Alterations in the shape or size of the ears can create a feeling of great discomfort to the patient, who will even choose to hide them under the hair.
Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery operation that corrects large, protruding or blowing ears.
No one has the two ears exactly alike: in many cases the ears may be located at different heights (one ear a little higher than the other) or one ear may be slightly larger or smaller than the other. These small differences between one side and the other, which are totally normal and which nobody (except the patient) appreciates with the naked eye, are not usually corrected with an otoplasty.
It is unusual to perform it during childhood to reduce the number of years in which the child is exposed to the mockery of their partners.
An incision is made behind the ear, and then a portion of cartilage may be removed or reshaped, and the ear may be repositioned and sutured.
The final scar is usually undetectable. This surgery lasts about 1 hour and is performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
When both ears are altered it is necessary to perform a BILATERAL Otoplasty. Sometime only one of the ears is the one that presents alterations, while the other is totally normal, in these cases a UNILATERAL Otoplasty is performed.
The bandage is removed after 7 days and it is advisable to sleep for 10 more days.
Although the stitches are removed after 10 days, the patient may return to activity after 2 or 3 days.
Otoplasty is generally painless. After the operation, prophylactic antibiotics ( only 3 days ) and mild analgesics ( Dolex ) are prescribed to alleviate the discomfort that may appear in the first two days.
After otoplasty, the ears become slightly swollen and small bruises may appear. As the days go by, the swelling gradually and progressively subsides and after a week the ears present an almost normal aspect and tend to go totally undetected by others. The naturalness of the results achieved contributes to this.
What is the age limit for surgery?
Otoplasty is an operation performed on children, adolescents and adults. The results are just as good at any age. It is a very simple intervention, ambulatory and is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Are the results permanent?
Generally, the result of the operation is permanent. In very few cases the ear can return to its original position and it is necessary to reoperate.