congenitally prominent can have serious behavioral and emotional effects on a person. Such cosmetic deformities may require a surgical procedure called otoplasty in order to correct them.

Generally, prominent ears start to affect a child when he is more than 6 years old. Thus, it is recommended that otoplasty is performed before this particular age. However, there are also adult patients that undergo this cosmetic procedure in order to “fix” a long-term defect. Such patients may have simply lived with the deformity by camouflaging it by sporting certain hair styles.

Protruding ears come with genetics. In fact, about 59% of those who have ear deformities possess a family history of such condition. Generally, prominent ears do not affect a person’s hearing. However, there may be other congenital deformities present as well.

Otoplasty or ear surgery is typically performed on patients whose prominent ears need setting back closer to their heads, or those whose large ears require reducing. Most often, this procedure is done on patients who are 4 to 14 years old. But otoplasty is likewise doable on adults, and there are no known additional risks linked with the procedure done on older patients.

The risks of otoplasty for children and that for adults are the same. Ear surgery that is performed by an expert and certified surgeon, risks of complications are uncommon, and if present, are very minor. A few patients may experience blood clot on their ears. However, this tends to dissolve naturally or may be drawn out by the surgeon using a needle. Also, there are possibilities that some patients develop cartilage infection which can lead to scar tissue formation. Treating this type of complication with antibiotics mostly works. Otherwise, surgery may be done on the affected area.

Before planning for an otoplasty for your child or yourself, make sure that he is ready for it. It is important that you or your child is comfortable with the change. Prior ear surgery, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s ear condition, and will use his evaluation as basis for the choice of technique.

Ear surgery is mostly done as an outpatient service. There are instances though, which may require some patients to stay overnight. General anesthesia may be recommended on younger children so that they will sleep all throughout the procedure. For adults and older children, surgeons usually choose local anesthesia, along with sedative to keep them relaxed but awake.

Otoplasty surgery generally requires two or three hours. Complicated procedure can take longer though. The most common technique is done by creating a small incision at the back of the patient’s ear in order to display his ear cartilage. The cartilage is then sculpted and bent backward towards the patient’s head. Most of the time, permanent, non-removable stitches are used to hold up the new shape. Sometimes, the desired shape may require the removal of some cartilage to achieve a fold that looks more natural.

Otoplasty usually comes with a faint scar at the back of the ears, but are likely to face eventually over time. Patients with deformities on one ear only may still undergo surgery on both ears to obtain better balance.

Recovery from otoplasty is quick. Children and adults are normally up and about in just a few hours after the ear surgery. Throbbing and aching may be experienced, although these can be treated with medications. A bandage is wrapped around the patient’s head for a couple of days to promote better healing and molding.

Mickey Mouse and Dumbo may look nice in their ears. But would we look as nice if we have their ears.